What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams are made to carry infants and toddlers with a lie-flat seating.
Some prams come with an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for newborns. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair once the baby is older.
If you intend to take public transport or need to fold your pushchair frequently, opt for a lightweight and compact stroller.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to get more frequently used than your nappies and bottles. It is crucial to choose one that has plenty of padding and a comfortable seating position that can be adjusted to the height.
Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. These blankets are easy to clean and come in a range of designs and colours.
A pram is for newborns from 6 months to 6 years of age, when they are still at the point where they require to lie flat. Most often, a bassinet, or push chairs and prams carrycot, is attached to the frame. Most prams have a choice of facing your child’s parents or the world facing’, which means you can choose whether to have your baby face you to bond with them or let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a luxurious single-to-double pushchair that can be used as early as birth with the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).
It is important to remember that infants less than six months old shouldn’t be carried in a stroller that doesn’t fully recline. This is because being in a crouched up position can impact their breathing because it causes them to breathe in more air than they normally do and could cause respiratory issues in the long time.
A pushchair is a type of seat that can be folded into a compact size. It’s designed for older babies and toddlers. They are typically constructed of a stronger material compared to prams. There are also models that allow you to alter the direction in which the seat faces so that your child can look at you for comfort or away from you to explore the world.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure that your baby is safe in a pushchair or pram. It is best to only place your child in a pushchair or pram specifically designed to fit their size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure, and prevent accidents. If you’re buying a baby pushchair or pram that you’ve found second-hand it’s essential to carry out visual safety inspections. This will ensure that the item is in good working order and isn’t damaged in any way that could be dangerous to your baby.
When choosing the right pram or pushchair pick one that comes with a safety harness with simple and quick clips. Check that the buckles do not have any slack and ensure that the straps fit around your baby’s torso. Also, look for a wide base, as this will provide greater stability than models that have narrow bases.
Be careful not to overload your pram or pushchair with items. This could cause the pushchair to fall over, and your baby could fall out. Be careful not to put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, or toys.
Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. When cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent mildew or mould forming.
If your pushchair or pram has a removable footmuff it’s a good idea wash it before using it again in winter. This can be accomplished by removing the fabric, washing it in cool water with soap, and then letting it air dry outside. You should also scrub any dirt or mud from the wheels and axles.
Experts recommend that infants lie flat as soon as possible in a pushchair or pram. This will help them develop and lower the chance of back issues as they grow older.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, both retailers and manufacturers are required to provide products that are safe for normal or reasonably reliable use. This applies to new and second hand prams and strollers.
Style
Some parents are looking for the most practical set-up of wheels they can get However, many parents require a stroller that is as stylish as their child. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine high-end engineering with attractive designs that are both eye-catching and practical.
The first thing you should consider when choosing a pushchair pram is the seat padding and adjustability options. Babies can be messy creatures and having a pram that is easy to clean is crucial. This is especially true in the event that you plan to use your stroller for long walks over rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Choose a stroller with removable seat covers and recline mechanisms that can be washed by machine. Make sure the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby comfortable and dry.
You should also think about the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a “from-birth” feature allow you to switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or world facing, so that your child can explore the world. Some models have this option too, but it’s not a necessity for all models and could be an optional feature.
Combination prams, also known as 3-in-1 prams, are a popular option for families because they can accommodate a bassinet basket and an incline seat on the same frame. They are typically designed for use from birth and are suitable for babies as young as six months old.
A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it allows you to connect a car seat to the frame, using adaptors. These are great for babies and toddlers between birth and three years old and can be cheaper than buying separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs are great option for twin babies or siblings of similar age who require transport in safety and comfort. They come in a variety of styles and can be fitted with either a single car seat or a double one.
Stores
A pushchair or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but should also offer ample storage for all the necessities. Find models with an ample shopping basket that can hold all your baby supplies including spare clothes and changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the child or parent that is ideal to store your personal items. If you’re looking for a pushchair with even more storage consider a convertible model that has different configurations. Extra space is crucial if you plan to take your child for long walks or on trips away from home and require a place to store everything you might need.
Maneuvrability is another important feature to take into consideration. Pick swivels wheels that can get around narrow spaces easily. Also look for brakes that are locked with a responsive stopping power. If you’re considering a lightweight model, ensure it has the correct dimensions for suspension and folding stroller to make it easy to transport and store. If you’re looking for something more robust for off-roading, pick a model with robust, all-terrain wheels that can be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.
The main difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pushchair offers an easy, flat sleeping position for infants, while the pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams convert into pushchairs by removing the bassinet and replacing it with an adult seat. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to transform into a carrycot or car seat.
Whatever type of pushchair or pram you pick, make sure to read reviews on the internet and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Test-drive several options before you make your decision. This will give you an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. You may also want consider whether a convertible model is the best option for you, as they can be used interchangeably between one or two babies, and you can save money on buying a new set of wheels each time your child gets older!