What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair provides a safe method of transporting your child. They are also comfortable and provide a smooth ride.

Consider buying a sun shade for your child's safety to shield them from the sun. Most pushchairs have one, however, many manufacturers sell them as an accessory.

If you're thinking of having a second baby take a look at the possibility of a convertible pushchair that could grow into a double. Some even come with an upholstered seat and carry cot unit as part of the travel system.

Safety

It's crucial that your stroller pushchair is safe because it's your baby's home when on the road. All buggies, strollers built by coaches and prams must comply with British standard BS7409/1996 or BSEN 1888:2003. A reputable brand should have this certification on their product information.

A five-point harness is a guarantee of your baby's safety. It should be securely positioned over their shoulders and around their waists and also between their legs. Check that the buckles are simple to clip and remove and that the straps have strong connections.

It is also important to ensure that the brake on your pushchair is easily accessible and is working as it should. It is also recommended to invest in an reflective strip to help other road users recognize your child and you during the dark winter months.

If your pushchair is able to hold two children, ensure that the footrest runs the entire length of both seats. This will prevent children from slipping their feet between the individual footrests and potentially falling out of the pushchair.

All pushchairs, prams and buggys have a weight limit. This limit is important to know before you use the pushchair. A child with a heavy weight can cause it to be unstable.

A well-constructed pushchair should be able to withstand being pushed on various surfaces. Choose one with large, sturdy wheels. The tyres should be made from durable material that will be resistant to puncturing and have excellent traction to help you continue on slippery roads. Some pushchairs have been designed for use off-road and have an extra suspension that provides a smooth ride.

Comfort

It's important to find a pushchair that is comfortable for your child. It could be as simple as ensuring it is padded enough to keep your child secure and supported, or a footmuff in order to keep him warm and cosy during the winter months. Many pushchairs have reversible seats, which allow you to decide if they face your child to bond or reassuring them, or away from them to explore the world.

For new parents it's also worth looking for a pushchair with an adjustable seat. Experts recommend that newborns sleep in a flat position for the first few months to help in their lung development and breathing. Many pushchairs claim to recline fully, however it's crucial to verify that the seat is actually able to offer the lie-flat position and is safe for babies.

Some pushchairs can be lifted into and out of a car and they can be inserted into narrow doors. Some pushchairs also fit in overhead luggage racks of trains and planes. These kinds of pushchairs typically feature a quick and easy fold mechanism that lets you collapse the frame with just one hand. They can also accommodate a carrycot and infant car seats, making them suitable for use from birth.

Other pushchairs such as the Silver Cross Adorra2 offer a extravagant and elegant design that will make heads turn. They also come with various baby accessories, including car seat adapters as well as rain covers to shield your little ones from the elements. They are designed to be versatile enough to withstand the demands of family life. They include a quick and easy to adjust five point safety harness as well as large puncture-proof wheels.

Style

You'll probably use your pushchair most often, so it is important to choose one that you and your child love. Consider the details, such as the comfort of the padding and whether the handlebar is adjusted in the height. There are many other little aspects that can make a huge difference, like an organizer for things or a front wheel lock.

A pram is made for two children to be carried simultaneously, usually a toddler along with the baby. It is more compact pushchair than a single small folding pushchair, so it's easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces and on public transport. It could be a single-seater, where the baby sits behind the parent or a tandem, where one child sits behind the other.

The prams as well as pushchairs are suitable for babies from birth. However, the majority of them are designed for older babies because they come with a larger and more spacious seat than buggies. They can also reclined to face you or away from it. They often have the option of adding an infant car seat, carry cot, or stroller, so that they can be used from birth until your child is a toddler. This is a fantastic value travel system.

Some Pushchairs Pushchairs come with only one brake pedal while others have a foot and hand brake that work in tandem to stop your pushchair suitable from birth in a safe and controlled manner. The foot brake is typically situated on the rear axle, while the handbrake is located near the rear wheels on the top of frame. The foot brake is ideal for parents who are in the mountains or the countryside as it stops them from losing control of their pushchair.

Size

There are a variety of sizes of pushchairs. Some are suitable from birth as they have an adjustable seat that can be sat on and a bassinet or carrycot attachment. Some are able to be used as soon as the child can sit up unaided, which is usually around 6 months. They can sit facing towards the parents for bonding and reassurance or away from them in order for the child to explore the world around them.

The size of the wheels is another an important factor. Some have larger wheels to improve their maneuverability on rougher surfaces. Some have smaller wheels to allow for a lighter framework and make it easier to push over pavements.

Some pushchairs have one pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is helpful when you stop for an afternoon coffee or to go shopping. Other models have two brake pedals for better control and safety. Your pushchair needs to have strong brakes as it will be used on rough terrains. Check the brakes regularly.

There are many options that can assist you in finding the perfect pushchair for your baby and your family. Features that are simple to use like a compact fold that can be accomplished by hand, an safety harness that is easy to adjust, or adjustable handlebars, can make life easier for parents of children who are young and infants.

The choice of the right pushchair is an investment in the comfort and safety of your baby or toddler. You'll likely be using this product for a long period of time so take the time to consider the features that are important to your family.

A pushchair to buy

Your pushchair is one of the most expensive purchases you'll make for your child and will be with you for several years, so you need to think about which features are most suitable for you. Think about how it will fit to your lifestyle. A stroller that is all-terrain is great for country walks but not ideal on a shiny floor. If you're planning to use it with your grandparents it is possible that you want a model that they can manage and steer without feeling like they require a doctorate to operate.

You'll need to get a pushchair that has an infant car seat, or a reclining seat unit. Newborns need to be able lie flat. Some models have a reversible unit, so you can put your baby facing you or the world as they get older.

You might also want to consider accessories such as baskets, shopping trays and changing bags for prams to allow you to go on errands when your child is with you. Some pushchairs come with hoods that offer additional protection from the sun's rays, and others have rain covers that keep your baby dry as it begins to rain.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted into either a single or double and then expand with your growing family. This is usually done by adding an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is a good choice for those who know they're planning on having another child shortly after baby number one, or in case you're not sure of what your plans are for the future just yet.