Choosing the right pram for your baby
Choosing the right pram for your child
Choosing the correct pram or travel system for your child is one
of the biggest purchases you will make when your new child is
born. Prams, Pushchairs and Travel Systems can cost well over a
hundred pounds and will be used by you for many years, and if
you have more children in the future a good quality pram will
last as long as you have children.
One of the first main considerations to think about is your
lifestyle, do you like walking a lot? Will you be walking over
rough ground? Or do you prefer to use the car more? Will you be
travelling on public transport with your child a lot of the
time? There are several options to think about these include
Traditional Prams, Two in one, Three in One, Pushchairs,
Buggies/Strollers, Three Wheelers, Travel Systems and
Double/Triple Buggies and Pushchairs.
Traditional Prams
These are suitable from birth, they are large bodied or smaller
soft bodied but do not convert to pushchairs. They tend to be
large wheeled chassis with full spring suspension. The carry top
is detachable from the chassis and has carry handles, carrying
these tend to be best over short distances as they can be heavy.
They tend not to be easily transportable by car or public
transport.
Two in One Pushchairs
A 2 in 1 pram is a lie flat pushchair and separate chassis. The
pushchair unit can be used from birth, facing you or facing
away. There is normally a choice of chassis, fixed wheel with
suspension for walking or swivel for easily manoeuvring in busy
places. A two in one pram comes with a removable washable liner
and when used with a mattress creates a carrycot.
Three in One
A 3 in 1 pram is a carrycot, separate pushchair unit and
chassis. The carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping (with a
safety mattress) from birth until around 6 months. Then the
pushchair unit can be used facing you or facing away. The
pushchair unit has a reclining back rest and adjustable
footrest. There is a choice of chassis available, a larger wheel
chassis with fixed wheels and suspension is ideal for walking
giving more comfort to you baby and yourself. A swivel wheeled
chassis will be lighter in weight, fold smaller, easier to
manoeuvre and convenient for the car. Most chassis have
adjustable handle heights.
Pushchairs
A lightweight pushchair or stroller is ideal if you will be
using public transport, going on holiday and using the car. Some
models are suitable from birth. The normally have a lie flat
facility with a 5 point harness, lockable swivel wheels and a
shopping basket.
Buggies and Strollers<
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These tend to be quite varied but will have a combination of the
following features.
Fully reclining seats will be suitable from birth.
Others are suitable from 3 months or 6 months
Between 1 and 5 position reclining seat.
5 point harness.
Lockable swivel wheels.
Lightweight frame.
Umbrella fold for easy storage
Optional car seat
Three
Wheelers
A 3 wheeler pushchair is perfect for walking, whether on city
streets or on rougher ground, some models have an optional first
stage car seat and carrycot, this gives you a flexible choice.
Consider the size of the pushchair folded and whether you have
sufficient space in your car or home.
Travel
System
A travel system offers a lie flat pushchair suitable from birth
and a Stage 0+ car seat, a travel system is ideal for the car,
as the pushchair folds compactly to fit in the boot, the baby
can be carried around easily in the car seat, the car seat then
attaches to the pushchair unit. The pushchair unit is always
facing away from you, the car seat when fitted into the
pushchair allows the baby to be facing you.
Double
and Tripple Buggies/Pushchairs
A fully recling side by side double buggy is suitable for
newborn twins/triplets or a baby and a toddler.