What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair is a secure mode of transport for your child. They are also comfortable and provide an enjoyable ride.

Consider a parasol to protect your child from the sun. Most pushchairs come with one but if they don't, the majority of brands sell them as an accessory.

You should consider a pushchair that can be transformed into a double when you are planning to have a second child. Some travel systems have the option of a carry cot or a seat unit.

Safety

The pushchair is your baby's vehicle of choice, so it's essential to ensure it's secure. All prams, strollers, coaches and buggies should be in compliance with British standard BS7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. This certification should be displayed on product information of a reputable brand.

A five-point harness can ensure your baby's safety. It should fit comfortably over their shoulders, around their waists and between their legs. Verify that the buckles are easy to remove and clip and that the straps have firm connections.

Also, make sure that the brake on your pushchair is accessible and functions as intended. You should also invest in a reflective strip to help other road users spot your child and you during the dark winter months.

If your pushchair is made to hold two children, make sure that it has a single footrest that runs the length of both seats. This will prevent the child from falling into the individual feet rests and possibly falling out of the stroller.

All prams, pushchairs and buggys come with the capacity to carry a maximum weight limit. It is important to know this limit before you start using the pushchair since putting an overweight child in a pushchair could cause it to be unstable.

A good pushchair should be able to stand up to being pushed across a broad variety of surfaces, so make sure you choose a model with large, solid wheels. The tyres must be made of durable materials, which will resist punctures and provide good traction on slippery roads. Some pushchairs have been designed to be used off-road and come with a special suspension to provide an easy ride.

Comfort

It is essential to choose a pushchair that is comfortable for your child. This could be as simple as ensuring that it has plenty of padding to keep them comfortable and safe, or a footmuff to keep them warm and cozy during the colder months. Many pushchairs have reversible seating that allow you to decide if they face your child to bond or reassuring, or from them to explore the world.

It's a good idea for new parents to look for a jogging pushchair that has a seat that can be set flat. Experts advise that babies sleep flat for the first few months of their lives to help with lung development and breathing. Many pushchairs claim to recline completely, but it is important to confirm that the seat is actually able to offer a lie-flat position and is safe for newborns.

Some pushchairs are able to be lifted into and out of a vehicle, and can even fit through narrow doors. Some pushchairs are also able to fit inside overhead luggage racks on planes and trains. These kinds of pushchairs typically have a quick and simple fold mechanism that lets you collapse the frame with just one hand. They can also be used to accommodate a carrycot and infant car seats making them suitable for use right from birth.

Other pushchairs, such as the Silver Cross Adorra2, offer an upscale and luxurious experience with an exquisite design that will turn heads. They also accommodate an array of baby-related accessories like car seat adapters and rain covers to protect your little ones from the elements. They are designed to be adaptable enough to handle 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

A pushchair is likely to be the product for babies that you will use most regularly, so it's important that you find one that both you and your child love. It's worth taking the time to consider the finer details such as the comfort of the seat cushion is and whether the handlebar features an adjustable height. There are other small factors that can make a significant difference, like the basket that can be used to store things or a front wheel lock.

A pram is designed for two children to be carried simultaneously typically a toddler with the baby. It's smaller than a pushchair and easier to maneuver in tight spaces, or on public transport. It can be a tandem or a single-seater in which the child is seated behind their parent.

Both prams and pushchairs can be used as early as birth but they're primarily aimed at older babies as they're larger than buggies and come with a reclined seat that can be positioned to face toward or away from you. There is often the option of adding an infant car seat, carry cot, or stroller so that they can be used from birth up until your child is a toddler. This is a great value travel system.

Some pushchairs only have one brake pedal. Others come with a foot brake and hand brake. Both brakes work to stop safely and effectively your pushchair. The foot brake is generally situated on the rear axle and the handbrake is located near the rear wheels, at the top of the frame. The foot brake is ideal for parents who live on steep hills or in the country, as it keeps them from losing control of their pushchair.

Size

There are many different folding pushchair sizes. Some can be used from birth because they have a seat that is flat as well as a bassinet or carrycot attachment. Others are suitable when the child is able to sit up unaided typically around six months. The seat can be positioned either facing the parents to bond and reassure them, or away from them so that they can explore their surroundings.

The size of the wheels is another an important factor. Some have larger wheels to allow for better manoeuvrability over rougher surfaces. Some have smaller wheels that permit a lighter frame and are easier to push across smooth surfaces.

Some pushchairs come with one brake pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is great when you stop for coffee or for shopping. Some have two brake pedals for better control and security. Your pushchair suitable from birth should have reliable brakes as it will be used in rough terrains. Check the brakes regularly.

There are a variety of features that will aid you in choosing the perfect pushchair for your family and infant. Features that are easy to use like a compact fold that can be accomplished using just one hand or a safety harness that is simple to adjust or adjustable handlebars can simplify the lives of parents of young children and newborns.

Choosing the right pushchair up to 25kg is an investment in the comfort and safety of your toddler or baby. It's likely to be the baby product you'll use for the longest period of time, so it's important to take the time to consider what features are important to you and your family.

A pushchair to buy

Your baby's pushchair is among the most important purchases you'll make for your baby and will be in your home for a few years, so take your time deciding which features are most suitable for you. It's important to consider how it will fit in with your lifestyle. For instance, an all-terrain pushchair near me is perfect for a stroll in the country, but it won't be great on shiny shop floors! If you plan to use it with your grandparents, you might require something that is easy to steer and control without feeling like they require a doctorate.

Newborn babies need to lie-flat, so you'll need an infant pushchair that has a carrycot or infant car seat (travel pushchair system) or a reclining seat that can be used from birth. Some models come with the option of reversing, so you can place your baby facing you or the world when they get older.

You might also want to think about accessories such as baskets, shopping trays, and changing bags for prams to help you to complete errands while your child is in your care. Some pushchairs are equipped with hoods that offer additional protection from the sun's rays, and others have rain covers to keep your baby dry when it begins to drizzle.

Some pushchairs can be made one or two and then grow with your growing family. This is usually accomplished by adding a second seat unit, or carrycot. This is an option to consider if you're planning to have a second child shortly after the first, or if you're not sure about your future plans.