What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair provides a safe method of transporting your baby. They are also comfortable and offer an easy ride.

Consider a parasol to shield your child from the sun. Most pushchairs come with one however, many brands sell them as an accessory.

If you're planning on the birth of a second child consider a convertible pushchair which can transform into a double. Some travel systems include the option of a carry cot or a seat unit.

Safety

The pushchair is your child's home while on the road, therefore it's crucial to ensure it's secure. All prams, strollers and buggies should be in compliance with British standard BS7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. A reputable brand should display this certification on their product's specifications.

A five-point harness is essential for your baby's safety. It should be securely positioned over their shoulders and around their waists, and also between their legs. Make sure that the buckles are easy to clip and remove and ensure that the straps are secure connections.

Make sure the brakes on your pushchair are easy to access and are working as they should. You should also invest in an reflective strip to assist other road users identify you and your child during the dark winter months.

If your pushchair can carry two children, make sure that the footrests run across both seats. This will prevent the child from getting their foot caught between the individual feet rests and potentially falling out of the stroller.

All pushchairs, prams, and buggys are able to carry the capacity to carry a maximum weight limit. This is important to know prior using the pushchair. A child with a heavy weight can cause the pushchair to become unstable.

A quality pushchair should be able to take the strain of being pushed across various surfaces. Select one with sturdy, large wheels. The tyres must be made of a durable material that can be resistant to puncturing and provide good grip to ensure you're safe on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are designed for use off-road and have a special suspension to provide a smooth ride.

Comfort

It is crucial to choose a pushchair which is comfortable for your child. This could be as simple as ensuring it is padded enough to keep them safe and secure, or a footmuff to keep them warm and cozy during the colder winter months. Many pushchairs also have convertible seats that let you choose to face your baby to bond and reassuring, or away from them so that they can explore the world around them.

For new parents it's a good idea to look for a stroller with a seat that can lie flat. Experts recommend that babies sleep flat for the first few months of their lives to aid in lung development and breathing. Many pushchairs claim that they can recline completely, but it is important to make sure that the seat has a flat position for newborns.

Some pushchairs are lightweight which makes them easy to get in and out of the car and fit through narrow doorways. Some pushchairs are also able to fit inside overhead luggage racks on trains and planes. These types of pushchairs often have a quick and simple fold mechanism that lets you collapse the frame with just one hand. They can be used with a carrycot or infant car seat and can be used from the moment of birth.

Other pushchairs, like the Silver Cross Adorra2, offer a more luxurious and high-end experience with an exquisite design that will turn heads. They are also able to be fitted with a variety of accessories for your child, such as car seat covers and rain covers. They are designed to be versatile enough to handle the demands of family life. They come with a quick and easy to adjust five point safety harness, as well as large puncture proof wheels.

Style

A pushchair is probably the baby product that you use the most frequently so it's essential that you find one that both you and your little one are happy with. It's worthwhile to think about the finer points such as the comfort of the seat cushion is and whether the handlebar has the ability to adjust the height. There are many other little aspects that can make a huge difference, like the basket that can be used to store things or a front wheel lock.

A pram is designed to carry two children at once, usually an infant and a toddler. It's more compact than a pushchair, and it's easier to navigate in tight spaces or on public transport. It could be a single-seater model, where the baby is seated 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 however, they are mostly aimed at older babies as they're larger than buggies and come with a reclined seat which can face either away from you. There is often the option to add an infant car seat, carry cot or stroller to allow them to be used from birth until your child turns toddler. This is a fantastic value travel system.

Some pushchairs come with only one brake pedal while others have a foot and hand brake that work in tandem to stop your pushchair in a secure and controlled way. The foot pedal is typically located on the rear axle of the pushchair, while the hand brake is placed on the top of the frame, near the rear wheels. The foot brake is ideal for parents who live on a slope or in the countryside because it can prevent the parent from losing control of the pushchair.

Size

There are different sizes of pushchairs. Some pushchairs are able to be used right from the time of birth, since they come with a lie-flat seat and an attachment for a bassinet or carrycot. Some are able to be used as soon as the child is able to sit up without assistance and is typically about 6 months. The seat can be placed either facing the parents to encourage bonding and reassure them, or away from them so that they can explore the surroundings.

The size of the wheels is also an important factor. Some have bigger wheels for better manoeuvrability over rougher surfaces. Some have smaller wheels that allow for a lighter framework and are easier push over paved surfaces.

Some pushchairs have one pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is helpful when you stop for an afternoon coffee or to go shopping. Some have two brake pedals to provide better control and security. It is crucial that your pushchair has good brakes as it will be used on rough terrains so make sure you test the brakes regularly.

There are many features that can assist you in finding the ideal pushchair for your baby and your family. Simple to use features such as one hand compact fold, simple to adjust safety harnesses or adjustable handlebars make life with infants and toddlers a lot easier.

Selecting the best pushchair is an investment in the comfort and safety of your child or toddler. It's also likely to be the baby product you will be using for the longest time so it's important to take the time to think about what features are important to you and your family.

Buying a pushchair

Consider carefully what features you would like to have in your pushchair. It will be with you and your child for a long time So you must pick wisely. It's important to think about the way it will integrate with your lifestyle - an all-terrain pushchair is great for walks in the countryside, but it will not be ideal on polished shop floors! If you plan to use it with grandparents, you might want something that's easy for them to handle and navigate without feeling like they require a PhD to operate.

newborn push chair babies require a flat surface and therefore you'll require a pushchair with a carrycot, infant car seat (travel system) or an adjustable seat that is suitable from birth. Some models come with a reversible unit, so you can put your baby facing you or the world as they get older.

You may also wish to think about accessories such as baskets, shopping trays and changing bags for the pram to allow you to complete errands while your child is in your care. Some pushchairs have hoods which offer extra sun protection, and others have rain covers that will ensure your baby is kept dry when it begins to drizzle.

Some pushchairs are convertible, meaning they can be used as a single or double and can grow with your family, typically by adding an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is an option to consider if you're planning to have a second child shortly after the first or if you are not certain of your future plans.