What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair is a secure way to transport your child. They are also comfortable and offer an easy ride.

You should consider a shade to shield your child from the sun. Most pushchairs include one but if not, most manufacturers offer them as an accessory.

If you're thinking of having a second baby consider the possibility of a convertible pushchair that could be converted into a double. Some come with an upholstered seat and carry cot unit as part of the travel system.

Safety

It is essential that your pushchair is safe because it's your baby's home while on the road. All coach-built prams, strollers and buggies must comply 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 vital to ensure your baby's safety. It should fit snugly over their shoulders, around their waists and between their legs. Check 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 easily accessible and function as intended. You should also invest in a reflective strip to assist other road users recognize your child and you during the dark winter months.

If your pushchair can carry two children, make sure that the footrests run across both seats. This will prevent children from slipping their feet between the footrests, and potentially falling out of the pushchair.

All pushchairs, prams and buggys should have a maximum weight limit. This is important to know prior to using the pushchair. A child with a heavy weight can cause it to be unstable.

A good pushchair should be able to endure being pushed over a wide range of surfaces. So pick one with large, sturdy wheels. The tyres should be made of durable materials that can withstand punctures and provide good grip on slippery roads. Some pushchairs have been designed for use off-road and have an extra suspension that provides a smooth ride.

Comfort

It's important to find a pushchair that is comfortable for your little one. It's just as ensuring it has enough padding to keep your child secure and safe, or a footmuff in order to keep him warm and cozy in the colder months. A lot of pushchairs have the option of reversible seats, which allow you to choose whether they face your baby for bonding 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 pushchair with a seat that can lie flat. Experts recommend that babies sleep flat for the first few months of their lives to assist in breathing and lung development. Many pushchairs boast that they can recline completely, however it is important to ensure that the seat provides a flat position for newborns.

Some pushchairs can be moved into and out of a car and they can fit through narrow doors. They might also be able to be able to fit into overhead luggage racks on trains and planes. These types of pushchairs often feature a quick and easy fold mechanism that allows you to fold the frame down with one hand. They can also be used to accommodate a carrycot and car seat for infants which makes them suitable for use from the time 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 can also be fitted with a range of accessories for your child like car seat covers and rain covers. They are designed to be able to adapt to the life of a family and include a quick-and-easy to adjust five-point safety harness as well as large, puncture proof wheels.

Style

A pushchair is likely to be the baby item you will use the most often so it's essential to find one that both you and your baby will love. It's worth taking time to consider the finer details like how comfortable the seat padding is and whether the handlebar features the ability to adjust the height. There are also lots of other small details that make a a difference, such as a basket for storage or front wheel lock.

A pram is designed to carry two children at once, usually an infant and a toddler. It's smaller than a single pushchair making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and on public transport. It could be a single-seater model, where the baby sits behind the parent, or a tandem one, where one child is seated behind the other.

Both pushchairs and prams can be used from the time of birth however, they are mostly designed for older babies because they're more spacious than buggies and have reclined seats that can face towards or away from you. They often have the option of adding an infant car seat or carry cot to ensure that it's a travel system that can be used from birth until the time your child is a toddler, which makes it great value for money.

Some pushchairs come with one brake pedal, while others have a foot brake and hand brake that work together to stop your pushchair in a secure and controlled manner. The foot brake is typically located on a pushchair's rear axle while the handbrake is situated near the rear wheels, at the top of frame. The foot brake is great for parents who are on a steep hill or in the countryside as it helps prevent the parent from losing control of the pushchair.

Size

There are a variety of sizes of pushchairs. Some pushchairs are able to be used as early as birth, as they come with a lie-flat seat and an attachment to a carrycot or bassinet. Other models can be used once children are capable of sitting without assistance typically around six months. They can sit facing towards the parents for bonding and comfort or away from them to allow the child to explore the world around them.

The size of the wheels is another important. Some have larger wheels to improve their ability to maneuver on rough surfaces. Some have smaller wheels to make a lighter frame and are easier push over paved surfaces.

Some pushchairs have one pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is useful in the event that you need to stop for a coffee break or shop. Other models have two brake pedals for greater control and safety. Your pushchair must have good brakes since it will be used in rough terrains. Make sure you check the brakes regularly.

There are many features that will aid you in choosing the perfect pushchair to suit your family and infant. Features that are easy to use, such as a compact fold that can be done with one hand and a safety harness that is simple to adjust or adjustable handlebars, can make life easier for parents of toddlers and infants.

The right black pushchair will ensure the security and comfort of your child. It's also likely to be the product you'll use for the longest period of time, so it's worth taking the time to consider what features are important to you and your family.

The purchase of a pushchair

Your baby's pushchair is among the most expensive purchases you'll make for your child and it will be in your home for a few years, so you need to think about which features are most suitable for you. It's important to consider the way it will integrate with your lifestyle - an all-terrain pushchair is ideal for a stroll in the country, but it won't be great on polished shop floors! If you plan to use it with your grandparents, you might need something that is simple to control and steer without feeling like they require a doctorate.

Newborn babies must lie flat so you'll need an infant car seat with an infant car seat (travel system) or a reclining seat that's suitable from birth. Some models also have a seat that can be reversible so you can decide to face your baby or world facing as they get older.

You may also wish to think about accessories such as shopping trays, baskets and changing bags for the pram to make it easier for you to complete errands while your child is with you. Some pushchairs are equipped with hoods that provide extra sun protection and some have rain covers to ensure that your baby is kept dry even when it begins to drizzle.

Some pushchairs can be made one or two and can adapt to your growing family. This is typically done by adding a second seat unit or carrycot. This is a possibility to consider if you plan on having a second child shortly after the first or if you are not sure of your future plans.