The Little-Known Benefits Of Prams
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 designed to carry babies and newborns.
Prams may also come with a bassinet or a carrycot for babies. Some models even have the option of changing it into an infant pushchair.
If you intend to take public transportation or have to fold up your pushchair regularly pick a light and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair is likely to be among the most frequently used baby products you have. As such, it's important to ensure that your child is comfortable during every outing by choosing an option with plenty of padding and an upholstered seat that can be adjusted to height.
It's worth noting that a lot of prams, buggies and pushchairs come with a pram blanket, which can help to keep your child warm. These blankets are easy to wash and come in a range of colors and designs.
A pram is specifically designed for babies who are approximately six months old as they're at the stage that they must lie flat, often with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Most prams have the option of 'parent facing' and 'world facing', meaning you can choose to have your baby's face facing you to bond with them or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are able to be converted into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double-sized pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).
It is crucial to remember that babies under six months old should not be carried in a stroller that doesn't fully recline. A crouching position can impact their breathing as they breathe in more air than they would normally. This can lead to respiratory problems in the long run.
A pushchair is a seat on wheels that folds, typically to a compact size. It's usually geared towards toddlers and older babies up to the age of around three years old. They're typically constructed of a stronger material than prams. There are also models that allow you to change the direction that the seat is facing to allow your child to be reassured by you or away from you to explore the world.
Safety
It is important to ensure that your child is secure in a pushchair or pram. You should never place your child in a pushchair or triple pram specifically made for their size and age. This will ensure that they feel secure and safe, and will prevent accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram that you've found second-hand, it's 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 the right pram or pushchair, choose one that has a safety harness that is quick and easy clips. Verify that the buckles don't have any looseness, and that the straps are secure around the torso of your baby. Find models with a wider base as they will be more stable than those with a narrow base.
Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with things. This could cause it to tip and your baby may be thrown out. Don't put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.
Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pushchair, make sure that you dry it thoroughly. This will prevent mildew or mould from developing.
It's a great idea clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pushchair or pram before you return to it in winter. It's as simple as taking off the fabric and washing it in cool soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outside. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.
Experts advise that infants lie flat as soon as possible in a pram or pushchair. This will help their development and lessen back pain later in life.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to supply products that will be suitable for normal or regular use. This applies to new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.
Style
While some parents are seeking the most efficient set of wheels they can find most parents would prefer an infant stroller or pushchair that's as stylish as their brand new bundle of joy. There are a lot of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality available that combine quality engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.
The first thing to think about when choosing a pushchair or pram double is the seat padding and adjustable options. Babies can be messy creatures and therefore having a pushchair that's easy to clean is important. This is particularly true if you intend to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair which comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanism that can be washed in the machine. Make sure the fabric is also breathable to help keep your baby comfortable and dry.
You should also think about the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing the parent to calm and bond) or even world facing so that they can explore the world. Some prams also have this option, but it may not be required for all models.
Combination prams, also known as 3 in 1 pram-in-1 prams, are a very popular option for families since they can fit both a bassinet basket and an infant seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used from birth and are suitable for babies up to six-months old.
A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it allows the attachment of car seats to the frame, with adaptors. These are a great option for babies and toddlers up to three years and can be more affordable than buying separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs can be a great option for twin babies or siblings of the same age who require transport in comfort and safety. They are available in a variety of styles and are equipped with a single or double car seat.
Storage
In addition to providing safety and comfort to your baby the pram or pushchair must provide ample storage space for the most essential items. Look for models with large shopping baskets that can accommodate all your baby supplies, including spare clothes as well as changing gear as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some models also have the child's or parent's compartment which is ideal for storing all your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pushchair with additional storage consider a convertible pushchair 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 think about. 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 comes with the correct suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and transportation. If you're looking for something more durable for off-road travel then select a model with sturdy all-terrain tires that are able to take on rough terrains.
A pram is designed to provide an ideal sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is more suitable for older infants and toddlers that can stand up on their own. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair 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 transform into a car seat or carrycot.
If you are unsure about which pushchair or pram to select, read online reviews and ask your friends and family members for recommendations. If you can, test drive a few options before making a decision. This will give you an impression of how they feel and how they fold and how heavy they are. You might also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best choice for you, since they can be used interchangeably between two babies, and you can save money on buying an entirely new set wheels every time your baby grows up!
