Buying a Push Chair

A push chair (also known as a stroller or buggy) is among the most commonly used baby products. They are designed to offer security and support for infants. They can be set with the parents forward facing pushchair or in front of the baby.

The powerchair is controlled by an electronic joystick that can be adjusted to accommodate those with lower upper body strength or puff and sip controllers. (These are controlled by blowing air into a tube). The chair may also be equipped with the climbing kerb.

Seating

A push chair is one of the most important baby products that you can buy. It is used by both parents and children. So it’s important to pay attention to all the details. Be aware of the seating options, whether you want to sit in front of your child or the world, as well as the ability to adjust the handlebar.

Some pushchairs, also referred to as buggies or prams, are suitable from birth and feature a fully reclined seat unit that can be placed in a lying position to allow newborn babies to sleep. Some models will come with an infant car seat and pushchair all in one (travel system) which allows you to easily move your family around as they expand.

Other pushchairs feature a reversible seat unit that gives you the option of placing your child facing either you or the world. This is beneficial for infants and young babies because they are comforted by familiar faces and it will be easier to keep an eye on them. It is important that the seat of a stroller equipped with this feature enables your child to lie flat and be fully supported.

There are various types of seats for older children and toddlers to suit their needs and age. Some seats can recline and tilt their backrests without changing their posture, which can help to prevent pressure sores. Some have a built-in foot rest that raises the user to eye level with other people. This is particularly helpful when traveling with children or parents who have difficulty lifting their child into the car.

Powerchairs can also be programmed to fit the user’s preferences and abilities. They offer a variety of power options that are controlled by a control panel located on the armrest. Your assessment expert can help you to select an appropriate seating system and power options for your wheelchair.

The fabric of the seat can be machine washed and wiped clean using a damp cloth or sponge. Some manufacturers have other accessories to buy such as the footmuff to keep your feet warm in colder weather and a seat liner which can be fitted over the existing seat and will keep it safe from spills, crumbs and accidents involving potty training!

Wheels

The choice of models and makes can be overwhelming if you are a novice to the world of pushchairs. It’s not a surprise that buying a pushchair is an overwhelming experience.

The wheels of your buggy are a key aspect to think about, as they can impact the performance of your buggy. For example larger wheels are more able to deal with bumpy pavements and rough surfaces and smaller wheels could be more suitable for urban environments.

The type of tyre you select can be determined by your lifestyle and the terrain you prefer. If you intend to use your pushchair for jogging pushchair, you will need air-filled tires that can absorb vibrations and keep your child at ease. These are a common feature on all-terrain pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted’s Sport which has 3 tyres filled with air.

If you don’t plan to jog, but want to make sure that your child is safe on uneven or rough terrain, you might prefer rubber or foam tyres. They are more durable and provide better shock absorption than plastic tyres. They are typically found on all-terrain pushchairs as well as three-wheelers, but they can also be found in some strollers that are lightweight.

A set of high-quality pushchair wheels should be durable and easily maintained. A routine spray down with a hose or bucket of lukewarm or warm water should be enough to get rid of the majority of dirt and debris although you can also use products such as WD-40 that act as penetrating oil, helping to lubricate your wheels for smoother motion.

Some pushchairs have removable wheels for a smaller folded footprint This is helpful when you have to transport or store your pushchair in tight spaces. You’ll typically need to remove the front wheels of the pushchair, but check the instructions first.

Choose a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit the height of each user. This is an excellent feature to have if you are planning to share the pushchair with your spouse or child’s grandparent(s) because it will make it easier for them to be able to drive.

Suspension

The suspension of the pushchair is designed so as to soften the bumps in your journey. This feature is particularly important for people with disabilities, because it decreases the amount of energy required to sit in the wheelchair and provides good posture support.

The type of suspension that is used on strollers can differ from model to model, so it’s advisable to consider your lifestyle and the terrain that you’ll be navigating in deciding which one is suitable for you. A strong suspension is beneficial for those who live in rural areas or are planning to use their pushchair for long walks. However, it may not be necessary for those who reside in an urban area where smooth roads are the standard.

The larger wheels are more effective in absorbing shocks than smaller ones. You will also find that some pushchairs are fitted with various types of tyres – pneumatic, foam-filled or PU that can provide shock absorption but without the risk of punctures.

There is also the possibility that some models feature a swivel wheel on the front that can help to improve maneuverability. Based on the materials that are used, you will also want to think about whether or not your pushchair can be machine washed. Keeping the fabric of your pushchair clean is crucial because it prevents bacteria from accumulating that can cause dampness and even mould.

You can easily clean a pushchair with an easy-to-clean detergent or mild disinfectant. Be sure to scrub off any loose mildew and mould with a soft bristle brush. Do this outside to prevent spreading. If you can allow it to dry in the sun. If you have stored your pushchair for a while then you can make use of a mild sterilising fluid to stop damp and mould from developing.

Controls

A push chair is the baby item you will use most frequently therefore it’s essential that it has controls that are easy to grasp and operate. It usually folds from the front to the rear (like the Clamshell) and could also have an auto-lock that keeps it shut. Some models have a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit parents of varying heights and age.

The majority of pushchairs that are ‘from birth’ offer two options for the seat to be oriented towards the parent (parent facing) or away from them (world facing) to allow parents to connect with their child and let them discover the world around them. Some have additional features like reclined backs that decrease the energy your child spends sitting down which can help with their postural support.

The type of brake is an important consideration for a pushchair user. The type of brake will differ from model to model. The most popular type of brake is a pedal for the foot that is located on the rear axle. It works by placing your foot on the pedal to stop the wheels. Certain models include an active handbrake which you can control by moving your hands in the direction of the movement. This is ideal for those who need a reliable and sensitive brake that they can use quickly and efficiently as they move around in a busy area.

Certain models include an option to swivel the front wheel. This is useful when you’re going to traverse rough terrain. This is because the swivel lets you to manoeuvre more easily on uneven surfaces or when crossing a busy road. The best pushchair tyres are made of rubber, such as EVA or PU. They provide the same ride quality as air tyres, however without the risk of punctures.