Buying a Push Chair

The pushchair, also referred to as a stroller or buggy, is one of the most sought-after baby products. Pushchairs are designed to provide support and safety for newborns. They can be set either parent facing pushchair-facing or facing the baby.

Powerchairs are typically controlled by a joystick mounted to the armrest. The joystick can be modified for those with weak upper body muscles, or sip and puff controllers (which are controlled by blowing into the tube). The chair can also be equipped with a Kerb climber.

Seating

Alongside a changing mat and baby carrier a push chair will be one of the most popular baby products you purchase, so it is crucial to consider all the finer details that ensure it is comfortable for both parents and child. The most important aspects to consider are the seating options depending on whether you want your baby to face the world or you, and how flexible the handlebar can be.

Some pushchairs, also known as buggies or prams are suitable from birth and have a fully reclining seat that can be placed in a lying position to allow newborn babies to sleep. Some will have an infant car seat and pushchair in one (travel system) which makes it easier to move your growing family around as they develop.

Some pushchairs come with a reversible seat unit, this will give you the option of placing your baby face you or the world. This is useful for young babies as they are more comforted by familiar faces and it will be easier to keep an eye on them. If you decide to use a pushchair with this option it is important to ensure that the seat give your child a flat, completely supported lie-flat position.

There are different types seats for toddlers and older children to suit their needs and their age. Certain seats can recline and tilt their backrests with out changing their posture, which helps to prevent pressure sores. Some seats include a foot rest that lifts the user up to eye level. This is useful for travelling with children, or parents who have difficulty lifting their child into a vehicle.

There are also powerchairs with several power options which can be controlled using a control panel located on the armrest, which is programmable to be adjusted to suit the individual user and their abilities. The assessment expert will assist you in choosing the right seating system and power options for your wheelchair.

Seat fabric can be cleaned by machine and wiped clean using a damp cloth or sponge. Certain manufacturers offer additional accessories to buy such as the footmuff to keep your feet warm in colder weather and a seat liner, that can be slid over the existing seat and will keep it safe from spills, crumbs and accidents involving potty training!

Wheels

The choice of brands and models can be overwhelming if are unfamiliar with the world of pushchairs. Add some confusing terminology and you'll understand why purchasing a pushchair may be a bit of a mystery.

The wheels of your buggy are among the most important aspects to take into consideration as they impact the way your pushchair performs. For instance larger wheels are better able to deal with bumpy pavements and rough surfaces and smaller wheels may be better suited to urban environments.

The type of tyres that you choose can be influenced by your lifestyle and preferred terrain. If you intend to utilize your pushchair while running then you'll require air-filled tires that absorb the vibrations and keep your child comfortable. These are a common feature on all-terrain pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport that includes 3 tyres with air filled.

If you do not plan to jog, but want to make sure that your baby is secure on rough or uneven terrain, you might prefer rubber or foam tyres. They are more durable and offer better shock absorption than plastic tyres. They are most commonly found on three-wheelers and all-terrain pushchairs however they can be found on some light strollers.

A set of wheels for a pushchair that is made to last should be durable and easy to maintain. A regular wash down using a hose or bucket of lukewarm or warm water should be enough to get rid of most of the dirt and debris, but you can also apply products such as WD-40 that act as penetrating oils, assisting to lubricate your wheels for smoother movement.

Some pushchairs have removable wheels to allow for a smaller footprint when folded, which is useful when you have to transport or store your pushchair in tight areas. It is common to take off the front wheels of the pushchair, but check the instructions first.

Choose the handlebar that is adjusted to suit the height of each user. This is an excellent feature if you plan to share the pushchair your child's grandparents. It can make it easier for them to drive.

Suspension

The suspension system in the pushchair cushions the bumps that occur during your journey. This feature is crucial for those with disabilities as it reduces the amount of energy needed to sit in the wheelchair and offers the best posture support.

The type of suspension used on a pushchair can vary from one model to the next, so it's best to consider your needs and the terrain you'll be traversing when deciding the right one for you. A strong suspension is beneficial for those who live in rural areas or who are planning to use their pushchair for long walks, but it might not be needed for those who reside in an urban area where smooth roads are the standard.

Larger wheels can offer better suspension than smaller ones because they are more likely to absorb shocks. Some pushchairs feature a combination of tyres with foam-filled pneumatic or PU. These tyres are able to absorb shocks and punctures without any.

You will also find that some models have an swivel front wheel that will help improve mobility. Depending on the material employed, you may want to think about whether or not your stroller can be washed by machine. Keeping the fabric of your pushchair clean is crucial since it can prevent bacteria from accumulating that can cause dampness and even mould.

You can easily clean your pushchair using a mild detergent or disinfectant. Make sure you scrub off any mildew and mould that has escaped with a soft brush and do this outside to prevent it from spreading. If you can allow it to dry in the sunlight. If your pushchair was tucked away in storage for a while then you can also use an easy sterilising solution to stop the build up of mould and damp.

Controls

A push chair is the baby item that you will use the most often therefore it's essential to have controls that are easy to grasp and operate. It's usually folds easily from front to back (like a clamshell) and could come with an auto-lock that keeps it securely closed. Some will have the handlebar which can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate parents of different sizes and ages.

Most pushchairs near me that are 'from birth' allow the seat to be placed either facing the parent (parent facing) or away from them (world facing), so that parents and their children can connect. Some also have additional features like the ability to recline back, which reduces the amount of time your child spends sitting down and can help in assisting with postural support.

The type of brake is an important consideration for a pushchair user and will vary from model to model. The most common is a foot brake pedal that is situated on the rear axle and operates by simply placing your foot on it to stop the wheels. Some models feature an active hand brake that you control by using your hands to alter the direction of the movement. This is ideal for those who need a sensitive brake that can be quickly and easily utilize while moving in a noisy environment.

Some models come with a swivel option for the front wheel. This is helpful when you're going to traverse rough terrain. This is because the swivel allows you to maneuver better on uneven surfaces or when crossing a busy road. The most effective pushchair tyres are constructed of rubber, such as EVA or PU. They provide the same quality of ride as air tyres, however without the risk of punctures.