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Sunday, 10 October 2010

Baby Pushchairs and Prams Explained - Discover What's Best For You

The arrival of a new baby is one of the happiest occasions in life. However, before your precious little one arrives there are many decisions that need to be made, and a great deal of things that need to be purchased. One of the most important decisions that you will make is whether to look at prams or pushchairs. Before you think about buying either one of these or even a two in one model, you need to understand the difference between prams and baby pushchairs.
The word pram originated from the word perambulator, which is another name for a baby carriage designed for an infant or a newborn. Prams originated in the Victorian Era in the UK and had high wheels and were generally black in colour. It had a half cover to protect and shield the baby from the sun and wind and also functioned as a portable bed for the baby. Prams are generally designed so that the baby always faces the pusher.
Pushchairs are devices designed to carry older children generally up to three years of age. These are also known as strollers or buggies, depending on where in the world you come from. With a pushchair, the child generally sits more upright in a seat which faces forward.
Now that these areas have been explained, it is easy to see that prams are designed for newborns and pushchairs usually cater to toddlers. However, buying both prams and pushchairs at different stages of your child's life can be an added and unnecessary expense. Owning both of these separate devices at once can result in additional problems such as storage and greater expenses, as well as limited convenience. These problems have been faced by parents the world over, and as a result, two-in-one "prams/pushchairs" have been invented for parents. These pram and baby pushchair combinations are designed to convert to either a hybrid pram or a baby pushchair, depending upon the needs of the child.
Although two-in-one prams and pushchairs are a convenient option, a first time parent is likely to get confused with the variety of choices available in the market. So, how does one really make the right choice?
Here are a few points to start considering:

  • Your lifestyle is an important factor when it comes to choosing the right kind of pram or pushchair. If you are an avid walker, then you would need something that is sturdy and has very good suspension. In case you use a lot of public transport, then you will need something that is easily operated, compact, lightweight and quite portable.
  • What kind of innovative features does it have packed into the design? Almost all prams and baby pushchairs are pretty to look at, but you need to be considering other important aspects also such as its convenience and usability.
  • Observe what kind of guarantee your pram/pushchair is going to come with. In any case where your product may develop a problem down the track, will your retailer lend you another one until yours is repaired?
  • If you live near a shop or have easy access to one, pay them a visit and ask for a demonstration of the models you like. Take particular notice of how difficult it is to fold the device. Many prams and pushchairs look good until it comes to folding them or pulling them up or down, when the process is found to be complicated and sometimes impractical for life on the go.
  • Are the instructions that come with the pram/pushchair both clear and elaborate enough to follow successfully?
  • Will it fit into the boot of your car and is it easy to carry and manoeuvre about?
  • Can the seating position be reversed, and is this easy to do? This aspect is worth considering because although babies like looking at their parents, toddlers often like to see where they are going when on the move!
  • Does the seat have a full lie back feature for newborns? Is it weather proof especially for babies born in winter time?
These are just some of the many points which will help you to make the best choice from the wide variety of prams and baby pushchairs available today. Unfortunately the decision can be especially difficult when shopping online, as there are almost unlimited choices available. This is why you need a complete checklist to follow as you work towards making that final pram and/or pushchair purchase decision.
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Baby Prams - Tips to Choose the Best

Buying a baby pram is as important as taking care of your child. Choosing the best baby pram simply means to pick the one that is perfect for you and for your child and that ensures maximum safety. There are certain things that you need to keep in mind or crosscheck while buying so that you do not regret later.
Harness: Harness is the most important feature of any baby pram. Before buying, decide on the type of harness that suits your need. If you want to jog along with the baby or your baby is active most of the times, then it would be better to go for 5-point adjustable safety harness otherwise 3-point harness would be sufficient.
Handle: Make sure that the handle is adjustable. This is especially important if you or your partner is tall or someone who is tall is going to handle the pram.
Frame: The frame of the pram can be made of any material like aluminum, steel or plastic. Choose the one that suits your needs. If you are looking for a light weight baby pram, then go for plastic or if you are looking for a stable and durable one, then the one made of metal would be the best bet.
Tires: If jogging is part of your routine and you want to take baby along with you then it is better to buy the pram with air-filled tires for the smooth ride especially over the bumpy surfaces
Protection: Pram should have a sun protection cover or reversible handle so that the exposure of the sensitive skin and eyes can be avoided. Also make sure that is has a reasonable area of shade with a view window on the back side so that you can check on the baby from behind while moving.
Weight: While choosing the material, look for the weight and size of the pram especially if you think there might be frequent lifting and fitting the pram into the back of the car.
Double Check: Once you select a pram, it is time to roll your eyes all over and double check the braking mechanism and locking mechanism for folding and unfolding. Also look for any damages in the frame or any other part which might hurt the baby.
Take a ride: Finally, try before buy. Take a trial around and check if it is comfortable for you and for the baby.
Pradeep Bhat is a writer who also has a habit of collecting as much accurate and authentic information on a specific topic as possible and put it all in a place. For more tips and guide, visit the Baby Prams site.

Choosing a Baby Stroller and Pram

The buying of a pram can be an expensive and bewildering experience, as there is such a wide choice. It is best to leave buying this item until late in pregnancy or after the birth. Very often grandparents are pleased to buy this, or money can be saved by buying second-hand or from a discount warehouse. The usual points of hygiene, safety, cost and design apply, as a pram is not a bargain if it causes an accident or does not suit the mother or child. Designs available include large coach-built, with solid body and fabric hood and cover; solid body with detachable wheels; fabric body with detachable base; carrycot / traveller body with collapsible chassis. Some designs allow for the pram to convert to a carrycot, pushchair and baby seat.
It is important that the pram should be weather-resistant, well-balanced, the correct height for the mother, and comfortable, and have very safe brakes, padded upholstery, an easily cleaned padded mattress and an anti-glare hood. Carrying types should have strong handles and a detachable hood, with safe chassis attachment points. There should be two harness attachment rings and points for attaching a canopy.
Accessories include sun canopies, cat nets, shopping bags and baskets, backrests and pram harness and reins sets.
Pushchairs and buggy/strollers again provide a difficult choice as there are so many to choose from. Pushchairs tend to be heavier and less compact, but more comfortable and stable. Buggies are ideal for travelling as they are very light, compact and manageable. Many of them allow the baby to face either forwards or towards the pusher, and have adjustable seats. It is important that the wheels run smoothly and that there is a reliable brake. There should be points for attaching a safety harness and a footrest. The automatic locking catch should always be checked so that the pushchair cannot fold up when the baby is in it.
Pushchair and buggy accessories include:

  • see-through waterproof hoods and aprons;
  • all-in-one waterproof covers to put in front of the child;
  • cosy-toes that protect the child's legs and keep him warm;
  • parasols and sun canopies;
  • hooks to fit onto the handles to take shopping bags;
  • and pushchair baskets.
There are a hundred and one things to think about when preparing for a new baby. Want more advice on choosing a form of baby transport? Have a look at this Newborn Checklist to help organise yourself for the big day at http://www.babybirthbasics.com/newborn-checklist-and-choosing-a-pram.