Five Prams Lessons From The 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 infants and toddlers with a lie-flat seat.

Some prams include an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for infants. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.

If you plan to use public transport or fold your pushchair often opt for a lightweight and compact buggy.

Comfort

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

It's important to note that many prams or buggies are equipped with a pram blanket that can help to keep your child warm. They can be easily put into the wash and are available in a variety of colors and designs to match your preference.

A pram is for newborns from 6 months to 6 years of age, and they are still at the point where they require to lie flat. Most often, a carrycot, or bassinet, is attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of 'parent facing or world facing.' This allows you to decide if you prefer your baby to be facing you in order to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their environment. Some prams can be converted to 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).

It is vital to remember that infants less than six months old should not be carried in a stroller that isn't able to recline completely flat. Traveling in a crouching position could affect their breathing since they inhale more than they would normally. This could lead to respiratory issues in the long run.

A pushchair is a seat that folds down into a compact size. It's specifically designed for push chairs and prams older children and toddlers. They're typically made of an extra durable material than a pram, and you can typically find models that allow you to switch the direction of the seat so that your child can face you to provide reassurance, or away from you so they can explore the world around them.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure your child is secure in a pushchair or pram. Only ever place your child in a pushchair or pram that is designed for his age and size. This will help them feel secure and safe, and prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand stroller or pushchair, it is important to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure it's in good working order and is not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your child.

When you are choosing a pushchair or pram choose one equipped with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Make sure the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit comfortably around the waist of your child. Choose a model with a larger base since they will be more stable than models with a smaller base.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with items. This can cause the pushchair to fall over, and your baby could be thrown out. Similarly, don't put anything in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby - this includes toys, drinks and snacks.

Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, be sure that you dry it thoroughly. This will prevent mould or mildew from forming.

It's a great idea to wash the removable footmuff of your pushchair or pram before you can use it again in winter. This can be done by removing the fabric, washing it in cold water with soap and letting it dry outside. You should also brush off any dirt or mud off the axles and wheels.

Experts suggest that infants lay flat as soon as they can in a pram or pushchair. This will help them develop and reduce the chance of back issues as they get older.

Retailers and manufacturers are required to fulfill obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to offer products that are safe for the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This applies to new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.

Style

While some parents are looking for the most efficient set of wheels that they can find most parents would prefer a pram or pushchair that's as stylish as their new bundle of joy. There are numerous high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine high-end engineering with attractive designs that are both appealing and practical.

When you are choosing a pushchair or pram the first thing you should think about is the seat padding. A pushchair that is easy to clean will be important for children, as they are often messy. This is particularly true if you intend to use your stroller for long walks over rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair with removable seat covers and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

It is also important to consider the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' allow you to switch the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent facing pram to provide reassurance and bonding) or world facing so they can explore the world around them. Some pushchairs also offer this option, however it may not be required for all models.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are a very popular option for families since they can accommodate a bassinet basket and a pushchair seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used from birth and are suitable for babies as young as six months old.

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it allows you to attach a car seat to the frame using adaptors. These are a great option for toddlers and babies from 3 years old and are more cost effective than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs are a excellent option for twins or siblings of similar age who require transport in comfort and safety. They are available in a variety of designs and can be fitted with a single car seat or a double.

Stores

In addition to providing security and comfort for your child, a pushchair or pram must provide ample storage space for the most essential items. Find models with large shopping baskets that can hold everything your baby needs including spare clothing and changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some models also have the child's or parent's compartment which is ideal for storing all of your personal items. If you're looking for a pushchair with even more storage choose a convertible model that has various configurations. Having extra space is especially important if you're planning to take your child on long walks or on trips away from home and need storage space for everything you'll require.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is maneuverability. Opt for swivel wheels to effortlessly navigate narrow spaces, and look out for locking brakes that are able to stop quickly. If you're considering a lightweight model, ensure it has the proper dimensions for suspension and folding to allow for easy storage and transport. Alternatively, if you want something more robust for off-roading, pick one with sturdy all-terrain wheels able to be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

A pram is designed to provide an easy sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is best designed for older babies and toddlers who can stand up on their own. Some prams can be transformed 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 can be converted into a car seat or carrycot.

Whatever kind of pushchair or pram you pick, make sure to read reviews on the internet and ask for recommendations from friends and family. 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. Consider a convertible vehicle, that can be used by one or two children. This will save you money by not having to buy a new set of wheels every time your child grows.