What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams have a flat seat that is designed to carry infants and babies.

Prams may also come with a bassinet or a carrycot for newborns. Some can be converted to a triple pushchair when the baby is older.

If you're planning to take public transportation or fold your pushchair often, choose a lightweight and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Your pushchair will probably be more frequently used than your nappies and bottles. It is crucial to choose one that has plenty of padding, a comfortable seat and can be adjusted to the height.

It's also worth noting that many prams or buggies are equipped with a pram blanket that can help to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the wash and are available in a range of colors and designs to match your preferences.

A pram is designed for newborn babies up to about six months old, as they're at the stage that they must lie flat, typically with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams have the option of facing your child's parents or the world facing', meaning you can decide whether to let your baby face you to bond with them or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used as early as birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).

The most important thing to remember is that babies who are very young should not be in any pushchair that does not recline to a fully flat position. This is due to the fact that being in a crouched up position can impact their breathing as it causes them to inhale more air than normal and could lead to breathing problems in the long term.

A pushchair is a seat that can be folded into a small space. It's specifically designed for older children and toddlers. They're typically made of more durable materials than a pram and you will typically find models that let you switch the direction of the seat so that your child can either face you to feel safe or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.

Safety

The safety of your child in a pushchair or pram is crucial. You should never place your child in a pram or pushchair that has been made for their age and size. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. If you're buying a pushchair or pram used, it's important to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure it is in good condition, and is not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your baby.

When choosing a pram or pushchair choose one with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Check that the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit comfortably around your baby's waist. Also, look for a wide base, as this will offer more stability than narrow-based models.

Avoid overloadeding your pram or pushchair with items. This could cause it to tip and your baby may fall out. Don't put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, and toys.

Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, make sure that you dry it thoroughly. This will stop mildew or mould from developing.

It's a great idea wash the removable footmuff on your pram or pushchair before you return to it in winter. This can be done by taking off the fabric and washing it in cool water with soap and letting it dry outside. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that infants lay flat as soon as they can in a pram or pushchair. This will help their development and lower the chance of developing back problems as they age.

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

Style

While some parents are after the most practical set of wheels they have access to, many want a pushchair or pram that's as stylish as their brand new child's toy. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs that combine high-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both appealing and practical.

The first thing to consider when choosing a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and adjustable options. Babies are messy and so having a pushchair that's easy to clean is essential. This is especially true when you intend to make use of your pushchair for long walks in rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Look for a pushchair with removable seats and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Make sure the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

It is also important to consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you switch the seat from parent facing (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or even world facing so that your child can explore the world. Some pushchairs offer this feature too however it's not required for all models and can be an optional feature.

Combination prams are also referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can accommodate a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth and are suitable for children as young as six months old.

A travel system is an option to a combined pram sale as it allows the fitting of a car seat onto the frame, often by using adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and infants from 3 years old and are cheaper than purchasing separate products.

Twin prams and pushchairs are an ideal choice for twins or siblings who need to travel in the comfort and safety of. They come in a variety of designs and can be fitted with a single car seat or a double.

Storage

In addition to providing comfort and safety for your little one, a pushchair or pram should provide ample storage for all the essentials. Look for models that have an ample shopping basket that can accommodate all of your baby's necessities, such as spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some models have a compartment for the parent or child that is ideal for storing your personal items. If you're looking for a pram with even more storage choose a convertible model that has various configurations. It's important to have extra space especially if you want to take your child for long walks or away from home.

Maneuvrability is another important feature to think about. Opt for swivel wheel options to effortlessly navigate narrow spaces and also look for locking brakes that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you're considering a lightweight model, ensure it has the proper dimensions for folding and suspension for easy transport and storage. If you're looking for something more sturdy for off-roading, pick a model with robust all-terrain wheels able to handle rougher terrains better than pavements.

A pram is a vehicle that provides a flat sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair car seat is better 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 an adult seat. Other models such as the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can transform into a carrycot or car seat.

If you're not sure the type of pushchair or pram to pick look up online reviews and ask friends and family members for recommendations. If you are able, test-drive a few models prior to making your choice to get an idea of how they feel and 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 purchase a new set of wheels each time your child grows.