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 designed to carry babies and newborns.

Some prams include an infant 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 need to fold your pushchair frequently, opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies your pushchair is likely be one of the most used baby products you have. As such, it's important to ensure your child is safe on every trip by choosing a model with plenty of padding as well as an upholstered seat that can be adjusted to height.

Many prams for sale, buggies, and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped in the wash and are available in a variety of designs and colours to suit your preferences.

A pram is made for babies who are around six months old, while they're still at a stage that they must lie flat, often with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of either facing your child's parents or the world facing', meaning you can decide whether to let your baby face you to bond or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth with a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

It is important to remember that infants less than six months old should not be carried in a pushchair that doesn't fully recline. This is because being in a crouched up position could affect their breathing as it causes them to breathe in more air than they normally do and could cause respiratory problems in the longer term.

A pushchair is a chair that folds down into a compact size. It's specifically designed for older children and toddlers. They're often made from more durable materials than a pram. You can typically find models that let you switch the direction of the seat so that your child can either face towards you to provide reassurance, or away from you so they can explore the world around them.

Safety

The safety of your child in a pram or pushchair is essential. Make sure that you place your baby in a pushchair or pram designed to his size and age. This will make them feel secure and safe and will help prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand pushchair or stroller, it is important to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could pose danger to your baby.

When you are choosing a pram or pushchair make sure you choose one with a safety harness that is simple and quick clips. Make sure the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit snugly around the waist of your child. Find models with a larger base since they will be more stable than models with a narrow base.

Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with toys. This could cause it to tip over and your baby might fall out. Be careful not to put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, and toys.

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or triple stroller. If you're cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, always dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent any mould or mildew developing.

It's a good idea to wash the removable footmuff of your pushchair or pram prior to when you use it again in winter. This can be done by taking the fabric off, washing it in cool water with soap, and then letting it air dry outside. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.

Experts suggest that babies lay flat in a pushchair or pram as soon as they can. This will aid their development and lower the chance of back issues as they get older.

Manufacturers and retailers have an obligation under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to supply products that are safe for normal or reasonably foreseeable use. This applies to both new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.

Style

While some parents are after the most efficient set of wheels they have access to most parents would prefer a pushchair or pram that's as stylish as their new baby. There are plenty of high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine quality engineering with attractive designs that are as striking as they are practical.

The first thing you should consider when choosing a pushchair or pram and travel system is the seat padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is simple to clean will be important for children, as they are often messy. This is especially true if you plan to use your pushchair for long walks through rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Look for a pushchair that has removable seat covers and recline mechanism which can be machine washed. Check that the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

It is also important to consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to calm and bond) or world facing, so that they can explore the world. Some prams have this option, however it's not required for all models.

Combination prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are a very popular option for families because they can accommodate an infant basket and an infant seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used right from birth and are suitable for infants as young as six months old.

A travel system is a similar alternative to a combination pram, as it permits the fitting of a car seat onto the frame, typically using adaptors. These are great for babies and toddlers between birth and three years old and can be less expensive than buying separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs are excellent option for twins or siblings of the same age who both require transport in safety and comfort. They come in a variety of styles and are equipped with a single or double car seat.

Storage

A pushchair or pram should not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but provide ample storage space for all the essentials. Look for models that have large shopping baskets that can hold all the baby items including spare clothes as well as changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some models also have the child's or parent's compartment which is ideal for storing all of your personal items. If you want a pram that has more storage opt for a model that comes with various configurations. It's important to have extra space, especially if you plan to take your child for long walks or leave home.

Another key feature to consider is maneuverability. Opt for swivel wheel options to make it easy to navigate narrow passageways, and look out for brakes with locking that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you're considering a light-weight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something more robust for off-roading, pick an option with strong all-terrain wheels that are able to be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

A pram is designed to offer a flat sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit independently. Some prams are able to be converted to a pushchair by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, while other models such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that convert into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

If you're unsure of the type of pushchair or pram to pick check out reviews on the internet and ask friends and family for suggestions. If you are able, test-drive a few options before making your choice to get an impression of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You may also want to consider whether a convertible model is the right option for you, as they can be used interchangeably between two babies, and you can save money on purchasing an entirely new set of wheels each time your child grows older!