What to Look For in a Pushchair

A pushchair is a baby product that can be used at the first few years of a child's existence. It could be a pram or stroller and comes with a variety of features that parents will be thrilled to discover in their new pushchair.

Look out for a seat that can recline to various positions, and a sturdy five-point harness to ensure your child's safety. It's likely to come with a carrycot frame that also is suitable for infant car seat.

Safety

Safety is the most important thing to consider when selecting the right pushchair for your toddler or baby. The pushchair must be fitted with a five-point safety harness and be securely fastened. The harness must be able to fit comfortably around the child's waist, shoulder and between his legs. It should also feature buckles that are able to be connected and removed. Handlebars should also be placed to stop children from wriggling away from the seat.

A pushchair must also have a wide base to ensure stability and must be free of any hazards such as sharp or curved edges that could cause injuries. Some pushchairs have locks on the wheels, which is perfect for off-road use. It prevents the wheel from falling off. The brakes are also important and should be easily accessible. They should be easy to apply and have an effective lock. Some pushchairs also have wrist tether straps that provide security.

Prams, strollers, and buggies should all be used with care and inspected regularly. Do not overload the prams or buggies with extra baggage and always keep the five-point safety harness on and secured. Children shouldn't play with the folding mechanisms of the pushchair and parents should make sure their fingers are away from any places that could catch them.

Many pushchairs come with an adjustable bassinet or carrycot which is ideal for newborns as they need to lie flat to sleep. This is especially important due to the risk of SIDS. Babies who remain in a seated position for too long could suffer breathing problems because they are unable to breathe properly when in a scrunched-up position.

Certain manufacturers produce pushchairs with a single or double seat that are suitable for different ages. These may be able to convert into prams by adding an adapter or changing the seat unit. It is crucial that pushchairs or prams for newborns that are made for older children have a fully reclined backrest as babies are required to lie flat until around six months old.

Convenience

A pushchair should be simple to move around even in tight spaces. It should be able roll over different surfaces, including grassy paths or paved ones. Some models have suspensions that provide the smoothest ride for your child and reduces the stress on their joints.

A pushchair often includes storage space underneath the seat. This is ideal for storing extra clothes, a bag of diapers, and water bottles. Some have a canopy that protects babiaround all day!

It is recommended that newborn babies sleep flat and some pushchairs provide a fully flat sleeping position. It's essential that this is available to ensure your baby is getting the best quality sleep for their health and development. Newborns lack the strength in their necks to sit straight for long periods and this could affect breathing. Therefore, it is essential that they are able to lay comfortably in a seated position.

Some 'from birth' pushchairs also come with the option of a carry cot, bassinet or baby hammocks that you could use to carry your baby while they sleep. These are often more expensive but the extra cost is worth it to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable in the early years of their life.

A hood with a ventilated design is another key feature to look for in a pushchair as it will help your baby remain cool and comfortable during excursions outdoors. This will enhance their health and wellbeing and will help them sleep better.

Many pushchairs have a wide variety of storage compartments and baskets that offer plenty of space for all of your baby's needs. This is ideal to store toys and clothes to keep your child entertained on their walks. It will also spare you from carrying the extra bags around when you're out.

The majority of pushchairs let you choose which direction you want your baby to face, whether parent facing (rear) or the world facing (front). Certain models allow you to attach a carrycot to the frame. It is possible to easily transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair without causing any disturbance to him.

A lightweight pushchair is a must when you're planning on traveling with your baby. It is easier to lift and store in a car boot or at home. It's also much easier to maneuver in crowded areas and on public transport.

Accessories

There are many accessories for pushchairs that will make life easier and more convenient for your child. Items like raincovers and shades are available that fit snugly on the top of the pushchair and create a barrier of protection to keep your baby dry while protecting them from harmful UV rays. Other useful accessories include a footmuff (which is available as part of the pushchair bundle or purchased separately), shopping baskets and pram changing bags.

A travel system is a well-known accessory that allows you to attach your stroller and car seat together. This makes traveling with your child a lot easier since you can keep them safely attached. It's also a great option for parents who frequently use public transportation frequently.

Consider the number of reclining and turning positions you need when choosing the right stroller. The majority of pushchairs have an adjustable seat that allows you to alter the direction your child's face is. This is especially beneficial for infants who are advised to sleep in a flat position to help with their breathing and growth. It is also good to find a pushchair that can turn the seat from parent facing to forward facing at the push chairs and prams of a button, since this is helpful when your child becomes a bit older and you need to to monitor them.

The type of wheels on your pushchair is also important. Make sure they are fixed, swivel, or lockable. The dimensions of the wheels will differ and larger wheels typically giving more comfort. It is also important to determine whether the pushchair comes with pneumatic tyres, or the most recent innovation: PU tires. These have all the advantages of air tyres, but without the risk of punctures.

Take into consideration the fold function of your pushchair as well as its weight, as these could influence how easy it is for you to store and transport. Some models have a smaller footprint when folded and can be easily stored in the boot of your car or even in the overhead compartments on public transport.