9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Stroller
Buying a Pushchair Stroller
A good pushchair stroller should be easy to use. Find a stroller that is simple to use, has a parking break that's simple to set and release, and that can stand up without you having hold it.
Some pushchairs pushchairs can convert to doubles and come with a separate seat and carrycot units to grow with your family. Look for a hood with SPF/UPF50+ as well as a parasol.
Comfort
It is essential that the pushchair is comfortable for both you and your child. The padding on the seat should be a good match to your child's needs and the handlebars need to be adjustable to a suitable height. You may also want consider recline mechanisms with multiple positions - some are adjustable while others offer the flat position suitable for newborns.
Different manufacturers employ different terms to describe their products. However, a pram or pushchair as well as strollers are usually designed for older babies or toddlers. Prams are more traditional and come with a larger frames. Strollers tend to be lighter and compact. Prams can often convert into a stroller seat for infants, so you can continue to use them as your child grows.
Many parents choose the pram for their baby because it is a large carrycot that allows the baby to lay down in a comfortable bed which is ideal for naps and travelling. They can be set to face either parent facing or to be orientated towards the world which makes them perfect for parents who wish to keep their baby in sight throughout their journeys.
If your stroller doesn't come with a seat that can be sat on, then you must invest in a separate carrycot that can be affixed to the chassis of your pram. These carrycots enable your baby to sleep in a upright position, which is crucial for spinal and lung development.
A stroller or pushchair should be a breeze to maneuver and come with a lightweight sturdy frame that's constructed and crafted for smooth surfaces. Test out a friend’s pushchair to see how it performs and if you are able to easily turn it around and maneuver it around tight turns. A one-handed steering system is the best, as this allows you to keep the bag of shopping and handlebars all at once.
Strollers are typically designed to be lighter and more compact than prams, and can fold neatly for storage and transport. They are best suited for long distances and for jogging. Some models come with additional features like sunshades, cup holders or adjustable hoods. They're a great option for families with older infants and toddlers who can sit straight and take in the scenery.
Safety
A stroller must always be used with a child in it, and never left unattended. Avoid overloading it with bags of heavy weight and ensure it's not overloaded as this could cause it to tip over, particularly when you're going up or down slopes. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for the maximum weight that can be placed on the basket and any other places you can hang things from as it is essential to keep baby safe. Choose a basket that has a lid that closes securely to prevent toddlers or babies from getting their fingers stuck in the gap.
A pushchair, also referred as a pram or buggy is required to be fitted with a five-point harness that fits around the waist, shoulders and between the legs. It is also recommended to buy a rain cover to shield your child from the elements. Straps or plastic links to secure toys to ensure they don't fall and get lost are great ideas too.
Look for a smooth, comfortable ride by choosing an air-filled stroller instead of solid rubber ones. These tyres perform similar to bicycle tyres and provide a more comfortable ride. They will also absorb road bumps without feeling them. They are more susceptible to punctures, but they are less susceptible than rubber tyres. It is therefore a good idea for you to carry a puncture-repair kit in case of.
Many parents choose to purchase an infant stroller with a reclined seat to allow the baby to lie back and relax on an outing or walk. This is due to recent research that has shown that babies who are confined to an upright position could be prone to breathing problems. It is recommended to only use a pushchair that has a reclining seat after your baby turns six months old.
Find strollers with brakes that are easily operated and stay locked when not in use. If you are buying a second-hand model, check that the brakes are in good working order before using it with your child. Some older models might have a brake lever that is situated up high where toddlers can reach it. This poses a risk, and you should replace it with an alternative brake lever, to ensure that your child is unable to reach it when they are in the pushchair.
Style
If you're looking for a stroller with a pushchair that can handle uneven and rocky terrain, it is important to determine whether it has locking swivel wheels that can be locked. If you do not have a suspension system, you will need one. It may cost more, but it is worth it if you're going to be using the stroller off-road, or on vacation where the terrain can be rough.
If your baby is still tiny, a pram with a seat that is lying flat is the best choice. According to research infants who aren't lying flat can experience breathing and stress issues when traveling for long periods. It is therefore recommended that you travel only short distances in a stroller that doesn't lie flat on the floor with your infant.
If your baby is getting older and able to sit on their own, you can consider a stroller with a pushchair. They are usually less expensive than prams and can fold to fit in your car boot. They are also great for toddlers who are able to walk independently.
Both types of pushchairs are available in a variety of colors and styles that will suit your own individual style and preferences. Many come with matching accessories that can enhance your baby's journey and make it more enjoyable for you both. You can buy an appropriate bag to keep your baby warm and comfortable during outings. Also, you can add a Platinum Winter Footmuff which has a real down and feather blend filling to withstand cold weather temperatures.
Check the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and maintain a 2-in-1, 3-in-1, or 4-in-1 pushchair. It will differ from brand to brand, but in general, you will need to look for a soft-washable fabric that is easily cleaned by a damp cloth. If your stroller is exposed to dust or mud, then it might be recommended to wash the wheels with a hosepipe or soapy water to avoid scuff marks.
Accessories
There are a variety of accessories available for pushchairs to improve comfort, function and design. Some are essentials for all parents while others can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual.
A carrycot is a must-have accessory, providing newborns with a safe and secure space to rest in. It can be attached easily to a pushchair and has handles when not being used. Carrycots are also equipped with a large hood that protects infants from the elements.
A changing bag is another essential item to have. It's designed to hold everything you need on the day you spend with your child. With straps that are convenient, they're perfect for keeping nappies, wipes bottles, clothes, and snacks in a convenient place.
For rainy days, a pushchair umbrella is a must-have item. It is usually made of waterproof material and tailored to fit the frame of the stroller to ensure an accurate, protective fit. Raincovers can also be a great option for cars, as they can be used with most car seats and strollers.
As your family grows, you might want to add an additional seat or ride-on board to the pushchair. These items, which resemble skateboards, can be connected to the lower sections of the frame of the stroller to allow older siblings to ride along. The majority of brands have adapters specifically made for their ride-on boards which makes it much easier to use.
A footmuff is a crucial accessory during winter that keeps babies warm with its soft liner and waterproof exterior. Many pushchairs include the footmuff in their accessory range or you can purchase the item separately.
Stroller mittens are perfect for colder temperatures, allowing the parent to grip the handlebars without taking off their gloves or putting them on again each time they need to use the brake pedal. For ultimate convenience, a stroller organiser is a great accessory, keeping essentials like keys, phones bus passes, keys, and travel flasks in one place to make it easy to access.
A luggage tag is a great way to identify your stroller when you're out and out and about. The fact that you have your name and contact information in your bag can be helpful in the event that your pushchair gets stolen or lost and it's worth getting one.