What to Look For in a Pushchair

A pushchair can be used from the beginning of a child's life. It can be used as a pram or a stroller and is packed with features parents will love.

Look out for seats that recline into various positions, and a five-point harness that is strong to ensure your child's safety. Often, it will also include the carry cot frame which is compatible with a car seat for infants as well.

Safety

The most important aspect to consider when choosing the best pushchair for your child or toddler is safety. The pushchair must be fitted with a five-point safety harness that can be securely fastened. It should fit snugly around the child's shoulders, waist and between their legs with buckles that are simple to clip and remove. The handlebars are also an important aspect to consider and should be positioned to stop children from wriggling out of the seat.

A pushchair should also be built with a wide base for stability and should be free of any hazards like sharp or curved edges which could cause injuries. Some pushchairs include locks for the wheels which is ideal for off road use as this will prevent the wheel from slipping off. The brakes are also important and should be easily accessible. They should be simple to use and lockable. Some pushchairs have wrist tether straps to provide security.

Prams, strollers and buggies must be handled with care and regularly checked. Never overload the pram or buggies with extra baggage and always keep the 5-point safety harness on and secure. Parents should ensure that their children do not play with the folding mechanism and stay away from any places which they may get caught.

Many pushchairs come with a removable carrycot or bassinet which is ideal for newborns because they must lie down flat to sleep. This is especially important because of the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Infants who are in a seated position for too long may suffer breathing problems as they cannot breathe properly when in a scrunched-up position.

A few manufacturers offer single and double pushchairs that are suitable for a range of ages. Some of these can be converted into prams with an adapter, or by altering the seat unit. It is important that any pushchairs or prams that are made for older children have an adjustable backrest that is fully reclined as babies are required to lie flat until they are approximately six months old.

Convenience

A pushchair must be easy to maneuver even in tight spaces. It should be able to roll over different surfaces, such as grassy paths or paved ones. Some models have suspensions that provide an easy ride for your child, and also reduces the stress on their joints.

A pushchair may have storage space underneath the seat, ideal for storing spare clothes changing bags and water bottles. Some pushchairs feature a canopy that shields your baby from the elements or sun. Some have a linked handle which makes it easier to push with one hand. Others have a single handle that can be adjusted to different heights.

Many pushchairs have the option to face your baby towards you for reassurance or away from you so that they can discover the world. This is a great feature for newborns and infants.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, depending on whether they come with an adjustable seat that can be slid flat or a safety harness. Verify that the description of the pushchair clearly states it can be used from birth. Also, ensure that it is a fully reclined seat that allows your baby to sleep in a flat position, which is essential for their development.

Pushchairs can usually fold into a compact bundle which makes them easy to keep in your car or at home. With the addition of an infant car seat or a carrycot they can be used as a part of a travel system.

A pram can also be referred to as a bassinet, baby carriage or a baby carriage. It is made for newborns and infants. It has an area for sleeping that is flat and allows your baby to sleep on their backs, which is important for their spine and lungs development. A pram is ideal for older babies and toddlers beginning at six months.

Comfort

Comfort is key when buying the perfect pushchair for your child. It will be used for a long time and is among the most expensive purchases you'll make. Many models have comfortable seat padding as well as handles that can be adjusted to meet parents' heights. This allows you to control the pushchair and lessens stress on your shoulders and arms especially if you've been carrying your baby around all day!

It is recommended that newborn babies sleep flat and some pushchairs allow the option of sleeping flat. It is important that your child has the choice to sleep flat. This will help ensure their health and develop. Infants don't have the strength in their necks to stand upright for a long time and this may affect breathing. Therefore, it is essential that they can sit comfortably in a flat position.

Some 'from birth' pushchairs include the option of a carry cot, bassinet or baby hammocks that you can use to hold your newborn while they sleep. These are often more expensive but the extra cost is worth it to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable during their early months.

A ventilated hood is a further feature you should look for in a baby's pushchair because it will help your baby remain cool and comfortable during outings. This will improve their naps and overall health and wellbeing.

Many pushchairs have a wide range of storage compartments and baskets that provide ample space to store all your baby's necessities. This is ideal for storing toys and clothing to keep them entertained during their walks. It will also make it easier to not carry around bags of extra items when you're out and about.

Most pushchairs allow you to choose which direction your baby to be facing, either facing the parent (rear) or world facing (front). Some models have the option to connect a carrycot to the frame. This means you can easily transfer your baby from the car to pushchair without causing any disturbance them.

If you're planning to travel with your baby then a lightweight pushchair is essential. It's easier to lift and store in the car boot or at home. It's also easier to maneuver in busy places and on public transport.

Accessories

There are a variety of accessories available for pushchairs that can make life with your baby easier and more convenient. Items like raincovers and shades are available to fit comfortably on the top of the pushchair to create a barrier to keep your baby dry and protect the sun's harmful UV rays. Other helpful accessories include a footmuff (which can be found in the pushchair bundle, or sold separately) shopping baskets, and pram changing bags.

A travel system is a popular option, allowing you to easily attach your stroller and car seat together. This makes traveling with a child much easier as you can ensure that they are in place. It's an excellent option for parents who take public transportation frequently.

When choosing a pushchair it is important to consider the number of recline positions and the ability to turn that you may require. Most pushchairs come with an adjustable seat that allows you to alter the direction your child faces. This is particularly beneficial for infants who are advised to lie flat to aid with their breathing and growth. Also, you should consider a stroller that has the ability to change the seat from facing the parent to facing the child at the push of a button. This is a great feature when your child gets older and you need to be on the lookout for them.

Other features worth looking for are the type of wheels that your pushchair is equipped with and whether these are fixed, swivel, or lockable. The size of the wheels will also vary, with larger wheels often offering more comfort. It is also worth determining whether the pushchair is equipped with pneumatic tyres or the most recent innovation; PU tyres which provide all the advantages of air tyres but without the danger of punctures.

You should also think about the fold function and the weight of your pushchair as this will affect how easy it is to store and transport. Some models have a smaller footprint when folded and can be easily tucked away in the trunk of your car, or in overhead compartments on public transport.