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 newborns and infants.

Prams are also available with a bassinet or a carrycot for newborns. Some can be converted into an infant pushchair once the baby is older.

If you're planning to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair regularly, choose a lightweight stroller and compact buggy.

Comfort

Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair is likely be among the most frequently used baby products you have. It's therefore crucial to make sure your child is comfortable on every trip by selecting an option with plenty of padding as well as an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted to height.

Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the washing machine and are available in a variety of different colours and designs to suit your preference.

A pram is designed for infants from 6 months to 6 years of age, when they are still at the stage where they require to lie flat. Often, a bassinet, or carrycot, is attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of 'parent facing' and 'world facing', meaning you can choose whether to have your baby's face facing you to bond or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted to pushchairs pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a premium 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 very young babies should not travel in any pushchair that is not able to recline completely to a flat position. A crouching position could affect their breathing since they breathe in more air than normal. This could lead to breathing problems in the long term.

A pushchair is a vehicle on wheels that folds typically to a compact size, and is generally designed toward toddlers and older infants until approximately three years old. They are typically constructed from a more durable material than prams. There are also models that let you alter the direction in which the seat is facing so that your child can look at you for comfort, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is important to ensure that your child is safe in a pram or pram. Make sure that you put your baby in a pushchair or pram that is made for his age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure and will prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand stroller or pushchair it is crucial to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good prams working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose danger for your child.

When you are choosing a pushchair or pram, look for one with a safety harness which has easy and quick clips and connections. Check that the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit comfortably around your child's waist. Also look for a wide base, as this will give more stability than models that have narrow bases.

Avoid overloading your pram or pushchair with items. This could cause it to tip and your baby might fall out. Also, don't put anything in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby. This includes toys, drinks and food items.

Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or cheap stroller. If you're cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, always dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent any mould or mildew developing.

It's a great idea to wash the removable footmuff of your pram or pushchair before you can use it again in winter. You can do this by removing the fabric and washing it in cool soapy water and allowing it to air dry outdoors. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that babies sit flat in a stroller or pram as early as they can. This will help their development and reduce the risk of back problems as they get older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to supply products that will be safe for normal or predictable use. This applies to new and second hand prams and strollers.

Style

While some parents are after the most functional set of wheels that they have access to, many want a pushchair or pram that's as stylish as their brand new baby. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality pushchairs and prams available that blend high-end engineering with attractive designs that are as eye-catching as they are practical.

The first thing to think about when selecting a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and adjustability options. A pushchair that is easy to clean will be important for babies, who are often messy. This is true especially when you plan to use your stroller for long walks over rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Choose a stroller with removable seat covers and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

It is also important to consider the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent for reassurance and bonding) or world facing so they can explore the world around them. Some prams also have this option, but it may not be required for all models.

Combination prams are also referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can fit an infant bassinet on the same frame. They are designed to be used right from birth, and are suitable for infants up to six-months old.

A travel system is a similar option to a combination pram as it allows the fitting of a car seat onto the frame too, usually by using adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and infants until three years old and can be cheaper than purchasing separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs can be a ideal choice for twins or siblings of similar age who need to be transported in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of styles and fitted with a single or double car seat.

Storage

A pram or pushchair should not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but provide ample storage space for all the essentials. Find models with a large shopping basket to contain all your baby's supplies like spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water, and even snacks. Some also include a parent or child's compartment that is ideal for storing all your personal things. If you're looking for a stroller that has more storage and storage space, consider a pushchair that has multiple configurations. It's important to have extra space particularly if you intend to take your child on long walks or away from home.

Maneuvrability is another important feature to consider. Select swivel wheels to 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 right dimensions for folding pushchair and suspension for easy transport and storage. If you're looking to buy something more robust for off-road use, choose a model that has tough all-terrain tires that can handle rougher surfaces.

The primary distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pram offers a lie-flat sleeping position for infants, whereas the pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams can be transformed to a pushchair by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with a seat while other models such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that transform into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

If you are unsure about the type of pram or pushchair to choose look up online reviews and ask friends and family members for recommendations. If possible, test-drive a few models prior to making your choice to get an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible car, which is suitable for one or two children. This will save you money as you don't have to buy an entirely new set of wheels every time your child grows.