A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind Prams
What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams come with a flat seat that is specifically designed to carry newborns and infants.
Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot for infants. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.
If you are planning to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair frequently opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to be utilized more often than your nappies and bottles. It is important to choose one that has plenty of padding and a comfortable seating position that can be adjusted to height.
Many buggies, prams, and pushchairs include a fitted blanket to keep your child warm. They can be easily put into the washing machine and are available in a variety of designs and colours to fit your personal preferences.
A pram is designed for babies who are about six months old, while they're still in the stage of development in which they have to lie flat, often with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of 'parent ' or 'world-facing. This allows you to decide if you want your baby to face you to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used as early as birth with a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).
The most important thing to keep in mind is that babies who are very young shouldn't be using any pushchair that doesn't recline completely to a flat position. A crouching position can impact their breathing as they inhale more than they would normally. This can lead to respiratory problems in the future.
A pushchair is a vehicle on wheels that folds typically to a compact size, and is generally designed toward toddlers and older infants up to the age of about three years old. These are often constructed of a stronger material than prams. There are also models that let you change the direction the seat faces to allow your child to be reassured by you or turn away to explore the world.
Safety
It is important to ensure that your baby is secure in a pushchair or pram set. Always put your baby in a pram or pram designed to his size and age. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. If you're purchasing a pushchair or pram that you've found second-hand it is essential to carry out visual safety inspections. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose a risk to your baby.
When choosing the right pram or pushchair, choose one that has a safety harness that is simple and fast clips. Verify that the buckles don't have any slack and that the straps are snug around the baby's torso. Also look for a wide base, which will give more stability than narrow-based models.
Avoid overloading your pram or pushchair with things. This could cause the pushchair to tip over and your baby may be thrown out. Similarly, don't put things in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby stroller - this includes toys, drinks and snacks.
Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram. Whether you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outdoors to avoid any mould or mildew developing.
If your pram or pushchair has a removable footmuff it's a good idea wash it prior to using it again in winter. It's as simple as taking the fabric off and washing it in soapy water and allowing it to air dry outside. You should also scrub any dirt or mud off the axles and wheels.
Experts recommend that infants lie down as soon as they can in a pram or pushchair. This will help their development and reduce the risk of back problems as they age.
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 both new and second hand prams and strollers.
Style
While some parents are after the most practical set of wheels they can get their hands on, many want a pram or pushchair that is as stylish as their new bundle of joy. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine high-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both attractive and practical.
When you are choosing the right pushchair or pram the first thing to be thinking about is the padding for the seat. A pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial for infants, who can be messy. This is especially important when you intend to make use of your pushchair for long walks in rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Find a pushchair that has removable seat covers and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Make sure the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.
Another thing to consider is the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to discover the world around them. Some pushchairs offer this feature also but it's not necessary for all models and could be an optional feature.
Combination prams are referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can accommodate a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are designed to be used right from birth, and are suitable for infants up to six-months old.
A travel system is an option to a combined pram as it allows you to fit car seats on the frame, often by using adaptors. These are great options for toddlers and babies until three years old and are more affordable than buying separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs are a excellent option for twins or siblings of similar age who need to be transported in a safe and comfortable manner. They are available in a range of styles and equipped with a single or double car seat.
Stores
A pushchair or pram should not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but offer ample storage for all of the essentials. Look for models with a large basket to contain all your baby pram's supplies including spare clothes, changing equipment, bottles of water, and snacks. Some models have a compartment for the parent or child that is ideal for storing your personal items. 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 to take your baby on long walks or excursions away from home and require a place to store everything you'll need.
Maneuvrability is an additional feature to take into consideration. Opt for swivel wheels to make it easy to navigate narrow passageways, and look out for brakes with locking that are able to stop quickly. If you're thinking of a light model, make sure it has the correct dimensions for folding and suspension to allow for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something that is more durable for off-road use, select a model with robust all-terrain wheels able to cope with rougher surfaces than pavements.
A pram is designed to provide an ideal sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is best designed for older babies and toddlers that can sit 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 models that can be converted into an automobile seat or a carrycot.
If you're not sure which pram or pushchair to choose, read reviews on the internet and ask friends and family for suggestions. Try out a variety of models before you make your decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, how they fold and how they feel. You may also want to consider whether a convertible model is the best choice for you, since these can be used interchangeably between one or two babies, and you can save money on buying an entirely new set of wheels each time your little one grows up!