What to Look For in a Pushchair
A pushchair is a baby item that can be used for the very first stage of a child’s development. It can be used as a pram or stroller and has many features parents will appreciate.
Look out for the seat that is able to recline to multiple positions, along with a strong five point harness to ensure your child’s safety. Most often, it will include the carry cot frame which is compatible with a car seat for infants as well.
Safety
Safety is the most crucial factor to think about when choosing a pushchair for pushchairs and prams a toddler or a baby. It is crucial that the pushchair is fitted with a five point safety harness and is securely fastened. The harness must be able to fit comfortably around the child’s shoulder, waist and between his legs. It should also feature buckles that are able to be clipped together and undone. The handlebars are another important factor to consider and should be positioned to prevent children from falling out of the seat.
A pushchair should also have a stable foundation and be free of dangers such as sharp or curving corners which could cause injuries. Some pushchairs come with wheels that are locked, which is perfect for off-road use. It prevents the wheel from falling off. Brakes are also important and should be easily accessible. They should be easy-to-use and have a lock. Some pushchairs have wrist tether straps for added security.
Prams, strollers, and buggies are all to be handled with care and must be regularly checked. Don’t overload the pram or buggies with additional baggage and pushchairs and prams always keep the five-point safety harness in place and secured. Parents should ensure that their children don’t play with the folding mechanism and that they remain away from any places which they may get caught.
Many pushchairs have a carrycot or bassinet that can be removed. This is great for newborns who need to sleep on their backs. This is especially important due to the possibility of SIDS. Babies who travel in upright positions for too long may have breathing issues as they cannot breathe properly in a scrunched up position.
A few manufacturers offer single and double pushchairs that are suitable for a range of ages. They could be able to be converted into prams with the addition of an adapter or a seat unit. All pushchairs and prams that are made for children older than them should have a fully reclining backrest, as babies need to lie flat until around six months of age.
Convenience
A pushchair should be easy to move around even in tight spaces. It must also be able to roll over various surfaces, from pavements to rough grass. Some models have a suspension that provides an easy ride for your child and lessens the strain on joints.
A pushchair usually includes storage space underneath the seat. This is ideal to store extra clothes as well as a bag of changing cloths, as well as water bottles. Some pushchairs feature a canopy that shields your baby from the elements or sun. Some are designed with an integrated handle that makes it easy to push with one hand, whereas others have one handle that can be adjusted to fit different heights.
Many pushchairs let you move your child either toward you, for security or away from you to let them explore the world. This is a wonderful feature for newborns and infants.
Some pushchairs are safe for use from birth if they have a seat that can lay flat and a safety harness that is appropriate. Make sure that the description of the pushchair clearly states it is suitable for use right from birth. Also, ensure that it is a fully reclined seat that allows your baby to lay flat in a position that is vital for their development.
Pushchairs are usually small and can be stored in your home or car. With the addition of a car seat or a carrycot they can be used as a part of an entire travel system.
A pram can also be referred to as a baby carriage, bassinet or a baby carriage. It is designed specifically for infants and newborns. It has a flat sleeping area that allows your baby to sleep on their backs and sleep, which is essential for their spinal and lungs development. A pram is ideal for older babies and toddlers beginning at six months.
Comfort
A pushchair is one of the most expensive purchases you can make for your baby and will be used for a long time so comfort is crucial. A majority of models come with comfortable seat padding and adjustable handles that can be adjusted to meet the heights of parents. This makes it easier to steer and reduces strain, particularly on your shoulders and arms, if you’ve been carrying baby all day.
Some pushchairs feature the option of sleeping on the floor for infants. It is crucial that this position is available to ensure that your baby is getting the best quality sleep for their health and development. Infants don’t have the strength in their necks to stand upright for a long time and this could affect breathing. Therefore, it is essential that they can lay comfortably in a seated position.
Some pushchairs that are ‘from birth’ also come with the option of a carry bassinet, cot or baby hammocks that you could use to carry your baby as they sleep. They can be more expensive, but the additional cost is worth it to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable throughout their first few months.
A hood that is ventilated is a further feature you should look for in a pushchair as it will allow your baby to remain cool and comfortable during outdoor trips. This will improve their naps, overall health and wellbeing.
A lot of pushchairs come with a variety of storage compartments and baskets that provide ample space for all of your baby’s needs. This is ideal to store toys and clothes to keep your child entertained during their walks. It will also spare you from having to carry the extra bags around when you go out.
The majority of pushchairs let you select which direction you would like your baby to face, either parent facing (rear) or world facing (front). Certain models also come with the option of having a carrycot attached to the frame. It is then easy to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair without disturbing him.
A lightweight pushchair is a must for anyone who plans on traveling with your baby. It is easier to lift and put in a car boot or at home. It is also more maneuverable on public transport or in areas that are crowded.
Accessories
There are many accessories for pushchairs that can help make the life of your child easier and more convenient. Items like raincovers and shades are available that fit snugly on the top of the pushchair to create a barrier of protection to keep your baby dry and protect them from harmful UV radiation. Footmuffs (which are available as part of pushchair bundles or separately) shopping bags, shopping bags and pram changing bags are useful accessories.
A travel system is another well-known accessory that allows you to easily attach your stroller and car seat together. This makes traveling with your child a lot easier because you can ensure that they are attached. It’s an excellent option for parents who use public transportation frequently.
When you are choosing a new pushchair, it is worth considering the variety of reclining positions and the ability to turn that you may require. The majority of pushchairs have an adjustable seat that allows you to change the direction that your child’s face is. This is particularly beneficial for newborns, who are advised to lie flat to aid with their breathing and growth. It is also beneficial to select a pushchair with the capability to switch the seat from a parent-facing position to forward facing at the click of a button, since this is helpful when your child becomes an older child and you need to to monitor them.
Other important aspects to look for are the kind of wheels your pushchair has and whether these are fixed, swivel or lockable. The size of the wheels will also vary with larger wheels usually giving an easier ride. It is also worth determining if the pushchair has pneumatic tyres or the latest technology, PU tyres. They offer all the advantages of air tyres, but without the risk of punctures.
Take into consideration the fold function of your pushchair and its weight, as these could influence how easy it is to store and transport. Some models fold up small and can be stored in the trunk of your car or in the overhead compartments of public transport.