What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams are designed to carry infants and toddlers with a lie-flat seat.

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

If you are planning to take public transportation or fold your pushchair regularly, choose a lightweight and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies, your pushchair is likely to be among the most frequently used baby items you own. It is important to choose a model that has plenty of padding, a comfortable seat and can be adjusted to the height.

It's worth noting that a lot of prams and buggies also come with a pram blanket, which can help to keep your child warm. They can be popped into the wash and are available in a range of designs and colours to suit your style.

A pram is specifically designed for newborn babies up to about six months old, as they're in the stage of development that they must lie flat, typically with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of either 'parent' facing or 'world facing. This allows you to choose whether 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 into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a deluxe single to double pushchair that is suitable from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

It is vital to remember that infants less than six months old should not be carried in a stroller that isn't able to recline completely flat. Traveling in a crouching position can impact their breathing as they breathe more than they would normally. This could lead to respiratory issues in the future.

A pushchair is a vehicle on wheels that folds usually to a very compact travel stroller size, and is generally designed towards older babies and toddlers that are about three years old. These are often constructed of a stronger material than prams. There are models where you can alter the direction in which the seat is facing to allow your child to look at you for comfort or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is important to ensure your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. Only ever put your child in a pushchair or pram designed for his age and size. This will make them feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand Push Chairs and Prams stroller or pushchair it is crucial to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could pose a risk to your baby.

When selecting a pushchair or pram make sure you choose one with a safety harness with simple and quick clips. Make sure the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit snugly around your baby's waist. Choose a model with a larger base since they will be more stable than models with a smaller base.

Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with items. This could cause the pushchair to tip over, and your baby could fall out. Don't put anything that could harm your baby inside the basket, including drinks, snacks, and toys.

Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. When cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, always dry it thoroughly outside to prevent any mildew or mould from developing.

It's a good idea to wash the removable footmuff of your pushchair or pram before you return to it in winter. You can do this by taking the fabric off and washing it in soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud from the axles and wheels.

Experts recommend that infants lay flat as soon as possible in a pram or pushchair. This will aid their development and lower the chance of developing back problems as they get older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to provide products that will be suitable for normal or regular use. This applies to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.

Style

While some parents are looking for the most practical set of wheels that they can find, many want a pushchair or pram that's as stylish as their brand new bundle of joy. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality pushchairs and prams available that combine quality engineering with attractive designs that are as striking as they are practical.

The first thing to think about when selecting a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is easy to clean is essential for babies, who can be messy. This is true especially in the event that you plan to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Search for a pushchair that comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanism that can be machine-washed. Check that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

It is also important to consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to calm and Push Chairs and Prams bond) or world facing, so that your child can explore the world. Some models have this option too however it's not a necessity for all models and can be an optional feature.

Combination prams are also known as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families due to the fact that they can accommodate a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are often designed to be used from birth and are suitable for babies as young as six months old.

A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it permits you to attach car seats to the frame, with adaptors. These are a great option for toddlers and babies up to three years and can be cheaper than purchasing separate items.

Twin prams and pushchairs are an ideal choice for twins or siblings who need to travel in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted either with a single car seat or a double.

Storage

A pushchair or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but also have ample storage space for all the essentials. Look for models that have a spacious shopping basket that can store all your baby supplies including spare clothes, changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some also include the child's or parent's compartment that is ideal for storing all of your personal belongings. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with even more storage choose a convertible pushchair that offers different configurations. Extra space is important, especially if you plan to take your child for long walks or leave home.

Maneuvrability is an additional feature to consider. Select swivel wheels to get around narrow spaces easily. Also, look for locking brakes with a responsive stopping power. If you're thinking of a light model, make sure it has the correct dimensions for suspension and folding to allow for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something more robust for off-roading, select a model with tough, all-terrain tires that can take on rough terrains.

A pram is a vehicle that provides an easy sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is better suited for older babies and toddlers who can sit independently. Some prams convert into pushchairs by removing the bassinet, and replacing it with an adult seat. Other models such as the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to be converted into a carrycot or car seat.

Whatever type of pushchair or pram you pick, make sure to read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family. If you can, test drive a few models prior to making your choice to get an impression of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible vehicle, which is suitable for one or two kids. This will save you money by not having to purchase a new set of wheels every time your child grows.