10 Healthy Habits For Prams
What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of prams and pushchairs can be confusing. Prams are made to carry newborns and young babies with a lie-flat seat.
Some prams include the option of a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some models even have the option of changing it into an infant pushchair.
If you intend to take public transport or need to fold your pushchair often, opt for a lightweight and compact buggy.
Comfort
Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair will be among the most used baby products you have. It's therefore crucial to make sure your child is safe on every trip by choosing one with plenty of padding and an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted for height.
Many buggies, prams, and pushchairs include a fitted blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the wash and are available in a variety of colors and designs to fit your personal preference.
A pram is suitable for babies from 6 months to 6 years of age, when they are still at the stage where they require to lie flat. Often, a bassinet, or carrycot, will be attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of either 'parent' facing or 'world-facing. This allows you to decide if you prefer your child to face you to connect with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their surroundings. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a luxurious single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth with a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).
The most important thing to remember is that very young babies shouldn't be using any pushchair that is not able to recline completely to a flat position. When they are in a crouching posture, it can affect their breathing as they breathe in more air than normal. This could lead to respiratory issues in the long run.
A folding pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds typically to a compact size. It's usually geared towards older babies and toddlers up to the age of around three years old. They are typically constructed of a stronger material compared to prams. There are also models that let you change the direction the seat faces to allow your child to look at you for comfort or away from you to explore the world.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. Always put your child in a pushchair or pram that is designed to his size and age. This will help them feel safe and secure, and prevent accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram that you've found second-hand it is essential to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could cause harm to your baby.
When selecting a pram or pushchair, choose one that has a safety harness with quick and easy clips. Make sure the buckles aren't loose and that the straps are snugly around the waist of your child. Also, look for a broad base, which will offer more stability than narrow-based models.
Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with items. This could cause it to tip over and your baby may be thrown out. Don't place things in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby - this includes toys, drinks and food items.
Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, make sure to dry it outside thoroughly. This will prevent mould or mildew from forming.
It's a good idea to clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pushchair or pram before you use it again in winter. This can be accomplished by taking off the fabric and washing it in cool water with soap and letting it dry outside. You should also scrub any dirt or mud from the wheels and axles.
Experts recommend that babies sit flat in a stroller or pram as early as they can. This will aid their development and lessen back problems later in life.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that are safe for normal or reliable use. This applies to new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.
Style
Parents may want the most practical set-up of wheels they can get, but many parents also require a stroller that is as stylish as their baby. There are numerous high-end prams and pushchairs that combine high-quality engineering with attractive designs that are both appealing and practical.
The first thing you should consider when choosing a pushchair pram is the padding and adjustable options. Babies can be messy and so having a pushchair that is easy to clean is important. This is especially true in the event that you plan to use your pushchair for long walks through rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Look for a pushchair with removable recline and seat covers which can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric is machine washable to keep your baby dry and comfortable.
Another thing to think about is the direction that your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to change the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent for bonding and reassurance) or facing the world to allow your child to explore the world around them. Some prams have this option too but it's not necessary for all models and can be an option that is only available as an extra.
Combination prams are also known as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can accommodate a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth, and are suitable for children as young as six months old.
A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it allows you to attach a car seat to the frame, using adaptors. They are perfect for babies and toddlers up to three years old. They can be less expensive than buying separate products.
Twin prams and pushchairs are an ideal choice for twins or siblings who want to travel in comfort and security. These are available in many styles and are able to be fitted with one car seat or a double one.
Storage
A pushchair or pram should not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but also have ample storage space for all the essentials. Find models with a large shopping basket to contain all the baby's items including spare clothes and changing equipment, bottles of water and even snacks. Some include a parent or child's compartment that is ideal for storing all of your personal things. If you're looking for a stroller with more storage, choose a pushchair with various configurations. Extra space is important if you're planning to take your child for long walks or excursions away from home and require a place to store everything you'll require.
Maneuvrability is a further aspect to take into consideration. Choose swivels wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also look for locking brakes with a quick stopping power. If you're looking at a light-weight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transport. Alternatively, if you want something more sturdy for off-roading, pick an option with strong, all-terrain wheels that can be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.
A pram is designed to offer a flat sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is best suitable for older infants and toddlers that can stand up on their own. Some prams can be transformed into a pushchair simply by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one models that can be converted into an automobile seat or a carrycot.
Whichever type of pram or pushchair you decide to purchase, make sure to read reviews on the internet and ask for recommendations from friends and family. If you are able, test-drive a few options before making your decision to get an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You might also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best option for you, as they can be used interchangeably between two children and reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set wheels each time your child grows up!