What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair is a safe way to transport your child. They are also comfortable, and provide a smooth ride.

Consider purchasing a parasol to keep your child protected from the sun. Most pushchairs have one, however, if not, many brands sell it as an accessory.

If you're thinking of having another baby take a look at a convertible pushchair that can grow into a double. Some travel systems come with the option of a carry cot or a seat unit.

Safety

It's important that your pushchair is secure as it's your baby's home while on the road. All buggies, strollers built by coaches and prams must comply with British standard BS7409/1996 or BSEN1888:2003. A trusted brand must have this certification on their product information.

A five-point harness will ensure your baby's safety. It should fit securely over their shoulders and around their waists, and also between their legs. Check that the buckles and straps are easily secured and undone.

Check that the brakes on your pushchair are easily accessible and function as intended. You should also consider investing in reflective strips to help other road users recognize you and your child in the winter dark.

If your pushchair newborn can hold two children, make sure that the footrest runs the entire length of both seats. This will keep the child from getting their foot caught between the two foot rests and possibly falling out of the stroller.

All prams, pushchairs and buggys are able to carry the capacity to carry a maximum weight limit. This is important to know before you use the pushchair. A heavy child can cause the device to be unstable.

A well-constructed pushchair should be able to withstand being pushed across various surfaces. Pick one with large, sturdy wheels. The tyres should be made from durable material that will resist puncturing and have good grip to ensure you're safe on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are made for off-road use and have specially designed suspensions to provide an even more comfortable ride.

Comfort

It's crucial to choose a pushchair which is comfortable for your child. It could be as simple a matter of ensuring that it has enough padding to keep your child secure and comfortable, or a footmuff in order to keep him warm and cozy during the colder months. A lot of pushchairs come with reversible seats that allow you to choose if they face your child for bonding or reassuring, or away from them to explore the world.

It's worth it for new parents to look for a newborn pushchair that has a seat that can be set in a flat position. Experts advise that babies rest in a flat position for their first few months to help in their lung development and breathing. Many pushchairs claim to recline fully but it is important to confirm that the seat actually offers a lie-flat position and is safe for newborns.

Some pushchairs are able to be carried into and out of a car and they can fit through narrow doors. They might also be able to fit into overhead luggage racks on trains and planes. These types of pushchairs usually come with a simple and quick fold mechanism that lets you collapse the frame with just one hand. They can also be used to accommodate the infant car seats making them suitable for use from the time of birth.

Other pushchairs, like the Silver Cross Adorra2 offer a luxurious and high-end design that is sure to turn heads. They also accommodate a range of baby accessories such as car seat adapters as well as rain covers to shield your children from the elements. They are designed to be able to adapt to the family life and come with a simple to adjust the five-point safety harness as well as large, puncture proof wheels.

Style

A pushchair is likely to be the product for babies that you will use most regularly so it's essential that you find one that both you and your baby love. Take note of the small details, such as the comfortableness of the seat cushion and whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height. There are other small aspects that can make a big difference, like the basket that can be used to store things or a front wheel lock.

A pram is designed for two children to be carried at the same time typically a toddler with an infant. It's smaller than a single pushchair, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and on public transport. It may be a single-seater where the baby sits behind the parent, or a tandem, where one child sits behind the other.

Both pushchairs and prams can be used from the time of birth, although most are targeted at older children as they are more spacious than buggies, and feature reclined seats which can face either away from you. Often they have the option of adding an infant car seat or carry cot, so it's a system for travel that will last from birth until the time your child becomes a toddler, making it a great value.

Some pushchairs come with one brake pedal, while others have a foot brake and hand brake that work together to stop your pushchair in a secure and controlled way. The foot pedal is generally located on the rear axle of the pushchair while the hand brake is situated at the top of the frame, right next to the rear wheels. The foot brake is ideal for parents who live on a slope or in the countryside as it prevents the parent from losing control of the pushchair.

Size

There are many different pushchair sizes. Some pushchairs can be used right from birth, as they have a lie-flat seating and an attachment to a carrycot or bassinet. Other models can be used once children are capable of sitting up on their own typically around six months. The seat can be positioned or facing the parents to help them bond and comfort them or away from them to allow them to explore their surroundings.

The size of the wheels is an important. Some have larger wheels that improve their maneuverability on rougher surfaces. Some have smaller wheels that enable a lighter framework and are easier move over paved surfaces.

Some pushchairs come with a single pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is helpful in the event that you need to stop for a coffee break or to go shopping. Some models have two brake pedals that help control and safety. It is vital that your stroller has adequate brakes as it will be used on rough terrains so make sure you check the brakes regularly.

There are many features that can assist you in finding the ideal pushchair that will meet the needs of your family and baby. Features that are simple to use, such as a compact fold that can be completed by hand and safety harnesses that are easy to adjust, or adjustable handlebars will simplify the lives of parents of children who are young and newborns.

A good pushchair will ensure the safety and comfort of your child. It's also likely to be the baby product you'll use for a long time, so it's important to take the time to think about which features are important to you and your family.

The purchase of a pushchair

Think carefully about the features you want in your pushchair. It will be with you and your baby for many years, so you should make the right choice. It's important to think about how it will work with your lifestyle. An all-terrain pushchair is great for a stroll in the country, but it won't be great on polished shop floors! If you plan to use it with your grandparents, you may require something that is easy to steer and handle without feeling like they require a PhD.

You'll need the pushchair that comes with a carrycot, infant car seat or the reclining seat unit. Newborns should be able to lie flat. Some models have the option of reversing, so you can have your baby facing either you or the world when they get older.

When selecting a pushchair, you might want to look at accessories like baskets and shopping trays or pram changing bags which can make it easier to run errands with your baby in the car. Some pushchairs have hoods which offer extra sun protection, and others come with rain covers to ensure that your baby is kept dry even when it begins to rain.

Some pushchairs can be converted, so they can be used as a double or single and expand with your family, usually by adding an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is a possibility 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.