What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair is a safe mode of transport for your baby. They are also comfortable and offer an enjoyable ride.

Consider purchasing a parasol to shield your child from the sun. Most pushchairs have one, but if not, most manufacturers sell them as an accessory.

If you're thinking of having the birth of a second child, look at a convertible pushchair which can grow into a double. Some travel systems have a carry cot or seat unit.

Safety

The pushchair is your baby's home on the road so it's essential to ensure it's secure. All prams, strollers and buggies should be in compliance with British standard BS7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. This certification must be displayed on the product information of a reputable brand.

A five-point harness is essential for your baby's safety. It should fit securely over their shoulders and around their waists, as well as between their legs. Check that the straps and buckles are easily clipped together and undone.

Make sure the brakes on your pushchair are easily accessible and function as intended. It's also worth investing in an reflective strip for your pushchair, which will help other road users to see you and your baby during the winter's dark and gloomy days.

If your pushchair can carry two children, make sure that the footrest runs across both seats. This will keep the child from falling into the two foot rests and possibly falling out of the PawHut Pet Jogger Stroller for Small/Medium Dogs.

All pushchairs, prams and buggys must have a maximum weight limit. This limit is crucial to know before you use the pushchair. A heavy child can cause it to be unstable.

A great pushchair should be able to withstand being pushed over a wide variety of surfaces, so make sure you choose a model with large, robust wheels. The tyres must be made of durable materials that resist puncturing and have good grip to ensure you're safe on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are made to be used off-road and have specially designed suspensions to provide an extra smooth ride.

Comfort

It is essential to choose the right pushchair for your little one. This could be as simple as ensuring that it is padded enough to ensure they are secure and supported or a footmuff to keep them warm and cosy during the colder winter months. Many pushchairs have reversible seating, which allow you to decide if they face your child for bonding or reassuring, or away from them to explore the world.

It's a good idea for new parents to search for a baby stroller that has a seat that can be placed on its side. Experts advise that babies rest in a flat position for the first few months in order to help in the development of their lungs and breathing. Many pushchairs boast that they can recline completely, however it is important to make sure that the seat has the newborns a flat, comfortable position.

Some pushchairs are lightweight which makes them easy to lift into and out of the car and can be inserted into narrow doorways. Some pushchairs are also able to be able to fit into overhead luggage racks on trains and planes. These types of pushchairs usually feature a quick and easy fold mechanism that lets you fold the frame in just one hand. They can be used with the infant car seats and can be used from the moment of birth.

Other pushchairs, such as the Silver Cross Adorra2, offer a more luxurious and high-end experience with an exquisite design that turns heads. They can also support a range of baby accessories such as car seat adapters and rain covers to protect your children from the elements. They are designed to be adaptable enough to withstand the demands of family life and include an easy and quick to adjust five-point safety harness and large puncture-proof wheels.

Style

A pushchair is probably the baby product that you will use most regularly and it's crucial to find one that both you and your little one love. Take note of the small details, such as the comfort of the padding and whether the handlebar is adjusted in the height. There are other small aspects that can make a big difference, such as an organizer for things or a front wheel lock.

A pram is a vehicle that can carry two children simultaneously, usually a toddler and baby. It's smaller than a pushchair, and it's easier to maneuver in tight spaces, or on public transport. It could be a tandem, or a single-seater where the child sits behind their parent.

Both pushchairs and prams can be used from birth however, they are mostly designed for older babies because they are more spacious than buggies, and feature an adjustable seat that can face towards or away from you. They often have the option of adding an infant car seat, carry cot, or stroller, so that they can be used from birth until your child is a toddler. This is a great value travel system.

Some pushchairs only have one brake pedal. Others come with one foot brake and a hand brake. The brakes work in tandem to safely and controllably stop your pushchair. The foot pedal is usually located on the rear axle of the pushchair while the hand brake is situated at the top of the frame, near the rear wheels. The foot brake is perfect for parents who live on steep slopes or in the countryside as it stops them from losing control of their pushchair.

Size

There are many different pushchair sizes. Some pushchairs are able to be used from the moment of birth, as they come with a lie-flat seat and an attachment to a carrycot or bassinet. Some can be used from the moment a child is able stand up on their own and is typically around 6 months. The seat can be facing towards parents to encourage bonding and reassurance or away from them, allowing them to discover their surroundings.

The size of the wheels is an an important factor. Some have bigger wheels for better manoeuvrability over rougher surfaces. Other wheels are smaller and permit the lighter frame and are easier to push across smooth surfaces.

Some pushchairs come with one pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is useful when you stop for coffee or for shopping. Some models have two brake pedals to increase control and safety. Your pushchair should have reliable brakes as it will be used in rough terrains. Check the brakes on a regular basis.

There are a variety of features that can assist you in finding the ideal pushchair for your family and infant. Simple to use features such as one hand compact fold, easy to adjust safety harnesses or adjustable handlebars can make life for infants and toddlers much easier.

A good pushchair will ensure the safety and comfort of your child. You'll likely be using this product for a long time so consider taking the time to think about the features that are essential to your family.

Buying a pushchair

Consider carefully what features you want in your pushchair. It will be with you and your baby for many years So you must make the right choice. Consider how it will fit into your daily routine. An all-terrain stroller is ideal for walks in the country but not so great on a shiny shop floor. If you're planning to use it with your grandparents, you might need something that is simple to steer and control without feeling like they need a doctorate.

Newborn babies require a flat surface, so you'll need an infant pushchair that has a carrycot or infant car seat (travel system) or a reclining seat unit that's suitable from birth. Some models have the option of reversing, so you can have your baby facing either you or the world when they get older.

You may also want to think about accessories such as baskets, shopping trays and changing bags for the pram to help you to complete errands while your child is in your care. Some pushchairs come with hoods that provide extra sun protection and others come with rain covers that will ensure your child is dry when it begins to drizzle.

Some pushchairs can be converted to a single or a double and can grow with your growing family. This is usually accomplished by adding a second seat unit, or carrycot. This is an option to think about if you are planning on having a second child in the near future, following your first, or if you're not sure about your future plans.