15 Inspiring Facts About Prams That You ve Never Heard Of
What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams have a flat, padded seat that is specifically designed to carry newborns and infants.
Some prams include the option of a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some models even have the option of converting to an infant pushchair.
If you are planning to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair regularly pick a light and compact buggy.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to be used more than your bottles and nappies. It is crucial to choose one that is full of padding and a comfortable seating position that can be adjusted to the height.
Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs come with a blanket to keep your child warm. They can be easily put into the wash and are available in a range of designs and colours to fit your personal preferences.
A pram is specifically designed for babies who are about six months old, while they're still in the stage of development where they need to lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams will offer a choice of facing the parents and the world facing', so you can choose whether to let your baby face you to bond with them or let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some cheap prams can be converted to pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a deluxe single to double pushchair travel system that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).
The most important thing to be aware of is that infants and toddlers should not be in any pushchair that is not able to recline to a completely flat position. This is because being in a crouching position could affect their breathing since it causes them breathe more air than normal and can even lead to respiratory issues in the long time.
A pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds, usually to a very compact size. It's usually geared towards toddlers and older babies until around three years old. These are often made of a more durable material than prams. You can also find models where you can alter the direction in which the seat faces to allow your child to look at you for comfort or away from you to explore the world.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that your baby is secure in a pushchair or pram. Always put your baby in a pushchair or pram that is designed for his age and size. This will make them feel safe and secure and will help prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand stroller or pushchair it is essential to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure it's in good condition, and not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your baby.
When selecting a pushchair or pram make sure you choose one with an safety harness with simple and quick clips. Verify that the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit snugly around your baby's waist. Also, look for a wide base, which will give more stability than models that have narrow bases.
Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with things. This could cause the pushchair to topple over, and your baby could be thrown out. Also, don't put things in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby. This includes toys, drinks and snacks.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. If you're washing the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outside to prevent any mildew or mould forming.
If your pram or pushchair has a removable footmuff, it's best to wash it before using it again in winter. You can do this by taking off the fabric and washing it with cool soapy water and allowing it to air dry outside. It's also recommended to scrub any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.
Experts advise that infants lie flat as soon as they can in a pram or pushchair. This will aid their development and decrease the chance of back issues as they age.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to provide products that are safe for normal or predictable use. This is the case for new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.
Style
While some parents are after the most functional set of wheels they have access to most parents would prefer a pram bags or pushchair that's as stylish as their brand new bundle of joy. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality pushchairs and prams available that blend high-end engineering with stylish designs that are as striking as they are practical.
The first thing you should consider when selecting a pushchair or pram is the padding and adjustable options. Babies can be messy creatures and therefore having a pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial. This is especially true when you intend to make use of your pushchair for long walks through rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Find a pushchair that has removable seats and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric can be machine washed to keep your baby dry and comfortable.
Another thing to consider is the direction that your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to change the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or world facing, so that your child can explore the world. Some prams have this option also but it's not a necessity for all models and can be an option that is only available as an extra.
Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular option for families because they can fit both the bassinet basket as well as a pushchair seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used from birth, and are suitable for infants up to six-months old.
A travel system is a similar option to a combination pram in that it allows the fitting of a car seat onto the frame, often using adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and babies up to three years and are cheaper than purchasing separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs are ideal choice for twins or siblings of the same age who both require transportation in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of designs and can be fitted either with one car seat or a double one.
Storage
In addition to providing comfort and safety for your baby, a pram or pushchair must provide ample storage for all the essentials. Find models with a spacious shopping basket that can accommodate everything your baby needs, including spare clothes and changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some models have a compartment for the parent or child, which is perfect for storing your personal items. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with even more storage, opt for a convertible pushchair that offers multiple configurations. It's important to have extra space particularly if you intend to take your child on long walks or to be away from home.
Another important aspect to consider is the ability to maneuver. Pick swivels wheels that can get around narrow spaces easily. Also look for brakes that are locked with a quick stopping power. If you're looking at a lighter model, ensure it has the right suspension and folding dimensions to allow for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something more sturdy for off-road travel, choose one with sturdy all-terrain wheels able to be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.
The primary distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pram provides a lie-flat sleeping position for infants, whereas pushing chairs are more suited to older babies and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams convert into pushchairs, by removing the bassinet and replacing it with an adult's seat. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can transform into a carrycot or car seat.
Whichever type of pushchair or pram you choose, be sure to read reviews on the internet and seek recommendations from your family and friends. Try out a variety of models before making a final decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, their folding capabilities 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 a new set of wheels each time your child gets older!