Pushchair Guide Part 1
So a baby is on the way – congratulations! Whether you’re starting a family or making an addition to it this is a very special time in your life. However, once the excitement that you are pregnant has come down, it’s time to knuckle down and start planning for the baby’s arrival.
Choosing the right pushchair can be a very tricky time and without a guiding hand you can end up with something that does not match your lifestyle or your baby’s. We’ve tried simplifying the jargon and making it easier to understand. If it’s your first baby on the way you might find out below information helpful. Alternatively, if you’re a veteran parent, but it’s been a while since your last kid, you might find it a useful reminder.
Let’s start off with some basic terms
Chassis
This is just a fancy term for the metal frame of your pushchair. A carrycot, seat unit or car seat will click on and off, depending on the age of the baby. For prams, pushchairs and travel systems, this is a separate piece.
Carrycot
The ideal travel environment for a baby. A complete lie flat, with mattress, ensures comfort. As baby’s head is large, in comparison, to the rest of the body, they are unable to sit up. As their little bodies and bones are still growing, sitting them up can have adverse affects on their hip, spine and neck. A carrycot is normally suitable from birth to approx. 6 months.
Seat Unit
Once baby reaches 6 months, they will show some tell tale signals. They will attempt to sit up with their shoulders and roll over. They are trying to now sit upright. When you see these actions, they are ready to go in their seat unit. A seat unit is normally suitable from approx. 6 months to approx. 3 years. Some seat units can be suitable from birth, by offering a full lie flat. Though, they are never as good as a carrycot.
Car Seat
You will be using this to transport your baby in a car. Children can only stay in car seats for 2 hours maximum. These can attach to your pram, providing a smooth transition from car to pram.
Pushchair
A chassis that can have a seat unit attached to. A minimum for new parents.
Pram
A chassis that can have a carrycot and seat unit attached to. A standard for for new parents.
Travel System
A chassis that can have a car seat, carrycot and seat unit attached to. A luxury piece for new parents.
Buggy
A pushchair that has the seat unit built into the chassis. Normally, the child only faces forward. This is typically used for school runs and holiday.
Tandem
A pushchair that can carry multiple children. Some tandems can start as a pushchair that only pushes 1 child, but can be adjusted to carry 2.
Now we know the terms, let’s put a picture to the word – it’s much easier to remember them this way.
Chassis
Carrycot
Seat Unit
Car Seat
Pushchair
Pram
Travel System
Tandem
Buggy
Of course, there are also all the accessories you must learn as well, nobody said having a baby would be easy!
Car Seat Adapters
This attaches to your chassis and allows for use as a travel system. Allowing for seamless transition between car and walking. Not all prams come with their own car seat. Alternatively, you can connect a different car seat. For example, you can put the Kiddy Evolution Pro 2 on the Egg Stroller.
Tandem Adapters
Attaching this to your chassis allows your pushchair to carry 2 units at the same time. Though there may be limits to configuration, it is an ideal component for future proof.
Footmuff
This goes into the seat unit and provides a warm snuff environment for your baby. This is a must-have accessory for the winter months, otherwise baby can get very cold.
Apron
Similar to a footmuff, these only cover the front and don’t wrap round your baby. Ideal for spring time, when it’s not too cold but can be very windy.
Liners
These provide additional padding, to keep your baby comfortable. These can be placed inside seat units and car seats, and are sized proportionality.
Changing Bag
A place to keep all baby’s necessities. Normally they have multiple compartments, which allows for everything to be placed in a home.
Buggyboard
This attaches to the back of your pram chassis, allowing for a child to stand on as you push another. These are compatible with most pushchairs, but it is best to check compatibility first.
Parasol
Protect your baby’s eyes from harmful sun rays. Some parasols may provide protection from UV light, which can be dangerous.
Raincover
Keep your baby safe from the rain by using the plastic cover. Most pushchairs come with a rain cover as standard. This can also be used during windy days, as it can make your baby cold.
Car Seat Adapters
Tandem Adapters
Footmuff
Apron
Liner
Changing Bag
Buggyboard
Parasol
