What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of pushchairs and prams can be confusing. Prams have a flat, padded seat that is designed to carry newborns and infants.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1037/baby-jogger-summit-x3-all-terrain-jogging-pushchair-foldable-3-wheel-exercise-stroller-midnight-black-1037.jpg)Some prams come with an infant carriages bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for infants. Some can be converted to a pushchair when the baby is older.
If you are planning to use public transport or fold your pushchair frequently opt for a lightweight and compact buggy.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to be utilized more often than your bottles and nappies. It is crucial to choose a model that has plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to the height.
Many buggies, prams, and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the wash and are available in a range of designs and colours to fit your personal preferences.
A pram is specifically designed for newborn babies up to about six months old, as they're in the stage of development in which they have to lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of 'parent ' or 'world facing. This enables you to choose whether you want your baby to face you in order to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds of their environment. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).
It is vital to remember that infants less than six months old shouldn't be transported in a pushchair that doesn't fully recline. When they are in a crouching posture, it can impact their breathing as they inhale more than normal. This can lead to breathing problems in the long term.
A pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds, typically to a compact size and it's generally geared towards toddlers and older babies until approximately three years old. They're typically made of a more durable material than a pram, and you can typically find models that let you alter the direction of the seat so that your baby can either face towards you to feel safe or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.
Safety
The safety of your child in a pram or pushchair is crucial. You should never place your child in a pram or pushchair that has been designed to fit their age and size. This will help them feel secure and safe and help to prevent any accidents. If you're buying a pushchair or pram used it is 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 pose danger to your baby.
If you're looking for the right pram or pushchair make sure you choose one with a safety harness which has easy and quick clips and connections. Make sure the buckles aren't loose and that the straps are snugly around the waist of your child. Look for models that have a larger base as they are more stable than models with a narrow base.
Avoid overloadeding your pram or pushchair with toys. This could cause the pushchair to topple over, and your baby could fall out. Don't put anything that could harm your baby inside the basket, such as drinks, snacks, or toys.
Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram double or stroller. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, make sure that you dry it thoroughly. This will stop mould or mildew from forming.
If your pushchair cheap or pram features a footmuff that is removable, it's best travel pram to wash it prior to using it again in winter. This can be accomplished by removing the fabric, washing it in cool water using soap and letting it air dry outside. You should also scrub any dirt or mud off the axles and wheels.
Experts recommend that infants lie down as soon as possible in a pushchair or pram. This will help their development and reduce back problems later on in life.
Retailers and manufacturers have obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to offer products that are safe in regular or reasonably foreseeable usage. This is applicable to new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.
Style
Parents may want the most practical set-up of wheels they can get, but many parents also need a pram that is as fashionable as their baby. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine high-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both eye-catching and practical.
When choosing the right pushchair or pram the first thing you should be thinking about is the padding for the seat. Babies are messy 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 on dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair that includes removable seat covers as well as a recline mechanism which can be machine washed. Check that the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby dry and comfortable.
Another thing to consider is the direction your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a “from-birth” feature allow you to switch the seat from parent facing (facing the parent to calm and bond) or even world facing to let your child explore the world. Some prams also have this option, however it's not required for all models.
Combination prams are referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can accommodate bassinet baskets on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth, and are suitable for infants up to six-months old.
A travel system is similar to a stroller travel combination in that it permits you to attach a car seat to the frame, with adaptors. They are perfect for babies and toddlers between birth and three years old. They can be less expensive than buying separate items.
Twin prams or pushchairs are great option for twin babies or siblings of the same age who require transportation in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of designs and can be fitted either with one car seat or a double one.
Storage
As well as offering security and comfort for your little one, a pushchair or pram needs to offer plenty of storage space for all the necessities. Find models with large shopping baskets that can hold everything your baby needs including spare clothes as well as changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some include a child's or parent's area that is ideal for storing all of your personal items. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with more storage space choose a convertible pushchair that comes with different configurations. Extra space is important especially if you want to take your child for long walks or away from home.
Another important aspect to consider is the ability to maneuver. Choose swivels wheels to get around narrow spaces easily. 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 right dimensions for suspension and folding to allow for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something that is more durable for off-road travel, choose a model with robust all-terrain wheels that are able to handle rougher terrains better than pavements.
The primary difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pram offers the option of a lying-flat sleep position for infants, while the pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted 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 can be converted into the car seat or carrycot.
Whatever kind of pram or pushchair you decide to purchase, make sure to read reviews on the internet and ask for recommendations from your family and friends. If you can, test drive a few models prior to making a decision. This will give you an idea of how they feel and fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible car, which is suitable for two or more children. This will save you money by not having to buy a new set of wheels every time your child grows.