The Lesser-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 specifically designed to be used by newborns and infants.
Prams can also come with a bassinet or a carrycot for infants. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair once the baby is older.
If you are planning to use public transport or need to fold up your pushchair regularly pick a light and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to be more frequently used than your nappies and bottles. It is important to choose a model that has plenty of padding, a comfortable seat and can be adjusted in height.
It's important to note that many prams and buggies also come with a fitted pram blanket that can help to keep your child warm. They are easy to wash and come in a range of designs and colours.
A pram is designed for newborn babies up to approximately six months old while they're still in the stage of development that they must lay flat, usually with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of 'parent facing pushchair facing' and 'world facing', so you can decide whether to let your baby face you for bonding or to let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair that can be used as early as birth with the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).
It is vital to keep in mind that babies less than six months old shouldn't be transported in a pushchair that isn't able to recline completely flat. When they are in a crouching posture, it could affect their breathing since they inhale more than normal. This could lead to respiratory problems in the long term.
A pushchair is a vehicle on wheels that folds, usually to a very compact size. It's usually geared towards older babies and toddlers until approximately three years old. They're usually made of more durable materials than a pram. You will typically find models that let you switch the direction of the seat so that your baby 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 child in a pushchair or pram is essential. It is best to only put your child in a pram or pushchair specifically designed to fit their age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure, and also prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand pushchair or my babiie stroller it is essential to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure it is in good working order and is not damaged in a way that could cause harm to your child.
When you are choosing a pushchair or pram choose one equipped with a safety harness that includes quick and simple clips and connections. Make sure the buckles aren't loose and that the straps are snugly around your baby's waist. Look for models with a larger base since 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 over and your baby could fall out. Similarly, don't put anything in the basket that could fall out and harm your baby - this includes drinks, toys and snacks.
Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, make sure you dry it outside thoroughly. This will stop mould or mildew from forming.
It's a great idea clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pushchair or pram prior to when you use it again in winter. You can do this by removing the fabric and washing it in cool soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outdoors. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.
Experts advise that infants lay flat as soon as they can in a pushchair or pram. This will help their development and reduce the chance of developing back problems as they grow older.
Retailers and manufacturers are required to fulfill a duty under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to provide products that are safe to use in regular or reasonably foreseeable usage. This applies to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.
Style
Parents may want the most functional set-up of wheels they can find however, many parents require a toddler stroller that is as fashionable as their baby. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine top-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both eye-catching and practical.
When choosing a pram or pushchair the first thing you should consider is the seat padding. A pushchair that is easy to clean is essential for children, as they are often messy. This is particularly true if you plan to make use of your pushchair for long walks on rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Find a pushchair that has removable recline and seat covers which can be washed in the machine. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed to keep your baby comfortable and dry.
You should also think about the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to change the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to explore the world around them. Some models have this option too but it's not required for all models and could only be an optional extra.
Combination prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are a popular option for families since they can fit both the bassinet basket as well as an infant seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used from birth, and are suitable for babies from six months old to.
A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it allows you to connect a car seat to the frame, with adaptors. These are a great option for toddlers and babies from 3 years old and are more cost effective than buying separate items.
Twin prams or pushchairs can be a ideal choice for twins or siblings of similar age who require transportation in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of styles and are equipped with a double or single car seat pram seat.
Stores
A pushchair or pram should not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but should also have ample storage space for all the necessities. Look for models that have a spacious shopping basket that can store everything your baby needs, including spare clothes and changing equipment as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the parent or child which is ideal for storing your personal items. If you're looking for a pushchair with even more storage, opt for a convertible pushchair that offers various configurations. Extra space is crucial if you plan to take your child for long walks or excursions away from home and require an area to store anything you might need.
Another important aspect to consider is the ability to maneuver. Select swivel wheels to navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also look for locking brakes with a responsive stopping power. If you're considering an ultra-lightweight model, make sure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and transportation. If you're looking for something that's more durable for off-road travel then pick a model with sturdy all-terrain tires that are able to be able to handle the rougher terrain.
The primary difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pram provides a lie-flat sleeping position for infants, while a pushchair is more suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be transformed 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 convert into a car seat or carrycot.
If you are unsure about the type of pushchair or pram to select look up online reviews and ask your friends and family for recommendations. If you can, test drive several models before making your choice to get an idea of how they feel and fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible vehicle, which is suitable for two or more children. This will save you money as you don't have to buy an entirely new set of wheels every time your child grows.