Buying a pram can be quite a task. You will need specialised
advice and who better to trust than Mothercare. Mothercare have kindly
helped us with this buyers guide to buying a PRAM or Pushchair
Description
A pram or pushchair will be one of the most expensive items
you will have to buy for your baby, so it's important to get it right. It is
worth taking the time to have a good look around and find one that best suits
your lifestyle and budget. Think about your requirements, and if possible, talk
to friends and relatives who have children. Ask them about the pros and cons of
their pushchairs - their feedback and experiences can be really helpful.
Age
Suitable from birth, depending on the model.
Key considerations
Before choosing a pushchair, it is important to think about
your lifestyle and your child's needs.
Your lifestyle
Everybody has slightly different needs depending on their way
of life, where they live and their budget. For example, if you do a lot of
working, you'll need a sturdy model with good suspension. If you rely on public
transport, size, weight and portability will be important considerations. Also
bear in mind that if you live in the countryside or do a lot of walking, you
will need something more robust than if you travel mainly by car. All these
things will have a bearing on your choice of pushchair.
Your child's needs
One of the first things to consider is whether the pushchair
is suitable for a newborn. A newborn baby needs to lie completely flat, so it is
important that the seat has a full lie-back facility. Alternatively, you can use
a carrycot which fits onto a pushchair to form a pram, or a baby car seat that
clips into a pushchair frame, so you don't have to wake your baby as you move
from car to pushchair.
No matter how old your baby is, it is also important that you
choose a pushchair that is sturdy, well padded and comfortable and, particularly
for a winter baby, completely waterproof.
The needs of a small baby and an active toddler are very
different but many models are designed to cater for your child through several
stages of their growth and development.
Other important considerations
Modern pushchairs and travel systems are designed to be as
versatile as possible and manufacturers try to take into account all the varied
needs of parents and babies. However, before you choose a model it is also
important to think about:
Ease and convenience
Enhanced suspension and large wheels give a more comfortable
ride, which is particularly important if you plan to walk a lot with your
pushchair. Swivel front wheels make all the difference if you are negotiating
the pushchair in difficult conditions or a crowded space. It is a good idea to
try out your pushchair by pushing it around the shop floor, try to get it
through narrow spaces, put the brake on and off, open and close it a few times.
You'll probably use it everyday so it is important that you feel comfortable
with it.
Weight
Think about how often and how far you will have to carry the
pushchair and how often you will be using public transport. If the answer is a
lot, weight will be an important consideration, and you should look for a
lightweight, easy to fold model.
Comfort
The comfier your child is the happier she/ he will be,
particularly if she/ he is likely to spend a lot of time in the pushchair. It is
important to ask for a demonstration and a rundown of all the features before
you buy. Important features to look for when considering comfort, include
adjustable seat positions, including a lie-back facility for newborns,
sturdiness, well padded seating and weatherproof material.
Value for money
Some pushchairs come with accessories like cosytoes or
raincovers, others don't. It is worth checking what accessories are included in
the price of your pushchair and then compare it to similar models.
Product features
Complete travel systems
A complete travel system is a pushchair that comes with a
compatible car seat, which fits onto the pushchair frame.
- Suitable from birth.
- Various styles of pushchair with a matching baby car seat.
- All the benefits of a pushchair plus a baby car seat that
fits onto the pushchair frame.
- The complete travel system allows you to move your sleeping
baby to and from the car and pushchair with minimal disturbance.
2-in-1 pushchairs
This is a basic pushchair with a lie-flat facility that allows
your baby to have short periods of supervised sleep.
- Suitable from birth.
- It has adjustable forward or rear facing seat positions.
- The 2-in-1 plus models have handles on the seat, allowing
you to lift the seat on and off when in the carrycot position.
- Some models have an optional carrycot or baby car seat
which fits onto the frame.
Forward facing pushchairs
These light, compact chairs have a lie-back position which
makes them suitable for newborns as well as older babies and toddlers.
- They have large wheels and well padded seats for extra
comfort.
- Most models have swivel wheels, making them easy to push
and manoeuvre.
- They have a simple folding mechanism, which is particularly
handy if you are in and out of the car a lot, or if you don't have much space
at home.
Strollers
These are the lightest and most easily transportable
pushchairs. Strollers that recline to a completely flat position are suitable
from birth. Those that partly recline are suitable from three months. Strollers
that do not recline at all are not suitable for children under six months.
- They are available in a wide choice of styles, ranging from
the luxurious to the budget-conscious.
- Lightweight yet robust.
- Easy to operate, compact folding system for travelling or
storage.
- Many models have lie-back adjustments which make them
suitable for a newborn baby.
- Some models have an optional car seat designed to fit on
the frame of the stroller.
Three wheel pushchairs
These stylish pushchairs are generally suitable for babies
aged from three months because they partly recline, although some models recline
far enough to use from birth. They are popular with parents who enjoy serious
walking or even jogging with their baby.
- Stylish, sporty looks.
- Soft tyres which provide good suspension.
When there are two
Tandem pushchair
- Suitable for two children of different ages.
- Forward-facing tandem seats with independent adjustment.
- Only the rear seat reclines fully for a newborn baby.
- Some models have an optional car seat designed to fit onto
the frame.
Twin pushchair
- Suitable for two babies, or children of different ages.
- Forward-facing, side-by-side seats with independent
adjustment and lie-back positions for newborn babies.
Extras
Useful pushchair accessories include:
Safety first
- A newborn baby needs to lie completely flat. So, until your
baby can sit unaided, a lie-back facility is essential. It is also important
that the pushchair is sturdy, well padded and comfortable, to protect your
baby.
- Always fasten the integral harness on prams and pushchairs;
even small babies can wriggle themselves out.
- Make sure the brakes are on before you put your baby in the
chair.
- Don't hang shopping bags on the pushchair handles as they
can cause it to tip up.
- Always remove waterproof covers in indoor situations even
if your baby is asleep.
