Why Everyone Is Talking About Prams Right Now
What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams are designed to carry newborns and young babies with a lying-flat seat.
Prams may also come with a bassinet or carrycot for infants. Some models even have the option of converting to a pushchair for older children.
If you are planning to use public transport or fold your pushchair frequently pick a light and compact buggy.
Comfort
Your pushchair will probably be used more than your nappies and bottles. It is important to choose a model that has plenty of padding and a comfortable seating position that can be adjusted to the height.
Many buggies, prams and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. These blankets are easy to clean and come in a variety of designs and colours.
A pram is designed for babies who are around six months old, as they're in the stage of development that they must lay flat, usually with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of facing your child's parents or the world facing', so you can choose whether to have your baby's face facing you for bonding or to allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pram pushchair that can be used from birth with the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).
It is vital to keep in mind that babies less than six months old should not be transported in a pushchair that isn't able to recline completely flat. When they are in a crouching posture, it can impact their breathing as they breathe more than they would normally. This could cause respiratory problems in the long run.
A pushchair is a seat 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. They're usually made of more durable materials than a pram and you can usually find models that allow you to switch the direction of the seat so that your child can either face you to feel safe or away from you so they can explore the world around them.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that your baby is secure in a pushchair or pram. Make sure that you place your baby in a pram or pram designed for his age and size. This will make them feel safe and secure, and prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand pushchair or stroller it is crucial to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition, and is not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your baby.
When you are choosing a pushchair or pram, look for one with a safety harness which has quick and easy clips and connections. Verify that the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit comfortably around your child's waist. Also, look for a wide base, which will offer more stability than models that have narrow bases.
Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with items. This could cause it to tip over and your baby may fall out. Don't place things in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby. This includes drinks, toys and food items.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pushchair or pram. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pushchair, make sure to dry it outside thoroughly. This will stop the growth of mould or mildew.
If your pram or pushchair features a footmuff that is removable, it's best to wash it before you use it again in winter. It's as simple as taking off the fabric and washing it in soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outside. It's also recommended to scrub any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.
Experts suggest that infants lay flat as soon as they can in a pushchair or pram. This will help their development and reduce back pain later in life.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that are suitable for normal or predictable use. This applies to new prams and pushchairs prams as well as second-hand ones.
Style
Parents may want the most practical set-up of wheels they can find, but many parents also need a pram that is as stylish as their infant. There are numerous high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine high-end engineering with attractive designs that are both eye-catching and practical.
When selecting a pram or pushchair, the first thing you should think about is the seat padding. A pushchair that is easy to clean is essential for infants, who are often messy. This is true especially when you plan to use your stroller for long walks over rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair which comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanisms that can be machine-washed. Check that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby dry and comfortable.
It is also important to consider the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. Most 'from birth' pushchairs allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent for bonding and reassurance) or facing the world so that they can explore the world around them. Some pushchairs also offer this option, but it's not an option for all models.
Combination prams, also referred to as 3 in one pushchair-in-1 prams, are a very popular option for families because they can fit both a bassinet basket and an incline seat on the same frame. They are often designed for use from birth and are suitable for newborns from 6 months to.
A travel system is a similar option to a combined pram as it allows the fitting of car seats on the frame, typically with adaptors. These are a great option for babies and toddlers up to three years and are cheaper than purchasing separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs are a great option for twin babies or siblings of similar age who require transportation in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of styles and fitted with a double or single car seat.
Storage
In addition to providing safety and comfort to your little one, a pushchair or pram must provide ample storage space for all the necessities. Look for models with an ample shopping basket that can contain all your baby's necessities including spare clothes, changing equipment, bottles of water and even snacks. Some models also have a parent or child's compartment that is ideal for storing all of your personal items. If you want a pram that is more spacious, choose a pushchair with various configurations. Extra space is important if you're planning on take your child for long walks or on trips away from home and require a place to store everything you'll need.
Another important aspect to consider is the ability to maneuver. Select swivel wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also look for brakes that are locked with a responsive stopping power. If you're looking at a lighter model, make sure it has the right dimensions for folding pushchair and suspension to allow for easy storage and transport. If you're looking to buy something more robust for off-road use, pick a model with robust all-terrain tires that are able to be able to handle the rougher terrain.
The primary difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pushchair offers the option of a lying-flat sleep position for newborns, while the pushchair is better designed for older children and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted to a pushchair by taking out 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 transform into the car seat or carrycot.
If you're unsure of which pram or pushchair to choose check out online reviews and ask your friends and family for suggestions. Test-drive several options before you make your decision. This will give you an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. You may also want think about whether a convertible model is the right option for you, because these can be used interchangeably between two babies and reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set of wheels every time your baby grows older!