What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of prams and push chairs can be confusing. Prams are designed to transport infants and babies. They come with a lying-flat seat.

Prams can also come with a carrycot or bassinet for babies. Some even offer the option of converting to a pushchair for older children.

If you intend to take public transport or fold your pushchair frequently pick a light and compact stroller.

Comfort

Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair is likely to be one of the most frequently used Baby Mobility items you have. It is crucial to choose a model that has plenty of padding, a comfortable seat and can be adjusted to the height.

Many buggies, prams and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. These blankets are simple to wash and come in a range of designs and colours.

A pram is designed for infants up to six months of age, when they are still at a stage where they require to lie flat. Most often, a carrycot, or bassinet, is attached to the frame. The majority of prams have the option of 'parent facing or 'world-facing. This allows you to decide if you prefer your child to face you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds of their environment. Some prams can be converted to pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double-sized pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that very young babies shouldn't be using any pushchair that doesn't recline to a fully flat position. This is because travelling in a crouching position can impact their breathing since it causes them breathe more air than normal and could lead to respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a type of seat that can be folded into a compact size. It's specifically designed for older children and toddlers. These are often made of a more durable material compared to prams. You can also find models that allow you to change the direction that the seat is facing so that your child can face you for reassurance or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure that your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. It is best to only put your child in a pushchair or pram specifically designed for their size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand stroller or pushchair, it is important to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure it is in good condition and not damaged in a way that could cause harm to your child.

When you are choosing the right pram or pushchair choose one equipped with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Make sure the buckles are not loose and that the straps are snugly around your child's waist. Choose a model with a wider base as they are more stable than those with a narrow base.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with toys. This can cause it to tip and your baby could be thrown out. Be careful not to put anything that could harm your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, and toys.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pushchair or pram. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, be sure you dry it outside thoroughly. This will prevent mould or mildew from forming.

If your pushchair or pram has a removable footmuff, it's a good idea wash it before using it again in winter. This can be done by taking off the fabric, washing it in cool water using soap and letting it air dry outside. It's also recommended to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that infants lie down as soon as possible in a pram or pushchair. This will help their development and decrease the chance of developing back problems as they get older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that are safe for normal or regular use. This applies to new and baby Mobility second-hand prams as well as strollers.

Style

Some parents are looking for the most efficient set-up of wheels they can get however, many parents require a stroller that is as stylish as their baby. There are a lot of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that blend high-end engineering with attractive designs that are as attractive as they are practical.

The first thing to think about when choosing a pushchair pram is the seat padding and adjustability options. Babies are messy and therefore having a pushchair that is easy to clean is important. This is particularly true if you plan to use your pushchair for long walks through rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Choose a stroller with removable recline and seat covers which can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to consider is the direction that your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to switch the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent for reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to discover the world around them. Some models have this option as well but it's not required for all models and may be an option that is only available as an extra.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular choice for families as they can fit an infant basket and an incline seat on the same frame. They are usually designed to be used starting at birth and are suitable for babies up to six months.

A travel system is an option to a combination pram as it allows you to fit a car seat onto the frame too, usually using adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and babies up to three years and are more affordable than buying separate products.

Twin cheap prams or pushchairs are ideal choice for twins or siblings of the same age who require transportation in a safe and comfortable manner. These are available in many styles and are able to be fitted either with a single car seat or a double.

Storage

A pram or pushchair should not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but provide ample storage space for all of the essentials. Look for models with a large shopping basket to accommodate all of your baby's necessities like spare clothes, changing equipment, water bottles and even snacks. Some models come with a compartment for the parent or child that is ideal to keep your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pushchair that is more spacious and storage space, consider a pushchair that has various configurations. It's important to have extra space, especially if you plan to take your child on long walks or leave home.

Maneuvrability is a further aspect to take into consideration. Pick swivels wheels that can get around narrow spaces easily. Also look for locking brakes with a quick stopping power. If you are looking at a light-weight model, make sure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-road use, pick a model with robust all-terrain tires that are able to take on rough terrains.

A pram stores near me is designed to offer an ideal sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is best designed for older babies and toddlers that can stand up on their own. Some prams convert into pushchairs by taking out the bassinet, and replacing it with an adult's seat. Other models, like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to convert into a carrycot, or car seat.

If you're not sure the type of pushchair or pram to select, read reviews on the internet and ask friends and family for recommendations. Test-drive several options before settling on one. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. You might also want to consider whether a convertible model is the best choice for you, since they can be used interchangeably between two babies and reduce the cost of buying a new set of wheels every time your baby grows older!