What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair is a secure method of transporting your baby. They are also comfortable and offer a smooth, easy ride.

You can consider purchasing a parasol for your child to protect them from the sun. Most pushchairs come with one but if not, most brands sell them as an accessory.

If you're thinking of having the birth of a second child take a look at a convertible pushchair which can grow into a double. Some come with the option of a carry cot and a seat unit as part of the travel system bundle.

Safety

The pushchair is your child's vehicle of choice, so it's essential to ensure it's safe. All strollers, buggies and buggies built by coaches, and prams must meet British standard BS7409/1996 or BSEN1888:2003. A trusted brand must have this certification on their product's information.

A five-point harness is essential for the safety of your baby. It should be snugly positioned over their shoulders, around their waists and between their legs. Check that the buckles are simple to clip and remove, and that the straps have firm connections.

Also, make sure that the brake on your pushchair is accessible and works as intended. You should also consider investing in an reflective strip to assist other road users identify your child and you during the dark winter months.

If your pushchair is designed to accommodate two children, be sure that it has one footrest that runs the length of both seats. This will keep the child from falling into the two foot rests and slipping out of the stroller.

All prams, pushchairs and buggys come with a maximum weight limit. This limit is crucial to know before you use the pushchair. A child with a heavy weight can cause the device to be unstable.

A quality pushchair must be able to stand up to being pushed across a wide variety of surfaces, so make sure you choose a model with large, solid wheels. The tyres should be made of a durable material that can be resistant to puncturing and have excellent grip to ensure you're safe on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are designed for use off-road and have an extra suspension that provides a smooth ride.

Comfort

It's crucial to choose the right pushchair that is comfortable for your child. It could be as simple 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. Many pushchairs come with the option of reversible seats, which allow you to decide whether to face your baby to bond and reassuring, or away from them so that they can explore the world around them.

It's worth it for new parents to look for a baby stroller that has an adjustable seat that can be positioned flat. Experts suggest that babies lie flat for the first few months of their lives to help with breathing and lung development. Many pushchairs claim to recline fully, however it is important to confirm that the seat actually offers the lie-flat position and is safe for infants.

Some pushchairs are light and easy to carry in and out of the car and can be inserted into narrow doorways. Some pushchairs also fit in overhead luggage racks of planes and trains. These pushchairs are often equipped with a simple and fast fold mechanism, which allows you to fold it by using only one hand. They can be used with a carrycot or infant car seats and can be used from birth.

Other pushchairs such as the Silver Cross Adorra2 offer a luxurious and high-end design that will make heads turn. They can also support various baby accessories like car seat adapters and rain covers to protect your children from the elements. They are designed to be flexible enough to adapt to the life of a family and include a quick-and-easy to adjust five-point safety harnesses and large, puncture proof wheels.

Style

It is likely that you will use your pushchair most often, so you should choose one that you and your child enjoy. It's worth taking the time to consider the finer things such as how comfortable the cushion is and whether the handlebar features a height adjustment. There are a myriad of other details that can make a big difference, such as the basket that can be used to store things or a front wheel lock.

A pram is designed for two children to be carried simultaneously, usually a toddler along with an infant. It's smaller than a single pushchair which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and on public transport. It may be a single-seater model, where the baby sits behind the parent or a tandem, where one child sits behind the other.

Both pushchairs and prams can be used as early as birth but they're primarily aimed at older babies as they're more spacious than buggies and come with a reclined seat which can face either away from you. There is often the option of adding an infant car seat, carry cot or stroller, so that they can be used from birth up until your child turns toddler. This is a fantastic value travel system.

Some pushchairs have only one brake pedal. Some have both the foot brake as well as a hand brake. Both brakes work to safely and controllably stop your pushchair. The foot pedal is generally located on the rear axle of the pushchair and the hand brake is situated on the top of the frame, near the rear wheels. The foot brake is perfect for parents who are on steep hills or in the countryside as it stops them from losing control of their pushchair.

Size

There are a variety of sizes of pushchairs. Some are able to be used from birth as they have an adjustable seat that can be sat on as well as a bassinet or carrycot attachment. Some can be utilized when the child is able to sit up without assistance, which is usually about 6 months. They can sit facing towards parents for bonding and reassurance or away from them in order for them to discover their surroundings.

The size of the wheel is important. Some have larger wheels to allow for better manoeuvrability over rougher surfaces. Some have smaller wheels that allow for a lighter framework and make it easier to push over pavements.

Some pushchairs come with one pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is useful those who stop for coffee or to shop. Others have two brake pedals to provide greater control and safety. Your pushchair should have reliable brakes since it will be used on difficult terrains. Check the brakes regularly.

There are a variety of features that will aid you in choosing the perfect pushchair to suit your family and baby. Features that are simple to use like a compact fold that can be accomplished by hand, an safety harness that is easy to adjust, or adjustable handlebars will make life easier for parents of toddlers and infants.

The choice of the right pushchair is an investment in the safety and comfort of your baby or toddler. It's also likely to be the baby product you'll be using for the longest period of time, so it's important to take the time to think about which features are important to you and your family.

A pushchair egg to buy

Consider carefully what features you want in your pushchair. It will be with you and your baby for many years So you must choose wisely. Consider how it will fit into your daily routine. An all-terrain stroller is great for country walks, but not so good on a shiny floor. If you plan to use it with your grandparents, you may need something that is simple to control and steer without feeling like they need a PhD.

Newborn babies require a flat surface and therefore you'll require a pushchair with a carrycot or infant car seat (SONARIN Lightweight Travel Stroller - One-Hand Fold Upgraded system) or a reclining seat unit that's suitable from birth. Some models come with a reversible unit, so you can have your baby facing either you or the world as they get older.

You may also want to consider accessories like shopping trays, baskets and pram changing bags to make it easier for you to complete errands while your child is in your care. Some pushchairs have hoods which offer extra sun protection, and some have rain covers to ensure that your baby stays dry even when it begins to rain.

Some pushchairs are convertible, meaning they can be used as a double or a single and expand with your family, typically by adding an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is an option to consider if you plan on having a second child shortly after the first or if you are not sure about your future plans.