What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams have a flat, padded seat that is specifically designed to carry babies and newborns.

Some prams come with an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for newborns. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair once the baby is older.

If you are planning to use public transport or fold up your pushchair regularly pick a light and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies, your pushchair is likely to be among the most frequently used baby products you have. It is crucial to choose one that has plenty of padding and a comfortable seating position that can be adjusted to the height.

It's important to note that many prams, buggies and pushchairs come with a fitted pram blanket that helps to keep your child warm. They can be popped into the wash and are available in a variety of colors and designs to suit your preferences.

A pram is designed for babies who are around six months old, as they're in the stage of development where they need to lie flat, often with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of facing the parents and the world facing', which means you can decide whether to have your baby face you to bond with them or let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a deluxe single to double pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

The most important thing to be aware of is that infants and toddlers shouldn't be using any pushchair that does not recline to a completely flat position. This is because being in a crouching position can affect their breathing, as it causes them to inhale more air than normal and could lead to respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds usually to a very compact size and it's generally geared towards toddlers and older babies that are approximately three years old. They're typically made of a more durable material than a pram, and you can usually find models that let you alter the direction of the seat so that your baby can either face towards you to provide reassurance, or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.

Safety

It is essential to ensure your child is safe in a pram or pram. Always place your baby in a pram or pram designed to his size and age. This will ensure that they feel secure and safe and will help prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand stroller or pushchair, it is important to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could be dangerous to your baby.

When choosing a pram or pushchair choose one equipped with a safety harness that includes quick and simple clips and connections. Make sure the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit comfortably around your child's waist. Choose a model with a larger base since they will be more stable than those with a narrow base.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with things. This can cause the pushchair to fall over and your baby may be thrown out. Don't put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, or toys.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pushchair or pram. If you're cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outdoors to avoid any mildew or mould forming.

It's a great idea clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pushchair or pram prior to when you return to it in winter. You can do this by removing the fabric and washing it in cool soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud that has accumulated on the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that infants lie flat as soon as possible in a pram or pushchair. This will help their development and reduce the risk of back problems as they get older.

Manufacturers and retailers have a duty under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to offer products that are safe for the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This applies to both new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.

Style

Some parents are looking for the most practical set-up of wheels they can find, but many parents also want a pram that is as stylish as their baby. There are many high-quality prams and pushchairs that combine high-end engineering with stylish designs that are both attractive and practical.

The first thing you should consider when selecting a pushchair or pram is the padding and adjustable options. Babies are messy and therefore having a pushchair that's easy to clean is essential. This is true especially when you plan to use your stroller for long walks on rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair that comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanism that can be machine-washed. Check that the fabric is machine washable to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to consider is the direction your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or to the world, to let your child explore the world. Some prams also have this option, but it may not be an option for all models.

Combination prams are referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can fit a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are typically designed for use from birth and are suitable for newborns up to six months.

A travel system is a similar alternative to a combination pram as it allows the fitting of car seats on the frame too, usually by using adaptors. They are perfect for babies and toddlers between birth and three years old. They are less expensive than purchasing separate products.

Twin prams and pushchairs are an ideal choice for twins or siblings who need to travel in comfort and security. They come in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted either with a single car seat or a double.

Stores

As well as offering comfort and safety for your baby the pram or pushchair should provide ample storage for all the essentials. Look for models that have an ample shopping basket that can accommodate all of the baby's items including spare clothes, changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some also include a child's or parent's area that is ideal for storing all your personal things. If you want a pram that has more storage, choose a pushchair with different configurations. Extra space is crucial if you plan to take your child for long walks or excursions away from home and need a place to store everything you might need.

Another important aspect to consider is maneuverability. Pick swivels wheels that can get around narrow spaces easily. Also look for brakes that are locked that have a receptive stopping power. If you're thinking of a light model, make sure it has the correct dimensions for folding and suspension to make it easy to transport and store. If you're looking for something more robust for off-roading, pick a model with tough, all-terrain tires that can be able to handle the rougher terrain.

A pram is designed to offer an easy sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is best designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up independently. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, by removing the bassinet, and replacing it with a seat for an adult. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can transform into a carrycot or car seat.

Whichever type of pram or pushchair you pick, make sure to read online reviews and seek recommendations from your family and friends. If you can, test drive a few models prior to making a decision. This will give you an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You may also want consider whether a convertible model is the right option for you, as these can be used interchangeably between two children and save money on purchasing a new set of wheels each time your child grows up!