What to Look For in push chairs and prams (teamblacksheep.freshworks.com)

The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams are made to carry infants and toddlers with a lying-flat seat.

Prams can also come with a bassinet or carrycot for infants. Some even offer the option of converting to a pushchair for older babies.

If you plan on using public transport or fold up your pushchair regularly pick a light and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get more frequently used than your nappies and bottles. It is important to choose a model that has plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted in height.

Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs include a fitted blanket to keep your child warm. These blankets are simple to clean and come in a variety of colours and designs.

A pram is designed for infants between six and six months old. age, and they are still at the point that they need to lay flat. Most often, a carrycot or bassinet is attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of 'parent facing or 'world-facing. This enables 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 to pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a premium single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

It is crucial to remember that infants less than six months old should not be carried in a pushchair that doesn't recline fully flat. This is due to the fact that being in a crouching position can affect their breathing, as it causes them to breathe more air than normal and can even lead to respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that folds usually to a very compact size. It's usually geared towards toddlers and older babies until around three years old. They're often made from a more durable material than a pram, and you will typically find models that allow you to alter the direction of the seat so that your baby can face you to provide reassurance, or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pram or pushchair is crucial. Only ever place your baby in a pram or pram designed to his size and age. This will help them feel secure and safe, and also prevent accidents. When buying a second-hand stroller or pushchair, it is important to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure it's in good working order and not damaged in any way that could cause harm to your child.

When you are choosing the right pram or pushchair choose one with a safety harness that includes quick and simple clips and connections. Verify that the buckles are not loose and that the straps are snugly around the waist of your child. Also, look for a wide base, as this will offially true if you intend to take your stroller on long walks on rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair with removable seats and recline mechanisms that can be machine washed. Make sure the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

You should also think about the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. Most 'from birth' pushchairs prams allow you to change the seat between parent facing (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to explore the world around them. Some pushchairs offer this feature as well, but it's not necessary for all models and may be an option that is only available as an extra.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular choice for families as they can accommodate 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 babies from six months old to.

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it permits the attachment of a car seat to the frame, with adaptors. These are a great option for toddlers and babies from 3 years old and can be more cost effective than buying separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs are excellent option for twins or siblings of similar age who require transportation in a safe and comfortable manner. They come in a variety of styles and fitted with a double or single car seat.

Stores

As well as offering comfort and safety for your baby the pram or pushchair must provide ample storage for all the essentials. Look for models with large shopping baskets that can accommodate everything your baby needs including spare clothes as well as changing gear bottles of water, and snacks. Some include a parent or child's compartment that is ideal for storing all your personal things. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with more storage space consider a convertible model that has multiple configurations. The extra space is crucial if you plan to take your child on long walks or excursions away from home and need a place to store everything you'll require.

Another key feature to consider is the ability to maneuver. Opt for swivel wheels to effortlessly navigate narrow spaces, and look out for locking brakes that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you're looking at a light-weight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable pushchair dimensions for simple storage and transportation. If you're looking for something more robust for off-roading, select a model with tough all-terrain tires that are able to handle rougher surfaces.

The primary difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pushchair offers a lie-flat sleeping position for infants, whereas the pushchair is better suited to older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat for an adult. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to be converted into a carrycot or car seat.

Whichever type of pushchair or pram you decide to purchase, make sure to read online reviews and seek suggestions from family and friends. Try out several models before settling on one. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, how they fold and how they feel. Consider a convertible car, that can be used by two or more children. This will save you money as you don't have to purchase a new set of wheels every time your child grows.