Five Prams Lessons From Professionals
What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams have a flat seat that is specifically designed to be used by babies and newborns.
Some prams include an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for newborns. Some can be converted into an infant pushchair once the baby is older.
If you're planning to use public transport or fold your pushchair frequently opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Your pushchair will probably be more frequently used than your bottles and nappies. It's therefore crucial to ensure that your child is comfortable during every trip by choosing one with plenty of padding and an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted for the height of your child.
It's also worth noting that many prams and buggies also come with a pram blanket, which can help to keep your child warm. They can be easily put in the wash and are available in a range of different colours and designs to suit your style.
A pram is for newborns up to six months of age, and they are still at the stage that they must lay flat. Often, a carrycot or bassinet is attached to the frame. The majority of prams offer a choice of 'parent facing' and 'world facing', which means you can choose whether to let your baby face you to bond with them or let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe 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 transported in a pushchair that doesn't fully recline. This is because travelling in a crouching position can affect their breathing, because it causes them to breathe in more air than they normally do and could cause respiratory problems in the longer term.
A pushchair is a chair with wheels that folds typically, to a small size. It's usually geared towards older babies and toddlers until around three years old. They're usually made of a more durable material than a pram and you can usually find models that let you alter the direction of the seat so that your child can either face you to provide reassurance, or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.
Safety
The safety of your baby in a pram or pushchair is crucial. Only ever place your baby in a pram or pram that is made for his age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. If you're buying a pushchair or pram used it is essential to conduct visual safety inspections. This will ensure it's in good condition and not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your baby.
When you are choosing a pram or pushchair pick one that comes with an safety harness with simple and quick clips. Make sure that the buckles do not have any slack and that the straps are secure around the baby's torso. Also, look for a wide base, which will provide greater stability than narrow-based models.
Avoid overloadeding your pram or pushchair with things. This can cause it to tip and your baby might fall out. Don't put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, or toys.
Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram. If you're cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, always dry it thoroughly outside to prevent mildew or mould from developing.
It's a great idea wash the removable footmuff on your pram and car seat or pushchair before you can use it again in winter. This can be done by taking off the fabric and washing it in cold water with soap and letting it air dry outside. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.
Experts recommend that babies lay flat in a pushchair or pram as early as possible. This will help their development and lower the chance of back issues as they age.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that will be safe for normal or reliable use. This is applicable to both new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.
Style
Some parents are looking for the most efficient set-up of wheels they can get however, many parents require a stroller that is as stylish as their child. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality pushchairs and prams on the market that blend high-end engineering with attractive designs that are as striking as they are practical.
The first thing to think about when choosing a pushchair pram is the seat padding and adjustable options. Babies are messy and so having a pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial. This is particularly true if you intend to take your stroller travel on long walks on rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair which comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanism that can be machine-washed. Check that the fabric can be machine washed to keep your baby comfortable and dry.
Another thing to think about is the direction your baby is facing in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' allow you to change the seat between parent facing (facing towards the parent for bonding and reassurance) or facing the world to allow your child to discover the world around them. Some prams have this option as well however it's not required for all models and could only be an optional extra.
Combination top prams are referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can accommodate an infant bassinet on the same frame. They are usually designed to be used from birth and are suitable for babies up to six months.
A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it permits you to connect a car seat to the frame using adaptors. These are great for babies and toddlers between birth and three years old. They can be less expensive than buying separate items.
Twin prams and pushchairs can be a great choice for siblings or twins who want to travel in safety and comfort. These are available in many styles and can be fitted with either one car seat or a double one.
Storage
A pushchair or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but provide ample storage space for all the essentials. Find models with an ample shopping basket that can contain all the baby's items, such as spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some also include the child's or parent's compartment which is ideal for storing all of your personal belongings. If you're looking for a stroller with more storage, choose a pushchair with multiple 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 require a place to store everything you'll need.
Maneuvrability is an additional feature to take into consideration. Select swivel wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also, look for locking brakes that have a receptive stopping power. If you're considering a lightweight stroller model, ensure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transportation. Alternatively, if you want something more sturdy for off-roading, pick an option with strong, all-terrain wheels that can handle rougher terrains better than pavements.
The primary distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pushchair offers an easy, flat sleeping position for infants, while the pushchair is better designed for older children and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with an adult's seat. Other models such as the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to be converted into a carrycot or car seat.
If you are unsure about which pushchair or pram to pick, read reviews on the internet and ask friends and family for suggestions. Test-drive several options before you make your decision. This will give you an idea of their weight, their folding capabilities and how they feel. You might also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best option for you, because they can be used interchangeably between two babies and save money on purchasing an entirely new set of wheels every time your baby grows up!