What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams have a flat, padded seat that is specifically designed to carry newborns and infants.

Some prams include a bassinet or carrycot for infants. Some models even have the option of converting to a pushchair for older babies.

If you intend to take public transport or fold your pushchair often pick a light and compact stroller.

Comfort

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

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

A pram is made for newborn babies up to about six months old, while they're still at the stage where they need to lie flat, often with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of 'parent ' or world facing.' This allows the user to decide whether they prefer your child to face you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their environment. Some prams can be converted to a pushchair, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double-sized pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

The most important thing to remember is that infants and toddlers should not travel in any pushchair that doesn't recline to a completely flat position. This is because being in a crouched up position can affect their breathing, since it causes them breathe more air than normal and could cause breathing problems in the long time.

A pushchair is a type of seat that folds into a compact size. It's made for older babies and toddlers. They're often made from more durable materials than a pram, and you will typically find models that let you switch the direction of the seat so that your baby can either face you to feel safe or away from you so they can explore the world around them.

Safety

It is important to ensure that your child is secure in a pushchair or pram. Make sure that you put your child in a pushchair or pram that is made to his size and age. This will ensure that they feel secure and safe and will help prevent accidents. When buying a second-hand stroller or pushchair it is crucial to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure it is in good condition and not damaged in any way that could cause harm to your child.

If you're looking for the right pram or pushchair make sure you choose one equipped with a safety harness that has quick and easy clips and connections. Check that the buckles do not have any looseness, and ensure that the straps fit around the baby's torso. Also, look for a wide base, which will offer more stability than narrow-based models.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with things. This can cause it to tip lks 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 is also breathable, which will help keep your baby comfortable and dry.

You should also consider the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. Most 'from birth' pushchairs allow you to switch the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or world facing so they can explore the world around them. Some prams have this option also, but it's not necessary for all models and may only be an optional extra.

Combination prams are also known as 3 in one pushchair-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can accommodate a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth, and are suitable for babies up to six-months old.

A travel system is a similar option to a combined pram, as it permits the fitting of a car seat onto the frame, often using adaptors. These are a great option for toddlers and infants up to three years and can be more cost effective than buying separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs are ideal choice for twins or siblings of the same age who require transportation in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of styles and are equipped with a single or double car seat.

Storage

A pushchair or pram must not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but also have ample storage space for all the essentials. Look for models with a spacious shopping basket that can accommodate all your baby supplies including spare clothes and changing equipment bottles of water, and snacks. Some models also have a child's or parent's area that is ideal for keeping all your personal things. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with even more storage consider a convertible pushchair that offers various configurations. Extra space is important if you're planning to take your baby on long walks or excursions away from home and need storage space for everything you might need.

Maneuvrability is a further aspect to consider. Opt for swivel wheels to make it easy to navigate narrow passageways and also look for brakes with locking that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you're considering an ultra-lightweight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transport. Alternatively, if you want something that is more durable for off-road use, select one with sturdy all-terrain wheels able to cope with rougher surfaces than pavements.

The main distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pram provides the option of a lying-flat sleep position for infants, while the pushchair is better designed for older children and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, while other models such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that transform into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

Whatever type of pushchair or pram you decide to purchase, make sure to read reviews online and seek suggestions from family and friends. If you are able, test-drive a few options before making your decision to get an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You might also want to consider whether a convertible model is the best travel stroller option for you, as these can be used interchangeably between one or two babies, and you can save money on buying an entirely new set wheels each time your child grows older!