What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair is a safe method of transporting your baby. They are also comfortable and offer an enjoyable ride.

You can consider purchasing a parasol for your child's safety to shield them from the sun. Most pushchairs come with one, however, if not, many brands offer it as an accessory.

If you're planning on the birth of a second child take a look at a convertible pushchair that can be converted into a double. Some even come with an upholstered seat and carry cot unit as part of the travel system.

Safety

The pushchair is your child's home while on the road, therefore it's crucial to make sure it's safe. All prams, strollers, coaches and buggies must comply with British standard BS7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. A reputable brand should have this certification on their product's specifications.

A five-point harness will ensure your baby's safety. It should be snugly positioned over their shoulders, around their waists and between their legs. Check that the buckles and straps are easily secured and untied.

Check that the brakes on your pushchair are easy to access and work as intended. It's also worth investing in an reflective strip for your pushchair to aid other road users see you and your child in the winter's dark days.

If your pushchair was designed to carry two children, make sure that it has one footrest that runs across the length of both seats. This will prevent children from slipping their feet between the footrests, and slipping out of the pushchair.

All pushchairs, prams, and buggys come with a maximum weight limit. It's crucial to be aware of this limit before you start using the pushchair as putting a heavy child in a pushchair may cause it to become unstable.

A good pushchair should be able to withstand being pushed across a broad range of surfaces. So pick one with large, solid wheels. The tyres should be made of a durable material, which will resist punctures and provide excellent grip on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are designed for off-road usage and feature an extra suspension that provides an easy ride.

Comfort

It's important to find the right pushchair for your child. This could be as simple as making sure it is padded enough to ensure they are safe and secure, or a footmuff to keep them warm and cozy during the colder winter months. Many pushchairs come with the option of reversible seats, which allow you to choose whether they face your baby for bonding and reassuring or away from them so they can explore the world around them.

It's beneficial for new parents to search for a baby stroller that has a seat that can be placed in a flat position. Experts recommend that babies sleep flat for the first few months of their lives to aid in breathing and lung development. Many pushchairs boast that they can recline completely, however it is crucial to ensure that the seat offers a flat position for newborns.

Some pushchairs are lightweight which makes them easy to carry in and out of the car and can be inserted into narrow doorways. Some pushchairs are also able to fit inside overhead luggage racks of planes and trains. They are usually equipped with a simple and fast fold mechanism, which allows you to fold it using just one hand. They can also be used to accommodate an infant car seat, making them suitable for use right from the time of birth.

Other pushchairs, like the Silver Cross Adorra2, offer the most luxurious and premium experience, with a stunning design that turns heads. They can also support a range of baby accessories like car seat adapters and rain covers to shield your children from the elements. They are designed to be versatile enough to cope with real family life. They come with the quick and simple to adjust five point safety harness as well as large puncture proof wheels.

Style

A pushchair is probably the baby item you will use the most often and it's crucial that you find one that you and your child are happy with. Be aware of the little details like the comfort of the padding and whether the handlebar can be adjusted in the height. There are also lots of additional little things that make an impact, such as the storage basket or front wheel lock.

A pram is designed for two children to be transported at the same time, usually a toddler along with an infant. It's smaller than a pushchair and is easier to maneuver in tight spaces or on public transport. It can be a tandem or a single-seater where the child sits behind their parent.

Both pushchairs and prams can be used from the time of birth, although most are aimed at older babies as they're larger than buggies and come with a reclined seat which can face either away from you. Often they are able to include an infant car seat or carry cot, so it's a system for travel that can be used from birth until the time your child is a toddler, which makes it a great value.

Some pushchairs have only one brake pedal. Some have both one foot brake and hand brake. The brakes work in tandem to stop safely and easily your pushchair. The foot pedal is usually located on the rear axle of the pushchair, while the hand brake is located on the top of the frame, near the rear wheels. The foot brake is ideal for parents who live on a steep hill or in the countryside as it prevents the parent from losing control of the pushchair.

Size

There are a variety of sizes of pushchairs. Some pushchairs are able to be used as early as the time of birth, since they have a lie-flat seating and an attachment for a bassinet or carrycot. Some are able to be used when the child can sit up unaided and is typically around 6 months. They can have the seat facing towards parents for bonding and comfort or away from them, allowing them to discover their surroundings.

The size of the wheel is important. Some have bigger wheels to allow for better maneuverability on rougher surfaces. Other wheels are smaller and permit a lighter frame and are easier to push over smooth surfaces.

Some pushchairs have a single pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is useful when you want to stop for a coffee break or go shopping. Some have two brakes pedals to improve control and safety. It is vital that your stroller has adequate braking as it is going to be used on rough terrains, so you must test the brakes regularly.

There are a number of features that will help you find the perfect pushchair for your family and infant. Simple to use features like one hand compact fold, simple to adjust the safety harness, or adjustable handlebars can make life with a newborn and young children a lot easier.

Choosing the right pushchair is an investment in the comfort and safety of your child or toddler. You will likely use this product for a long time and therefore, you must take the time to think about the features that are essential to your family.

A pushchair to buy

Your baby's pushchair is among the most expensive purchases you'll make for your baby and it will be in your home for a few years so think carefully about which features are most suitable for you. It's important to think about how it will fit in with your lifestyle - an all-terrain pushchair is ideal for a stroll in the country, but it will not be ideal on shiny floors in shops! If you plan to use it with your grandparents it is possible that you want a model that's easy for them to manage and navigate without feeling like they require an academic degree to operate.

Newborn babies must lie flat, so you'll need an infant pushchair that has a carrycot or infant car seat (travel system) or a reclining seat that is suitable from birth. Some models also come with an adjustable seat so that you can choose to face your baby or world facing as they grow older.

When selecting a pushchair, you might want to look at accessories such as shopping trays and baskets or pram changing bags which will make it easier to complete errands with your child in the car. Some pushchairs come with hoods that offer extra sun protection, and others have rain covers to ensure that your baby stays dry when it begins to rain.

Some pushchairs are convertible so can be used as a Chicco OHlalà Twin Double Stroller - Black Review or a single and grow with your family by adding an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is an option to consider if you're planning to have a second child soon after your first, or if you're not sure of your future plans.