What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams have a flat seat that is specifically designed to be used by newborns and infants.

Prams can also come with a bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Some even have the option of being converted into an infant pushchair.

If you intend to take public transportation or have to fold your pushchair often pick a light and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies your pushchair is likely be among the most frequently used baby products you have. As such, it's important to ensure that your child is safe on every outing by choosing an option that has plenty of padding and an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted to the height of your child.

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

A pram is specifically designed for infants up to about six months old, when they're still at a stage where they need to lie flat, typically with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of 'parent facing or world facing.' This allows you to choose whether you want your baby to face you to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds in their environment. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used as early as birth with a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).

It is important to remember that babies under six months old should not be transported in a pushchair that isn't able to recline completely flat. This is due to the fact that being in a position that is prone to slumber could affect their breathing because it causes them to breathe more air than normal and could lead to breathing problems in the long term.

A pushchair is a chair that folds down into a small space. It's made for older babies and toddlers. They're usually made of more durable materials than a pram, and you can typically find models that let you change the direction of the seat so that your baby can either face you to feel safe or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pram or pushchair is vital. You should only ever place your child in a pushchair or pram that has been made for their size and age. This will help them feel safe and secure and help to prevent any accidents. If you're purchasing a pushchair or pram that you've found second-hand, it's important to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose danger to your baby.

When choosing a pushchair or pram make sure you choose one with a safety harness with simple and fast clips. Verify that the buckles aren't loose and that the straps are snugly around the waist of your child. Also, look for a broad base, as this will give more stability than narrow-based models.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with things. This could cause the pushchair to fall over and your baby may be thrown out. Be careful not to put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.

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

It's a great idea wash the removable footmuff on your pushchair or pram prior to when you use it again in winter. You can do this by taking the fabric off and washing it in cool soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud from the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that babies lay flat in a pushchair or pram as early as they can. This will help their development and lessen back pain later in life.

Manufacturers and retailers have obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to offer products that are safe to use in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. This is applicable to both new and second hand prams and strollers.

Style

While some parents are after the most practical set of wheels that they can find most parents would prefer a pushchair or pram that's just as stylish as their new bundle of joy. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality pushchairs and prams on the market that blend high-end engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.

When selecting the right pushchair or pram the first thing you need to think about is the seat padding. Babies can be messy creatures and so having a pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial. This is true especially in the event that you plan to use your stroller for long walks over rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Choose a stroller with removable seat covers and recline mechanisms that can be washed by machine. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

It is also important to consider the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or world facing so they can discover the world around them. Some pushchairs offer this feature also but it's not required for all models and could be an optional feature.

Combination prams, also known as 3-in-1 prams, are a very popular choice for families as they can fit both the bassinet basket as well as a pushchair seat on the same frame. They are often 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 permits you to fit car seats on the frame too, usually by using adaptors. These are great for babies and toddlers up to three years old. They can be less expensive than buying separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs are excellent option for twins or siblings of the same age who require transportation in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of styles and are fitted with a single or double pram and pushchair car seat.

Stores

As well as offering security and comfort for your little one the pram or pushchair must provide ample storage for all the essentials. Look for models that have large shopping baskets that can hold everything your baby needs including spare clothes, changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some include a child's or parent's area which is ideal for storing all of your personal things. If you're looking for a stroller that is more spacious opt for a model that comes with different configurations. Extra space is important if you're planning on take your baby on long walks or excursions away from home and need storage space for everything you'll need.

Maneuvrability is a further aspect to consider. Pick swivels wheels that can get around narrow spaces easily. Also look for locking brakes with a quick stopping power. If you're looking at a lighter model, make sure it has the correct suspension and folding dimensions to make it easy to transport and store. If you're looking for something more robust for off-roading, select a model with robust all-terrain tires that can be able to handle the rougher terrain.

The main difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pram provides a lie-flat sleeping position for newborns, while a pushchair is more suitable for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams are able to be converted into a pushchair by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that can transform into a car seat or carrycot.

Whatever type of pram or pushchair you choose, be sure to read online reviews and ask for suggestions from family and friends. Test-drive several options before you make your decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. Consider a convertible car that can be used by one or two children. This will save you money as you don't have to purchase a new set of wheels each time your child grows.