Prams 101 A Complete Guide For Beginners
What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams come with a flat seat that is specifically designed to be used by newborns and infants.
Some prams include a bassinet or carrycot for infants. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.
If you are planning to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair often opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Alongside bottles and nappies, your pushchair will be one of the most used baby products you have. It's therefore crucial to make sure your child is safe on every trip by choosing a model with plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted for the height of your child.
It's important to note that many prams and buggies also come with a pram blanket that can help to keep your child warm. They can be easily put into the washing machine and are available in a range of different colours and designs to fit your personal preference.
A pram is specifically designed for infants up to around six months old, while they're still in the stage of development in which they have to lie flat, often with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of 'parent facing' and 'world facing', meaning you can choose to let your baby face you to bond with them or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are able to be converted into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a deluxe single to double pushchair that is suitable from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).
The most important thing to keep in mind is that very young babies should not be in any pushchair that does not recline to a fully flat position. This is because travelling in a position that is prone to slumber can affect their breathing, since it causes them breathe more air than normal and could lead to respiratory issues in the long term.
A pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds typically to a compact size, and is generally designed toward toddlers and older infants that are about three years old. They are typically constructed of a stronger material than prams. You can also find models that let you change the direction the seat is facing to allow your child to be reassured by you, or away from you to explore the world.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that your baby is secure in a pushchair or pram. You should only ever place your child in a pushchair or pram that has been designed for their age and size. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. When buying a second-hand pushchair or stroller it is crucial to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure that the item is in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose danger to your baby.
When you are choosing the right pram or pushchair, look for one with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Verify that the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit snugly around the waist of your child. Find models with a larger base since they will be more stable than those with a smaller base.
Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with things. This could cause the pushchair to fall over and your baby pram may fall out. Be careful not to put anything that could harm your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pram or pushchair. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, be sure you dry it outside thoroughly. This will prevent mould or mildew from forming.
It's a great idea clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pram or pushchair before you use it again in winter. This can be accomplished by taking off the fabric and washing it in cool water with soap and letting it dry outside. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.
Experts suggest that infants lie flat as soon as they can in a pushchair or pram. This will aid their development and reduce back problems later in life.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, both retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that are safe for normal or reliable use. This applies to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.
Style
While some parents are seeking the most practical set of wheels that they have access to, many want a pushchair or pram that's as stylish as their new bundle of joy. There are plenty of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality on the market that blend high-end engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.
When selecting a pram or pushchair, the first thing you need to consider is the seat padding. A pushchair that is easy to clean is essential for children, as they can be messy. This is especially important if you plan to take long walks through rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Search for a pushchair that comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanisms that can be machine-washed. Check that the fabric is also breathable to help keep your baby comfortable and dry.
You should also consider the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' allow you to switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or to the world, so that your child can explore the world. Some prams have this option as well however it's not required for all models and could only be an optional extra.
Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are a popular option for families because they can accommodate a bassinet basket and an incline seat on the same frame. They are usually designed for use from birth and are suitable for babies up to six months.
A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it allows you to attach a car seat to the frame, using adaptors. These are great options for toddlers and infants until three years old and are more cost effective than buying separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs are a ideal choice for twins or siblings of similar age who need to be transported in safety and comfort. They come in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted with a single car seat or a double.
Storage
Alongside providing safety and comfort to your little one, a pram or pushchair must provide ample storage space for the most essential items. Look for models with an ample shopping basket that can hold all of your baby's necessities like spare clothes, changing equipment, water bottles and snacks. Some models have a compartment for the child or parent, which is perfect to store your personal items. If you want a pram that is more spacious opt for a model that comes with different configurations. Having extra space is especially crucial if you plan to take your baby on long walks or on trips away from home and need an area to store anything you'll require.
Another key feature to consider is the ability to maneuver. Choose swivels wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also look for brakes that are locked with a responsive stopping power. If you're considering a light-weight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and transportation. Alternatively, if you want something more robust for off-road use, select one with sturdy, all-terrain wheels that can be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.
A pram is designed to offer a flat sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers that can stand up on their own. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs by removing the bassinet and replacing it with an adult seat. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to be converted into a carrycot or car seat.
If you're unsure of which type of pushchair or pram to pick look up reviews on the internet and ask friends and family members for recommendations. If possible, test-drive a few models prior to making a decision. This will give you an impression of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You might also want to think about whether a convertible model is the right choice for you, since these can be used interchangeably between two babies and save money on buying an entirely new set wheels each time your little one grows older!