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 newborns and infants.

Some prams come with an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for newborns. Some even have the option of being converted into an infant pushchair.

If you are planning to use public transport or fold your pushchair frequently pick a light and compact stroller.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies, your pushchair will be one of the most frequently used baby products you own. It's therefore crucial to make sure your child is safe on every outing by choosing one that has plenty of padding and an upholstered seat that can be adjusted for the height of your child.

Many buggies, prams and pushchairs come with a blanket to keep your child warm. They can be easily put into the washing machine and are available in a range of different colours and designs to suit your preference.

A pram is for newborns from 6 months to 6 years of age, when they are still at a stage where they require to lie flat. Most often, a bassinet, or carrycot, is attached to the frame. Most prams have a choice of 'parent facing' and 'world facing', meaning you can decide whether to have your baby's face facing you to bond with them or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted to pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double pram pushchair-sized pushchair that is suitable from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

It is important to remember that infants less than six months old shouldn't be transported in a pushchair that isn't able to recline completely flat. When they are in a crouching posture, it can affect their breathing as they breathe more than normal. This could lead to respiratory issues in the future.

A pushchair is a vehicle on wheels that folds, typically to a compact size. It's usually geared towards older babies and toddlers that are about three years old. They're typically made of a more durable material than prams. There are also models where you can change the direction that the seat faces to allow your child to face you for reassurance, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pram or pushchair is vital. Make sure that you put your baby in a pushchair or pram designed to his size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure, and also prevent accidents. If you're purchasing a pushchair or pram second-hand it is essential to carry out visual safety inspections. This will ensure it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could cause harm to your child.

When choosing a pram or pushchair pick one that comes with a safety harness with simple and quick clips. Make sure the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit comfortably around your baby's waist. Look for models with a wider base as they are more stable than models with a narrow base.

Avoid overloadeding your pushchair or pram with toys. This could cause the pushchair to topple over, and your baby could fall out. Don't place things in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby. This includes drinks, toys and snacks.

Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, be sure you dry it outside thoroughly. This will stop mildew or mould from developing.

It's a good idea to wash the removable footmuff on your pram or pushchair before you return to it in winter. This can be done by taking off the fabric and washing it in cold water with soap and letting it air dry outside. You should also scrub any dirt or mud from the axles and wheels.

Experts suggest that babies sit flat in a stroller or pram as early as possible. This will help their development and lower the chance of developing back problems as they get older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, manufacturers and retailers are required to offer products that will be safe for normal or reliable use. This is the case for new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.

Style

While some parents are looking for the most efficient set of wheels that they can find, many want an infant stroller or pushchair that's just as stylish as their brand new bundle of joy. Fortunately, there are plenty of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality on the market that combine high-end engineering with stylish designs that are as attractive as they are practical.

When selecting a pram or pushchair, the first thing to be thinking about is the padding for the seat. Babies are messy and so having a pushchair that's easy to clean is crucial. This is particularly true if you intend to use your stroller for long walks on rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Choose a stroller with removable seats and recline mechanisms that can be washed by machine. Be sure that the fabric is also breathable to help keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to think about is the direction your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to calm and bond) or even world facing to let your child explore the world. Some pushchairs offer this feature also however it's not necessary for all models and may be an option that is only available as an extra.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular option for families since they can accommodate the bassinet basket as well as an infant seat on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth and are suitable for children as young as six months old.

A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it permits the attachment of car seats to the frame, using adaptors. These are a great option for toddlers and babies up to three years and can be cheaper than purchasing separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs can be a ideal choice for twins or siblings of similar age who require transport in a safe and comfortable manner. They are available in a variety of styles and can be equipped with a double or single car seat.

Storage

A pram or pushchair should not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but also provide ample storage space for all the essentials. Find models with an ample shopping basket that can hold all of the baby's items including spare clothes as well as changing equipment, water bottles, and snacks. Some models come with a compartment for the parent or child, which is perfect for storing your personal items. If you're looking for a stroller with more storage and storage space, consider a pushchair that has different configurations. Extra space is important if you're planning on take your child on long walks or trips away from home and require a place to store everything you might require.

Maneuvrability is another important feature to take into consideration. Choose swivels wheels to get around narrow spaces easily. Also, look for locking brakes with a responsive stopping power. If you are looking at an ultra-lightweight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and transportation. If you're looking for something more robust for off-road use, choose a model that has tough, all-terrain tires that can be able to handle the rougher terrain.

The main distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pram provides an easy, flat sleeping position for infants, while pushing chairs are more suitable for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs by removing the bassinet and replacing it with an adult's seat. Other models, like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can transform into a carrycot or car seat.

If you're unsure of which pushchair or pram to select, read online reviews and ask your friends and family for recommendations. If you are able, test-drive several models before making your choice to get an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You may also want think about whether a convertible model is the best option for you, as these can be used interchangeably between two children and reduce the cost of buying a new set of wheels every time your baby grows up!