How To Research Prams Online
What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams are made to carry infants and babies. They come with a lie-flat seat.
Prams may also come with a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Some can be converted to a pushchair when the baby is older.
If you are planning to use public transport or fold your pushchair often choose a light and compact buggy.
Comfort
Your pushchair will probably be more frequently used than your bottles and nappies. As such, it's important to ensure your child is comfortable on every trip by selecting a model with plenty of padding and an upholstered seat that can be adjusted for the height of your child.
Many buggies, prams and pushchairs come with a blanket to keep your child warm. These blankets are simple to clean and come in a variety of colours and designs.
A pram is made for infants up to about six months old, when they're still at a stage that they must lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams have the option of either facing the parents and the world facing', so you can choose to have your baby face you for bonding or to let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted to a pushchair, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a deluxe single to double pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).
It is important to keep in mind that babies less than six months old should not be carried in a stroller that isn't able to recline completely flat. When they are in a crouching posture, it can impact their breathing as they breathe in more air than normal. This could lead to respiratory problems in the long run.
A pushchair is a seat with wheels that folds typically, to a small size and it's generally geared towards older babies and toddlers that are approximately three years old. They're typically made of a more durable material than a pram double, and you will typically find models that let you alter the direction of the seat so that your baby can either face towards 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 pushchair or pram is crucial. You should never place your child in a folding pushchair or pram specifically designed to fit their age and size. This will make them feel safe and secure and help to prevent any accidents. When purchasing a second-hand pushchair or stroller, it is important 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 a risk for your child.
When you are choosing the right pram or pushchair car seat make sure you choose one equipped with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Make sure that the buckles do not have any looseness, and that the straps are snug around your baby's torso. Also, look for a wide base, which will give more stability than models that have narrow bases.
Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with toys. This could cause the pushchair to tip over and your baby may fall out. Do not put anything that can harm your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, or toys.
Make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean your pushchair or pram. If you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent any mildew or mould forming.
If your pram or pushchair has a removable footmuff, it's best to wash it prior to using it again in winter. This can be accomplished by taking the fabric off, washing it in cold water with soap, and then letting it air dry outside. 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 sets or pushchair. This will aid 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 are suitable for normal or predictable use. This is applicable to both new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.
Style
While some parents are seeking the most practical set of wheels that they have access to most parents would prefer a pram or pushchair that is as stylish as their new child's toy. There are a lot of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality on the market that combine high-end engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.
When you are choosing a pram or pushchair the first thing you need to think about is the seat padding. Babies are messy and therefore having a pushchair that is easy to clean is essential. This is particularly true when you plan to take your stroller on long walks on rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Search for a pushchair that has removable seat covers and recline mechanisms which can be machine washed. Check that the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby dry and comfortable.
Another thing to think about is the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to calm and bond) or to the world, so that your child can explore the world. Some prams have this option, but it's not an option for all models.
Combination prams are also referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can accommodate an infant bassinet on the same frame. They are typically designed for use from birth and are suitable for infants as young as six months old.
A travel system is an option to a combination pram, as it permits you to put car seats on the frame too, usually by using adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and babies until three years old and can be more affordable than buying separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs are great option for twin babies or siblings of similar age who need to be transported in a safe and comfortable manner. They are available in a variety of styles and can be equipped with a double or single car seat.
Storage
In addition to providing safety and comfort to your child, a pushchair or pram should provide ample storage space for the most essential items. Find models with a large basket to accommodate all of your baby's necessities like spare clothes and changing equipment, bottles of water and even snacks. Some models also have a parent or child's compartment that is ideal for storing all your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pushchair with more storage opt for a model that comes with different configurations. It's important to have extra space, especially if you plan to take your child on long walks or leave home.
Maneuvrability is an additional feature to consider. Opt for swivel wheel options to easily navigate narrow passageways, and look out for locking brakes that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you're considering an ultra-lightweight model, make sure it comes with the correct suspension system and foldable dimensions to facilitate storage and transportation. Alternatively, if you want something more sturdy for off-roading, pick a model with robust all-terrain wheels able to handle rougher terrains better than pavements.
A pram is a vehicle that provides an ideal sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is better designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up independently. Some prams convert into pushchairs by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with an adult's seat. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to convert into a carrycot, or car seat.
If you are unsure about which type of pushchair or pram to select, read online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. If you are able, test-drive several models before making a decision. This will give you an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible car, that can be used by two or more children. This will save you money as you don't have to purchase an entirely new set of wheels every time your child grows.