10 Healthy Habits For Prams
What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams have a flat seat that is specifically designed to carry babies and newborns.
Prams are also available with a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair once the baby is older.
If you plan to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair often opt for a lightweight and compact buggy.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to get used more than your nappies and bottles. It is important to choose one that has plenty of padding, a comfortable seat and can be adjusted in the height.
Many buggies, prams and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. They can be popped in the wash and are available in a range of different colours and designs to match your style.
A pram is designed for infants up to six months of age, when they are still at a stage that they need to lay flat. Often, a bassinet, or carrycot, will be attached to the frame. The majority of prams offer a choice of facing the parents and the world facing', meaning you can decide whether to let your baby face you to bond with them or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams convert into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 – a luxurious single-to-double pushchair that can be used as early as birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).
It is important to keep in mind that babies less than six months old should not be carried in a pushchair that doesn't fully recline. This is due to the fact that being in a crouching position could affect their breathing since it causes them breathe in more air than they normally do and can even lead to respiratory problems in the longer term.
A pushchair is a seat on wheels that folds, usually to a very compact travel pram size and it's generally geared towards older babies and toddlers until about three years old. They're usually made of more durable materials than a pram, and you will typically find models that allow you to switch the direction of the seat so that your child can either face towards you for reassurance or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.
Safety
The safety of your baby in a pram for newborn or pushchair is vital. Make sure that you put your baby in a pushchair or pram designed for his age and size. This will make them feel secure and safe, and prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand pushchair or stroller, it is important to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could be dangerous for your child.
When choosing a pram or pushchair pick one that comes with a safety harness with simple and fast clips. Check that the buckles do not have any looseness and that the straps are secure around the torso of your baby. Look for models with a wider base as they will be more stable than models with a narrow base.
Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with items. This can cause it to tip and your baby may fall out. Be careful not to put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, and toys.
Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram. Whether you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, make sure you dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent any mildew or mould forming.
It's a good idea to wash the removable footmuff of your pushchair or pram prior to when you return to it in winter. You can do this by taking the fabric off and washing it with cool soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outdoors. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.
Experts suggest that infants lay flat as soon as they can in a pram or pushchair. This will aid their development and help reduce back problems later on in life.
Manufacturers and retailers have a duty under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to offer products that are safe in the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This is applicable to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.
Style
While some parents are after the most efficient set of wheels they have access to Many parents want an infant stroller or pushchair that's just as stylish as their brand new baby. There are plenty of high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine high-end engineering with fetching designs that are as eye-catching as they are practical.
When you are choosing a pram or pushchair the first thing you should think about is the seat padding. A pushchair that is simple to clean is crucial for infants, who can be messy. This is especially true in the event that you plan to use your pushchair for long walks in rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Find a pushchair which comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanisms that can be washed in the machine. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.
Another thing to think about is the direction that your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent facing pram to calm and bond) or world facing, so that they can explore the world. Some prams have this option too however it's not required for all models and may be an option that is only available as an extra.
Combination prams are also known as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can accommodate bassinet baskets on the same frame. They are designed to be used right from birth, and are suitable for babies as young as six months old.
A travel system is a similar option to a combined pram in that it allows you to put a car seat onto the frame too, usually with adaptors. These are great options for toddlers and infants from 3 years old and are more cost effective than buying separate products.
Twin prams and pushchairs are the ideal option for twins or siblings who want to travel in the comfort and safety of. They are available in a range of styles and are fitted with a single or double car seat.
Storage
As well as offering comfort and safety for your baby, a pram or pushchair should provide ample storage for all the essentials. Look for models that have a large basket to contain all your baby's necessities, such as spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water and even snacks. Some include a child's or parent's area which is ideal for storing all of your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pushchair that is more spacious and storage space, consider a pushchair that has different configurations. Extra space is important if you're planning on take your child on long walks or trips away from home and require storage space for everything you'll require.
Maneuvrability is an additional feature to think about. Select swivel wheels to get around narrow spaces easily. Also look for locking brakes that have a receptive stopping power. If you're looking at a lighter model, ensure it has the correct suspension and folding dimensions to make it easy to transport and store. If you're looking for something more robust for off-road use, pick a model with sturdy all-terrain tires that are able to handle rougher surfaces.
A pram is designed to provide an easy sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is more designed for older babies and toddlers that can sit up independently. Some prams can be transformed 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 convert into an automobile seat or a carrycot.
If you're unsure of which type of pushchair or pram to pick look up reviews on the internet and ask friends and family for suggestions. Try out several models before making a final decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, how they fold and how they feel. Consider a convertible car which is suitable for one or two kids. This will save you money since you won't need to buy an entirely new set of wheels each time your child grows.