All about prams and strollers

So, you want to buy a pram or stroller You’ve heard about a three-in-one a two-in-one a travel system but you are not sure what’s what!

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With so many pushchairs in the shops and such a wide variation in price, you would be forgiven for feeling completely confused. And it is not as simple as buying a magazine's 'Best Buy' or buying the same pushchair as your sister or your best friend. Each of us is different, each of us has different needs and each of us will probably need a different pushchair.

What You Need?
The first thing you need to think about is how long your baby will be spending in the pushchair. Young babies need to lie flat with good support for their backs. However, once they are around six months or so and can sit up unsupported, you won't need a lie-flat pushchair anymore.

Pushchairs for older children are often lighter and are sometimes referred to as strollers or buggies, but at first, support for the back is of vital importance. If your baby will be spending more than a couple of hours at a time lying in the pushchair, then you should seriously consider a three-in-one that comes with a carrycot and a mattress.

Leaving a very young baby in a car seat for more than a couple of hours is also bad for his back. If you want to have something for a baby to sleep in overnight, then a carrycot is essential.

You can use a sheet and blankets with a carrycot that has a mattress. With a two-in-one or a fully-reclining pushchair your baby will lie directly on the fabric, so it's important that it is easily removable and washable.

With a fully reclining pushchair, and to some extent with a two-in-one, you will need to dress your baby for the outdoor weather rather than keep him warm with blankets.

The other main criteria that affects the price you will pay is whether the pushchair seat faces forward only or is reversible so that your baby can face you. Many mothers prefer to be able to see their baby at all times and it is better for a young baby to have eye contact with his mum. However, when he gets older, your baby will probably want to see where he is going. Pushchairs that face in both directions are generally more expensive.

A Good Set of Wheels
There is also a choice of wheels. Swivel wheels are great when you're taking your pushchair around the shopping mall, but they can be awkward over rough ground. Large, fixed wheels are better for going out walking. The recent fashion has been for air-filled tires. These give a softer ride for your baby but they can puncture, so you'll need a repair kit and a pump if you choose this type.

Other features can also influence your choice. A pushchair is easier to push and more comfortable for a young baby if it has suspension. Pushchairs vary in the amount of suspension they offer, from nothing to extremely soft; a couple even have adjustable suspension. A pushchair with fixed wheels needs some suspension otherwise you will find it difficult to maneuver around corners.

The weight of the pushchair is also important. If you need to lift it into the car, then make sure you can first! If you use public transport, make sure you can carry it comfortably. You can keep your baby in the car seat on the pavement while you fold the buggy, and then carry him on your arm.

Size Matters
The size of the pushchair when folded may be important. If you use public transport you won't want one that's too big to take on the bus. Some cars have small boots and this may limit your choice of pushchair unless you change the car! The size when folded may also be important when it comes to storing the pram.

If you are taller or shorter than average, look carefully at the height of the handle and make sure you can push without bending your back. Some pushchairs come with adjustable handles so you can find the position that is best for you. These are invaluable if your partner is much taller or shorter than you.

The material of the handle can also make a difference. Several pushchairs have soft handles that are very comfortable. Some of those with hard plastic handles have a rough finish: it can vary even between models of the same make.

The ease with which you can use the brakes also matters. If they are awkward, then you are likely not to bother sometimes, despite the fact that you are putting your baby at risk.

System Addicts
So how does a Travel system work? Babies often fall asleep in their car seats and it makes life much easier if you can simply transfer both to the pushchair without waking your baby up.

However, it is vital that you realize that all car seats do not fit all cars and that the car seat with your preferred pushchair may not fit your car. A badly fitted car seat will not give your child the protection he needs if you were to have an accident. You must also remember that a car seat is designed to give the best protection in the event of an accident: it is not designed for a baby to sit in all day. Newborn babies shouldn't be left in a car seat for more than a couple of hours. So, you should use a carrycot or a lie-flat pushchair for those more leisurely trips around the shops.

Finally, and only at the very end of your decision making process, should you consider the appeal of the pushchair. Many parents make the mistake of choosing the pushchair they like the look of, and only after pushing it for a few weeks do they realize that they should have chosen something different but slightly less stylish.