What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams have a flat, padded seat that is specifically designed to carry infants and babies.

Prams can also come with a bassinet or carrycot for babies. Some models even have the option of converting to a pushchair for older babies.

If you plan to take public transportation or fold your pushchair frequently opt for a lightweight and compact buggy.

Comfort

Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair will be among the most frequently used baby items you have. It is essential to select one that has plenty of padding, a comfortable seat and can be adjusted to height.

Many buggies, prams, and pushchairs include a fitted blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the wash and are available in a variety of designs and colours to match your style.

A pram is designed for babies who are approximately six months old while they're still at a stage that they must lie flat, typically with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of either 'parent' facing or 'world-facing.' This allows the user to decide whether they prefer your child to face you in order to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their surroundings. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a premium single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

It is important to keep in mind that babies less than six months old should not be carried in a pushchair that doesn't recline fully flat. When they are in a crouching posture, it can impact their breathing as they breathe more than they would normally. This could lead to respiratory problems in the long term.

A pushchair is a seat that can be folded into a small space. It's made for older babies and toddlers. They're typically constructed from a more durable material compared to prams. There are also models where you can alter the direction in which the seat is facing so that your child can face you for reassurance or turn away to explore the world.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure that your baby is safe in a pram or pram. Always put your child in a pushchair or pram that is made to his size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure, and also prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand stroller or pushchair it is crucial to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure that it's in good condition, and not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your baby.

When you are choosing a pram or pushchair choose one with a safety harness that has quick and easy clips and connections. Make sure that the buckles don't have any looseness, and that the straps are snug around the torso of your baby. Look for models with a wider base as they are more stable than models with a smaller base.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with items. This could cause the pushchair to topple over and your baby may fall out. Also, don't put anything in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby. This includes drinks, toys and food items.

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

If your pushchair or pram bag has a removable footmuff, it's a good idea wash it before using it again in winter. This can be accomplished by taking off the fabric, washing it in cool water with soap, and then letting it air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud from the axles and wheels.

Experts advise that infants lay flat as soon as possible in a pushchair or pram. This will aid their development and decrease the chance of back issues as they age.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, both retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that will be safe for normal or predictable use. This applies to new and second-hand prams and strollers.

Style

While some parents are after the most functional set of wheels they have access to, many want an infant stroller or pushchair that's just as stylish as their brand new bundle of joy. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs that combine high-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both attractive and practical.

The first thing to think about when selecting a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and the options for adjustability. Babies can be messy creatures and so having a pushchair that is easy to clean is important. This is especially true when you plan to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Choose a stroller with removable seats and recline mechanisms that can be washed by machine. Check that the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to consider is the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent for bonding and reassurance) or facing the world so that they can explore the world around them. Some prams also have this option, but it's not a requirement for all models.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular option for families because they can fit a bassinet basket and an infant seat on the same frame. They are usually designed to be used starting at birth and are suitable for newborns up to six months.

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it allows you to connect a car seat to the frame, using adaptors. They are perfect for babies and toddlers from birth to three years old. They can be cheaper than buying separate products.

Twin prams and pushchairs are an ideal choice for siblings or twins who require safety and comfort. They come in a variety of styles and are equipped with a single or double car seat.

Storage

A pushchair or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but have ample storage space for all the necessities. Look for models with an ample shopping basket that can accommodate all your baby supplies including spare clothing as well as changing gear as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the parent or child that is ideal to store your personal items. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with additional storage choose a convertible pushchair that comes with multiple configurations. Extra space is important, especially if you plan to take your child on long walks or away from home.

Maneuvrability is an additional feature to take into consideration. Select swivel wheels to navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also look for brakes that are locked with a quick stopping power. If you're thinking of a light model, make sure it has the correct dimensions for suspension and folding for easy transport and storage. If you're looking to buy something more durable for off-road travel pram then select a model with tough all-terrain tires that are able to be able to handle the rougher terrain.

The main difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pram offers an easy, flat sleeping position for infants, while a pushchair is more suited to older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, while other models such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one models that can be converted into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

If you are unsure about which type of pushchair or pram to pick check out online reviews and ask your friends and family members for recommendations. If possible, test-drive a few models prior to making your decision to get an impression of how they feel and how they fold and how heavy they are. You may also want to consider whether a convertible model is the best choice for you, since these can be used interchangeably between one or two babies, and you can save money on purchasing a new set of wheels each time your little one grows older!