5 Prams Lessons From Professionals

What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

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

Prams can also come with a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some models even have the option of converting to an infant pushchair.

If you plan on using public transportation or have to fold your pushchair frequently, opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get used more than your bottles and nappies. It is crucial to choose one that has plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted in 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 designed for newborn babies up to around six months old, when they're still at the stage in which they have to lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams have the option of 'parent facing' and 'world facing', so you can choose to let your baby face you for bonding or to let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted to pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a premium single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that infants and toddlers should not be in any pushchair that doesn't recline completely to a flat position. This is because being in a crouched up position can impact their breathing as it causes them to breathe in more air than they normally do and could cause respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a chair with wheels that folds usually to a very compact size. It's usually geared toward toddlers and older infants up to the age of about three years old. These are often constructed from a more durable material compared to prams. There are models that allow you to change the direction that the seat faces so that your child can face you for reassurance, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that your baby is safe in a pram or pram. Always put your baby in a pram or pram that is designed to his size and age. This will help them feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram used it is essential to carry out visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose danger for your child.

When selecting a pram or pushchair pick one that comes with a safety harness that is simple and fast clips. Make sure the buckles are not loose and that the straps are snugly around your child's waist. Choose a model with a larger base since they are more stable than those with a narrow base.

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

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

If your pram or pushchair features a footmuff that is removable, it's a good idea to wash it before using it again in winter. You can do this by 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 from the axles and wheels.

Experts recommend that babies lay flat in a pushchair or pram as soon as they can. This will help their development and lower the chance of developing back problems as they grow older.

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

Style

Parents may want the most practical set-up of wheels they can find however, many parents need a pram that is as fashionable as their child. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine top-quality engineering with attractive designs that are both attractive and practical.

The first thing to consider when choosing a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is simple to clean is essential for infants, who are often messy. This is especially true when you plan to take your stroller on long walks on rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair with removable recline and seat covers which can be washed in the machine. Be sure that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to think about is the direction that your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to switch the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to discover the world around them. Some prams also have this option, however it's not an option for all models.

Combination prams are also known as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can accommodate an infant bassinet on the same frame. They are usually designed to be used starting at birth and are suitable for babies as young as six months old.

A travel system is an alternative to a combination pram as it allows the fitting of car seats on the frame, often by using adaptors. They are ideal for infants and toddlers between birth and three years old. They can be less expensive than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs can be a excellent option for twins or siblings of the same age who both require transport in a safe and comfortable manner. They come in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted with a single car seat or a double.

Stores

Alongside providing safety and comfort to your little one the pram or pushchair should provide ample storage space for the most essential items. Find models with a large basket to accommodate all of your baby's supplies including spare clothes and changing equipment, bottles of water, and snacks. Some also include the child's or parent's compartment that is ideal for storing all of your personal items. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with even more storage choose a convertible pushchair that comes with multiple configurations. The extra space is crucial especially if you want to take your child on long walks or away from home.

Another key feature to consider is the ability to maneuver. Pick swivels wheels that can get around narrow spaces easily. Also, look for locking brakes with a responsive stopping power. If you're thinking of a light model, make sure it has the correct suspension and folding dimensions for easy transport and storage. If you're looking to buy something more durable for off-road travel then pick a model with tough all-terrain tires that can take on rough terrains.

The main difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pram offers a lie-flat sleeping position for newborns, while pushing chairs are more suited to older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted 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 be converted into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

If you're not sure which type of pram or pushchair to choose, read reviews on the internet and ask friends and family members for recommendations. If you are able, test-drive several models before making a decision. This will give you an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You may also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best option for you, as these can be used interchangeably between two babies and reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set wheels each time your child gets older!