Having a baby is the start of a wonderful journey. It’s a journey that will be filled with lots of surprises, plans decisions and questions. What will we call our baby? What colour should we paint the nursery? Will the baby sleep beside his mum or in a separate cot? And finally, what would be the best way to take him out into the world: a pram, a pushchair or simply a travel system? Though all the decisions are important, selecting the right baby travel system is probably one of the more critical decisions as your baby is going to spend its formative years in the pram you select.
So if you are thinking about which pram or pushchair to buy, there are a few key things that you may wish to consider:
Your Lifestyle: The kind of lifestyle you lead is likely to have some influence on your buying decision. For example if you rely heavily on public transport, a lightweight, folding pram or a pushchair would be the best for you. If you have your own car, compare the size of the pram to that of the car boot. How is your home – do you have space for storing the pram inside? If so, a pram or a pushchair where the seat can easily be folded would be advantageous. If you walk a lot go for a pram that is sturdy and has lockable wheels. Swivel wheeled prams provide better handling over rough surfaces and can be useful if you’re going off the beaten track. Whichever type of pram you buy, make sure the handles are adjustable. This ensures the pram provides better ergonomic support and is also great if you and your partner or anyone else is of a differing height to you.
Your Baby’s Needs: Obviously it’s incredibly important to ensure your baby is 100% comfortable. Newborns require a great deal of sleep (even if they don’t always take it) so look for a pram, baby travel system or pushchair with lie-back support to maximize the chance of them sleeping when you need them too. Think where your baby will sleep, this will help you to decide which pram will be the best for you. Prams with turnaround seat units are good as your baby can either face the world when they’re older or see you when they’re younger – thereby reducing any anxiety from both you or them!
Once you have considered these, you need to weigh these points up against the different types of buggies that are available. Essentially, you will need to choose between a pram, pushchair, pram / pushchair combination or a travel system.
Prams: The pram is generally bought by people for a new born baby as it provides a comfier sleeping environment and allows the baby to face the pusher which is often comforting for both mum and baby. Some 2 in 1 systems allow the carry cot or pram body section to be removed from the chassis (frame) and used as a crib or Moses basket.
Pushchairs or Strollers: Pushchairs or Strollers tend to be bought when the child is older. They allow the child to sit upright and face forwards. A good pushchair will have the option to recline allowing older children to still lie back and take a nap when needed. The advantage of pushchairs is that they tend to be lighter than more traditional prams and they also take up less space. For this reason, many parents use them for when they go on holiday as they are easier to transport. Some Pushchairs can also be used with an infant carrier (car seat) as a travel system (see travel systems below).
Pram and Pushchair Combinations: These combination models can be used both for a newborn as well as a toddler. The carry cot / pram will let your baby sleep for the first few months while the pushchair will support your baby when he or she begins to sit up. This type of combination system is a great way to go from birth to toddler without having to “upgrade” your pram. When looking at prams and pushchairs you may want to look out for the following features:
• Fixed or swivel wheels – Swivel Wheels will give you added maneuverability
• Reversible seat unit – allows your baby to both face you or look outwards
• Folded Prams – makes the whole unit very compact
• Large Wheel Chassis – can handle bumpier terrain better
• Shopping Basket or Tray – space to store your shopping or baby essentials
Travel Systems: So called because they allow you to go from the pushchair to the car with ease. The car seat is included with the pushchair and traditionally the car seat attaches to the frame of the pushchair. When you’re ready to move your baby into the car you “unhook” the car seat and fasten it into your car. The obvious advantage of this is that a sleeping baby can be transferred from the car to the pushchair without removing them from the seat. For the ultimate in travel systems you may want to consider the new 3 way travel systems which include a pram, pushchair and car seat. All three options are interchangeable, giving you the ultimate in flexibility both in transporting your baby and providing a buggy that grows with your child since this will see them through the newborn and toddler stage too.
Safety of Your Baby: The safety of your baby is paramount when selecting or operating your chosen pram so keep the following points in mind:
• Read the instructions very carefully and make yourself acquainted with all the parts before you actually use the pram.
• Be acquainted with all the mechanisms before using. Check that the locking devices are full secured.
• Before folding the pram release all locks carefully.
• Every time you stop use the brakes, even on the flat surfaces.
So these are a few important guiding principles that you may wish to keep in mind before selecting the right pram for your little one.
Summary: You can choose from various travel solutions for your baby like prams, pushchairs, pram and pushchair combinations, and complete travel systems. Finding the right pram is about understanding your own lifestyle and the needs of your baby, whilst being mindful of safety considerations at tall times.
About Us: Kidsen is UK’s first Scandinavian children’s store which has special collections of baby gifts, designer baby clothes, nursery furniture, prams (including a unique 3 way travel system) and much more. The store also offers a convenient online shopping option
