What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of prams and pushchairs can be a bit confusing. Prams are made to carry newborns and young babies with a lie-flat seating.
Some prams include the option of a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Some can be converted into an infant pushchair once the baby is older.
If you plan on using public transport or need to fold your pushchair often, opt for a lightweight and compact triple stroller.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to be more frequently used than your bottles and nappies. It’s therefore crucial to ensure that your child is safe on every trip by selecting a model that has plenty of padding and an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted to height.
Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs include a fitted blanket to keep your child warm. These blankets are easy to wash and come in a variety of designs and colours.
A pram is designed for babies who are about six months old, while they’re still at a stage in which they have to lie flat, often with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams will offer a choice of facing the parents and the world facing’, so you can decide whether to have your baby’s face facing you to bond or let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth using a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).
It is vital to remember that babies under six months old shouldn’t be transported in a pushchair that doesn’t fully recline. This is because travelling in a crouching position can impact 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 type of seat that folds down into a compact size. It’s designed for older babies and toddlers. These are often constructed from a more durable material compared to prams. There are models where you can alter the direction in which the seat faces to allow your child to face you for reassurance or away from you to explore the world.
Safety
It is important to ensure that your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. You should never place your child in a pushchair or pram that has been designed for their age and size. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure and will help prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand pushchair or stroller it is crucial to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure that the item is in good working order and isn’t damaged in any way that could pose a risk for your child.
When you are choosing a pushchair or pram pick one that comes with a safety harness with simple and quick clips. Make sure the buckles aren’t loose and that the straps are snugly around the waist of your child. Find models with a larger base since they are more stable than models with a smaller base.
Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with things. This can cause the pushchair to tip over and your baby may fall out. Don’t put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, or toys.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your pushchair or pram. When cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outdoors to avoid any mildew or mould forming.
If your pram or pushchair has a removable footmuff it’s a good idea to wash it before using it again in winter. It’s as simple as taking off the fabric and washing it with cool soapy water and allowing it to air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or double pushchair mud that has accumulated on the axles and wheels.
Experts suggest that infants lie down as soon as possible in a pram or pushchair. This will aid their development and reduce the risk of back problems as they age.
Retailers and manufacturers have a duty under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to supply products that are safe to use in the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This is the case for new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.
Style
While some parents are seeking the most functional set of wheels that they have access to most parents would prefer an infant stroller or pushchair that is as stylish as their brand new child’s toy. There are many high-quality prams and pushchairs on the market that combine high-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both attractive and practical.
When choosing the right pushchair or pram, the first thing to think about is the seat padding. A pushchair that is simple to clean is crucial for infants, who are often messy. This is true especially if you intend 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 can be machine washed to keep your baby comfortable and dry.
You should also consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are ‘from birth’ allow you to switch the seat between parent facing (facing towards the parent for reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to discover the world around them. Some pushchairs also offer this option, however it may not be a requirement for all models.
Combination prams are referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families due to the fact that they can fit a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are often designed to be used from birth and are suitable for infants from 6 months to.
A travel system is an option to a combined pram in that it allows you to fit car seats onto the frame, typically with adaptors. They are perfect for babies and toddlers between birth and three years old. They can be cheaper than buying separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs can be a ideal choice for twins or siblings of the same age who require transport in a safe and comfortable manner. They are available in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted with either a single car seat or a double one.
Storage
In addition to providing safety and comfort to your child, a pram or pushchair must provide ample storage space for the most essential items. Find models with a large shopping basket to hold all of the baby’s items, such as spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water, and even snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the child or parent that is ideal for storing your personal items. If you’re looking for a pushchair with even more storage choose a convertible pushchair that comes with multiple configurations. It’s important to have extra space particularly if you intend to take your child for long walks or to be away from home.
Maneuvrability is another important feature to consider. Pick swivels wheels that can navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also look for locking brakes that have a receptive stopping power. If you’re looking at an ultra-lightweight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and double pushchair transportation. If you’re looking for something that is more durable for off-roading, pick one with sturdy all-terrain wheels that are able to handle rougher terrains better than pavements.
The primary distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pushchair offers an easy, flat sleeping position for infants, while pushing chairs are more designed for older children and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be transformed to a pushchair by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with a seat and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that convert into an automobile seat or a carrycot.
If you’re not sure the type of pram or pushchair to choose check out online reviews and ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Test-drive several options before settling on one. This will give you an idea of their weight, their folding capabilities and how they feel. You may also want to consider whether a convertible model is the best option for you, as these can be used interchangeably between one or two babies, and you can save money on purchasing an entirely new set of wheels each time your little one gets older!