Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Pushchairs From Birth
Choosing Pushchairs For Your Baby
A stroller, pushchair or buggy is a means of transport for infants and toddlers. Infants must be able to lie flat, which is the reason strollers come with bassinets or carry cots and some also have a frame that you can fix the cot to.
When a baby is able to exercise good head control and can sit up and sit up, they can use a pushchair with seats that face away from or towards you. Some have useful features such as swinging wheels or enclosed carrycots that can be utilized in 3-in-1 systems.
Rear-facing
When it comes to choosing a pushchair for your new baby, there are plenty of choices to consider such as prams and pushchairs, to strollers and buggies. While the terms might appear interchangeable, there are some important differences. A pram is designed to lie flat, while a pushchair provides a sitting position. Some babies can fit in both, whereas others need to use a carrycot until their heads and necks are strong enough to support them in a seated position.
Many experts agree that it's recommended to use a pushchair with a parent's face for infants as young as a few months of age. Babies love looking at their parents' faces and appreciate the visual connection that it provides. Eye contact is essential for their emotional development as they begin to process stimuli around themselves. They also start developing language skills as they watch how their parents interact with them.
When babies are able to see their parents it gives them an assurance of security and trust. They know they can count on their parents to safeguard them and help them navigate their environment. This early trust can help children develop confidence and well-being when they reach the age of toddlers and begin to explore the world.
A pushchair with a parent-facing feature allows you to monitor your child while they are in their seat. You can easily check that your baby is comfortable and happy. Additionally, you can make sure that their hats aren't over their eyes and the wind isn't blowing on their face. Babies who can see their parents' faces are also more likely to sleep as they are comforted by their familiarity.
If you want to keep your baby in a pushchair with a parent's view for as long as is possible there are a lot of options to choose from. Some are designed to change between forward-facing and front-facing, while others come with an extended footmuff to keep your child warm in cold weather or a rain cover to keep the elements out. The Eezy S Twist+2 is a fantastic example of a versatile newborn pushchair that can be switched from a parent-facing unit to an forward-facing unit with the push of an lever. It can be fitted with a Cocoon S Car Seat, Cot S Carrycot or the carrycot for a four-in-one travel system.
Forward-facing
A forward-facing pushchair allows children to explore the world around them and take in the sights, smells, and sounds around them. They also get to see their parents, which is very important for the social development of your child. Based on their individual developmental milestones, most babies will be ready to move from an infant carrycot to a forward-facing pushchair at around six months. If they have enough neck and head control to to safely face forward, this is the time.
Research suggests that when babies are facing their parents in a front-facing pushchair, they are more likely to talk back and have a lower heart rate, which suggests that they are less stressed. They also are more interested in what's happening around them and their parents, which helps to stimulate their minds and develop their language skills. Parents are more likely to speak to their babies when they are in eye contact with them. This is calming and reassuring for their children.
You can use a pushchair with a seat facing the front from birth. This lets you go for longer walks. They will be able to take your child with you shopping or for other activities that require walking. A pushchair or stroller will allow your child to participate in the same activities as their older siblings, which can help them build confidence and self-esteem.
You should choose a pushchair that has a wide range of accessories, including a pram blanket, the footmuff and seat liner. When it's hot outside, a hood or parasol can help protect your baby. Pick a parasol with an SPF rating or UV50+ and make sure it's made to fit your stroller and is easy to attach. The majority of brands offer a variety of accessories that could be offered in a bundle with the pushchair, whilst others are sold separately.
Many pushchairs can be converted to doubles when you add an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is especially useful for families who are expecting another child shortly after the first. Some of these models include everything you need to make the switch and some have a converter kit that can be purchased separately.
All-terrain
For those who live up a country track, love a woodland walk or spend a lot of time hiking, you need an appropriate pushchair for those rough paths and rutted fields. All-terrain strollers can take on any terrain. They have features such as suspension that cushion bumpy rides to ensure your child won't be shaken up. They also come with an angled seat that can distribute the force and impact of bumpy ground evenly over the neck and head of your child and neck, ensuring that they don't get shaken more than they would in a stroller that is less durable.
You'll find that most all-terrain pushchairs are three-wheelers and come with a front wheel that can pivot and lock into place for maximum maneuverability, which is important on rough surfaces. They also have bigger tires than your typical pushchair. This means they are able to handle more rough terrain and provide the most comfortable ride for your child.
Another aspect to take into consideration when looking for an all-terrain pushchair is if the wheels are air-filled or foam-filled. Air-filled tyres provide a smoother ride over rough ground, but they can also puncture more easily when you hit something sharp. Foam-filled tyres last longer and less likely to puncture, and this is the best option for a pushchair that is all-terrain.
Many all-terrain pushchairs also convert from single mode to double for families that are growing, and some can be used as a travel system using car seat adaptors, which makes them ideal purchase for parents who are expecting. Certain models, such as the Out 'n' About Nipper are suitable for babies due to their incredibly flat seats, and the fact that you can attach the carrycot (although it isn't suitable for overnight sleeping).
The Nipper also comes with a range of accessories for pushchairs that include a raincover as well as an earmuff. It has a one-hand compact fold and is freestanding when folded, which means it's easy to keep in storage. It has a 360-swivel lockable wheels and foam-filled, never-flat tyres.
Weight
The best pushchair will impact your travel style and the comfort of your baby. The best model will allow your child to develop and grow in comfort, while giving you the chance to take advantage of all the family adventures that are yet to come. It is a significant purchase, so be sure you select a model that fits your budget and lifestyle.
The first step is understanding the distinction between the pram, pushchair and buggy pushchair, and the differences between a travel system and single pushchair. This guide breaks down the terminology to help parents to decide which is best for their new addition.
As the name suggests, a pram is designed for infants or babies between 6 and 6 months of age. It lets the baby lay flat during sleep and is beneficial for their back development. Some models also come with an attachment for a bassinet, which can be used during the first few months, giving your baby a secure and comfortable space.
However, you must be aware that not all pushchairs From birth that claim they can lie flat actually can. Beware of claims by manufacturers that their pushchairs can recline flat. Always read the fine print and discover what it actually means. Some cheap pushchairs only recline slightly, which is still superior to an entire recline seat.
Once your baby is old enough to sit up unaided, it's the time to transition them into a pushchair seat. This usually happens around three or four months, but some babies will start sitting up earlier. It is recommended to purchase a pushchair that is able to transform from a carrycot into an actual seat, so you have flexibility and ensure your baby's safety until they're ready to move on to the next stage.
Parents like a lightweight black pushchair with a single pedal to brake, especially when they want to talk or carry shopping bags in their hands. Jessica is our MFM home tester, gave this model an A+, stating that "it performs flawlessly and has a smooth ride, and the one handed fold is a delight". The lightweight model comes with Tru-Ride tyres that are tough puncture-resistant, and offer high performance.