What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams are designed to carry newborns and young babies with a lie-flat seating.

Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot for infants. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.

If you intend to take public transportation or have to fold up your pushchair regularly pick a light and compact stroller.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies, your pushchair is likely to be one of the most frequently used baby items you own. As such, it's important to ensure that your child is safe on every trip by selecting an option with plenty of padding and a comfortable 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 are easy to clean and come in a variety of colors and designs.

A pram is designed for newborn babies up to around six months old, while they're still at the stage where they need to lie flat, often with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of facing the parents and the world facing', which means you can decide whether to have 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 luxurious single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth using a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

The most important thing to be aware of is that babies who are very young should not travel in any pushchair that is not able to recline to a fully flat position. Traveling in a crouching position can affect their breathing as they breathe in more air than normal. This can lead to respiratory problems in the future.

A pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds usually to a very compact size and it's generally geared towards older babies and toddlers that are about three years old. They are typically constructed of a stronger material than prams. You can also find models that allow you to change the direction the seat faces so that your child can face you for reassurance, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is important to ensure that your child is secure in a pushchair or pram. You should only ever place your child in a pushchair or pram newborn that has been designed for their age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure, and prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand pushchair or stroller, it is important to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure that the item is in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could be dangerous for your child.

When choosing a pushchair or pram for newborn make sure you choose one equipped with a safety harness that includes quick and simple clips and connections. Check that the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit comfortably around your child's waist. Choose a model with a wider base as they will be more stable than those with a smaller base.

Avoid overloadeding your pram or pushchair with things. This can cause the pushchair to fall over, and your baby could be thrown out. Do not put anything that can harm your baby inside the basket, including drinks, snacks, or toys.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pram or pushchair. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pushchair, make sure you dry it outside thoroughly. This will stop mould or mildew from forming.

It's a great idea to wash the removable footmuff on your pram or pushchair before you can use it again in winter. It's as simple as taking the fabric off and washing it in cool soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outdoors. You should also scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts suggest that babies sit flat in a stroller or pram as early as they can. This will help them develop and lower the chance of developing back problems as they grow older.

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

Style

Parents may want the most efficient set-up of wheels they can get However, many parents require a stroller that is as stylish as their baby. Fortunately, there are plenty of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality on the market that combine quality engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.

The first thing to consider when choosing a pushchair or pram is the padding and adjustable options. A pushchair that is simple to clean is essential for babies, who can be messy. This is especially true if you plan to use your pushchair for long walks in rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Find a triple pushchair which includes removable seat covers as well as a 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 reassure and bond) or even world facing so that your child can explore the world. Some prams have this option, but it's not an option for all models.

Combination prams are also referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can accommodate a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are usually designed to be used from birth and are suitable for newborns as young as six months old.

A travel system is a similar option to a combined pram in that it allows you to put car seats onto the frame too, usually using adaptors. These are great for babies and toddlers up to three years old. They are less expensive than purchasing separate products.

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

Stores

A pushchair pram or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but also offer ample storage for all the necessities. Look for models that have an ample shopping basket that can accommodate all of your baby's supplies including spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water and even snacks. Some models come with a compartment for the parent or child, which is perfect to store your personal items. If you're looking for a pushchair with more storage, choose a pushchair with multiple configurations. It's important to have extra space, especially if you plan to take your child on long walks or away from home.

Another key feature to consider is maneuverability. Select swivel wheels to get around narrow spaces easily. Also look for locking brakes with a responsive stopping power. If you are looking at a lightweight model, ensure it comes with the correct suspension system and foldable pram dimensions to facilitate storage and transportation. Alternatively, if you want something that is more durable for off-road travel, choose one with sturdy all-terrain wheels that are able to be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

The main difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pram provides 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 models that can convert into the car seat or 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 recommendations. If possible, test-drive a few options before making your decision to get an idea of how they feel and fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible car that can be used by one or two kids. This will save you money since you won't need to purchase an entirely new set of wheels every time your child grows.