What to Look For in Pushchairs

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

Consider a parasol to keep your child protected from the sun. Most pushchairs have one, but if they don't, the majority of manufacturers sell them as an accessory.

If you're planning on another baby take a look at a convertible pushchair which can transform into a double. Some travel systems include an infant carry cot or seat unit.

Safety

The pushchair is your child's vehicle of choice, therefore it's crucial to ensure it's safe. All coach-built prams, strollers and buggies must be compliant with British standard BS7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. This certification must be displayed on the product's information page of a reputable brand.

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

Also, make sure that the brake on your pushchair is easy to access and functions as intended. It's also worth investing in a reflective strip for your pushchair to help other road users to see you and your child during the winter's dark and gloomy days.

If your pushchair can carry two children, ensure that the footrests run the entire length of both seats. This will stop the child from getting their foot caught between the individual feet rests and slipping out of the stroller.

All pushchairs, prams and buggys must have a maximum weight limit. This limit is crucial to know prior to using the pushchair. A child who is overweight could cause the pushchair 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 ought to be constructed of durable materials that resist puncturing and have good grip to ensure you're safe on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are even designed for use off-road and come with a special suspension for an extra smooth ride.

Comfort

It is essential to choose the right pushchair for your child. It's just a matter of ensuring that it has enough padding to keep your child secure and supported, or a footmuff in order to keep him warm and cosy in the winter months. Many pushchairs also have the option of reversible seats, which allow you to choose to face your baby for bonding and reassuring, or away from them so they can explore the world around them.

For parents who are new it's a good idea to look for a pushchair with a seat that can lie flat. Experts advise that babies sleep flat for the first few months of their lives to assist in lung development and breathing. Many pushchairs claim to be able to recline fully, however it's crucial to verify that the seat actually offers an upright position that is safe for infants.

Some pushchairs can be carried into and out of a vehicle, and they can be inserted into narrow doors. They might also fit inside overhead luggage racks on planes and trains. These pushchairs are typically 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 a carrycot and car seat for infants which makes them suitable for use right from birth.

Other pushchairs like the Silver Cross Adorra2 offer a luxurious and high-end design that is sure to turn heads. They can also be fitted with a variety of accessories for your child like car seat covers and rain covers. They are designed to be flexible enough to cope with the real family life and come with a simple to adjust the five-point safety harnesses and large, puncture proof wheels.

Style

A pushchair is likely to be the baby item you will use the most often, so it's important that you find one that you and your little one are happy with. It's worth taking time to think about the finer points like the comfort of the seat cushion is and whether the handlebar has the ability to adjust the height. There are plenty of other small details that make a an impact, like a basket for storage 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 smaller than a single pushchair so it's easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces as well as on public transport. It can be a tandem or single-seater, where the child sits behind their parent.

Both prams and pushchairs can be used as early as birth, although most are aimed at older babies as they are more spacious than buggies and come with an adjustable seat which can face either away from you. Most of the time, they can are able to add an infant car seat or carry cot to ensure that it's a traveling system that lasts from birth until your child is a toddler, which makes it a great value.

Some pushchairs feature one brake pedal, while others have a foot brake and hand brake that work in tandem to stop your pushchair in a safe and controlled way. The foot brake is generally located on the foldable pushchair's rear axle while the handbrake is located close to the rear wheels at the top of the frame. The foot brake is ideal for parents who live on a slope or in the countryside as it helps prevent the parent from losing control of the pushchair.

Size

There are many different sizes of pushchairs. Some pushchairs can be used from the moment of birth, as they include a lie-flat seat and an attachment to a bassinet or carrycot. Some are able to be used as soon as a child is able sit up unaided typically around 6 months. They can sit facing either towards parents to encourage bonding and reassurance or away from them, allowing children to explore their surroundings.

The size of the wheels is also important. Some have larger wheels that improve their ability to maneuver on rough surfaces. Other wheels are smaller and allow for a lighter frame and are easier to newborn push chair over paved surfaces.

Some pushchairs come with a single pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is useful when you want to stop for a coffee break or shop. Some have two brake pedals to provide greater control and safety. Your pushchair should have reliable brakes as it will be used in rough terrains. Make sure you check the brakes on a regular basis.

There are a variety of features that will aid you in choosing the perfect pushchair for your family and baby. Easy to use features like one hand compact fold, simple to adjust safety harnesses or adjustable handlebars can make life for infants and toddlers much simpler.

A good pushchair will ensure the security and comfort of your child. It's likely to be the product you'll be using for a long time, so it's worth taking the time to think about which features are important to you and your family.

The purchase of a pushchair Suitable From birth

Take note of the features you want in your pushchair. It will be with you and your child for several years, so you should pick wisely. It's important to think about how it will fit in with your lifestyle. For instance, an all-terrain pushchair is ideal for walks in the countryside, but it will not be ideal on polished shop floors! If you plan to use it with your grandparents, you may want something that is easy for them to steer and handle without feeling like they require an academic degree.

You'll need to get an infant pushchair with a carrycot, infant car seat, or a reclining seat unit. Newborns must be able to lie flat. Some models also come with a seat that can be reversible so you can decide to have your baby face you or the world as they become older.

When choosing a pushchair you may also wish to look at accessories like shopping trays and baskets or pram changing bags that can make it easier for you to complete errands with your little one in your arms. Some pushchairs come with hoods that provide extra sun protection and some have rain covers that will ensure your baby stays dry when it begins to drizzle.

Some pushchairs are convertible so can be used as a double or single and can grow with your family by adding an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is a possibility to think about if you are planning on having a second child in the near future, following your first or if you're not certain of your future plans.