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 have a flat, padded seat that is specifically designed to be used by infants and babies.
Some prams include the option of a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.
If you are planning to use public transport or fold your pushchair frequently pick a light and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Alongside bottles and nappies, your pushchair will be one of the most frequently used baby products you have. It's therefore crucial to ensure your child is comfortable on every trip by choosing a model with plenty of padding as well as an upholstered seat that can be adjusted for the height of your child.
Many buggies, prams travel system, and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. They can be easily put in the wash and are available in a variety of colors and designs to suit your preference.
A pram is specifically designed for newborn babies up to around six months old, as they're in the stage of development in which they have to lay flat, usually with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. The majority of prams have the option of 'parent facing or 'world-facing. This enables you to decide if you prefer your baby to be facing you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their environment. 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 up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).
It is important to remember that infants less than six months old shouldn't be carried in a pushchair that isn't able to recline completely flat. This is because travelling in a crouched up position can affect their breathing, as it causes them to inhale more air than normal and can even lead to breathing problems in the long time.
A pushchair is a chair with wheels that folds typically, to a small size, and is generally designed toward toddlers and older infants that are around three years old. They are typically constructed of a stronger material compared to prams. You can also find models that allow you to alter the direction in which the seat is facing so that your child can be reassured by you, or away from you to explore the world.
Safety
The safety of your child in a pram or pushchair is vital. You should never place your child in a pram bags or pushchair that is made for their age and size. This will help them feel secure and safe and help to prevent any accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram second-hand it's essential to conduct visual safety inspections. This will ensure it is in good condition and not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your baby.
When selecting the right pram or pushchair, choose one that has a safety harness with simple and fast clips. Make sure the buckles aren't loose and that the straps are snugly around the waist of your child. Also, look for a broad base, as this will offer more stability than narrow-based models.
Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with things. This can cause it to tip over and your baby could fall out. Don't place anything in the basket that could fall out and harm your baby - this includes toys, drinks and food items.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pram or pushchair. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pushchair, make sure that you dry it thoroughly. This will stop mildew or mould from developing.
It's a great idea to wash the removable footmuff of your pushchair or pram before you return to it in winter. You can do this by taking the fabric off and washing it in soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outdoors. You should also brush off any dirt or mud that has accumulated on the axles and wheels.
Experts recommend that infants lie flat as soon as possible in a pram or pushchair. This will help their development and reduce back pain later in life.
Retailers and manufacturers are required to fulfill an obligation under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to provide products that are safe in the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This applies to new and second-hand prams and strollers.
Style
Some parents want the most practical set-up of wheels they can find however, many parents require a stroller that is as fashionable as their infant. There are numerous high-end prams and pushchairs that combine high-end engineering with attractive designs that are both appealing and practical.
The first thing to think about when choosing a pushchair pram is the seat padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is easy to clean is essential for children, as they can be messy. This is especially true if you plan to use your pushchair for long walks in rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Find a pushchair which comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanism which can be machine washed. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed to keep your baby dry and comfortable.
You should also consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from birth' pushchairs allow you to switch the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent for reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to discover the world around them. Some models have this option too but it's not necessary for all models and can be an optional feature.
Combination prams are referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can fit an infant bassinet on the same frame. They are usually designed to be used starting at birth and are suitable for infants as young as six months old.
A travel stroller system is similar to a stroller combination in that it permits the attachment of car seats to the frame, using adaptors. These are a great option for babies and toddlers up to three years and can be more affordable than buying separate items.
twin pram prams or pushchairs can be a great option for twin babies or siblings of the same age who need to be transported in a safe and comfortable manner. They are available in a variety of styles and are equipped with a single or double car seat.
Stores
A pram or pushchair should not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but offer ample storage for all the necessities. Find models with an ample shopping basket that can accommodate all the baby items, including spare clothes, changing gear as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some include a parent or child's compartment which is ideal for storing all your personal things. If you want a pram with more storage opt for a model that comes with multiple configurations. Extra space is important if you're planning on take your baby on long walks or excursions away from home and require storage space for everything you'll need.
Maneuvrability is an additional feature to consider. Select swivel wheels to navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also, look for locking brakes with a responsive stopping power. If you're looking at a lightweight model, ensure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions to facilitate storage and transportation. If you're looking for something more robust for off-roading, choose a model that has tough all-terrain tires that can take on rough terrains.
The main distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pram provides a lie-flat sleeping position for infants, while pushing chairs are more suitable for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams are able to be converted into a pushchair simply by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that can be converted into a car seat or carrycot.
If you're unsure of which type of pushchair or pram to pick, read online reviews and ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Try out several models 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 consider whether a convertible model is the best travel pushchair option for you, because they can be used interchangeably between two babies and reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set wheels each time your little one gets older!