What to Look For in push chairs and prams (weblink)

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

Some prams come with an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for infants. Some even offer the option of changing it into a pushchair for older children.

If you're planning to use public transport or fold your pushchair often pick a light and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get utilized more often than your bottles and nappies. It is essential to select one that has plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to height.

Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs come with a blanket to keep your child warm. These blankets are simple to clean and come in a variety of designs and colours.

A pram is specifically designed for babies who are around six months old, when they're still at a stage that they must lie flat, often with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of either 'parent' facing or world facing. This allows you to decide if you prefer your child to face you to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds in their surroundings. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used as early as birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).

It is vital to remember that infants less than six months old should not be carried in a stroller that doesn't fully recline. When they are in a crouching posture, it can impact their breathing as they breathe in more air than they would normally. This could lead to respiratory problems in the long term.

A pushchair is a chair that folds into a compact size. It's designed for older babies and toddlers. They're typically constructed from a more durable material compared to prams. There are models that allow you to alter the direction in which the seat faces to allow your child to face you for reassurance or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is important to ensure that your baby is secure in a pushchair or pram sets. You should never place your child in a pram or pushchair that is designed for their age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure and will prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand stroller or pushchair, it is important to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose a risk to your baby.

When you are choosing a pushchair or pram make sure you choose one with a safety harness which includes quick and simple clips and connections. Verify that the buckles do not have any looseness, and that the straps are secure around the baby's torso. Also, look for a wide base, which will offer more stability than models with narrow bases.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with items. This can cause it to tip over and your baby might be thrown out. Do not put anything that can harm your baby inside the basket, including drinks, snacks, and toys.

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

It's a good idea to wash the removable footmuff of your pushchair or pram before you can use it again in winter. It's as simple as removing the fabric and washing it with cool soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outside. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that babies sit flat in a stroller or pram as soon as possible. This will aid in their development and reduce back problems later on in life.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, both retailers and manufacturers are required to provide products that are safe for normal or regular use. This applies to new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.

Style

While some parents are seeking the most functional set of wheels that they can get their hands on most parents would prefer a pushchair or pram that's just as stylish as their new bundle of joy. There are plenty of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that blend high-end engineering with attractive designs that are as striking as they are practical.

The first thing you should consider when choosing a pushchair or pram is the padding and adjustability options. A pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial for children, as they are often messy. This is true especially when you plan to take your stroller on long walks on rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair pram that comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanism that can be machine-washed. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to consider is the direction your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most 'from birth' pushchairs allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or world facing so they can discover the world around them. Some pushchairs prams pushchairs offer this feature also but it's not required for all models and may be an optional feature.

Combination prams are also known as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can fit an infant bassinet on the same frame. They are designed to be used right from birth, and are suitable for babies as young as six months old.

A travel system is an alternative to a combination pram, as it permits you to fit car seats onto the frame too, usually with adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and infants up to three years and can be more cost effective than buying separate products.

Twin prams and pushchairs are the ideal option for twins or siblings who want to travel in safety and comfort. They are available in a range of styles and are fitted with a single or double car seat.

Storage

Alongside providing security and comfort for your little one the pram or pushchair needs to offer plenty of storage space for the most essential items. Look for models that have a spacious shopping basket that can accommodate all the baby items, including spare clothes, changing gear bottles of water, and snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the child or parent that is ideal to keep your personal belongings. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with additional storage choose a convertible model that has different configurations. The extra space is crucial particularly if you intend to take your child on long walks or to be away from home.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the ability to maneuver. Select swivel wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also look for locking brakes with a quick stopping power. If you are looking at an ultra-lightweight model, make sure it comes with the correct suspension system and foldable dimensions to facilitate storage and transport. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-roading, select a model with robust, all-terrain tires that can handle rougher surfaces.

A pram bag is a vehicle that provides a flat sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is more suited for older babies and toddlers who can sit independently. Some prams can be transformed into a pushchair simply by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one models that can transform into a car seat or carrycot.

If you're not sure which type of pushchair or pram to select check out online reviews 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 and how they 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 buy an entirely new set of wheels every time your child grows.