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With summer apparently just around the corner, now is a good time to start thinking about how to make your pushchair summer-fun ready. A good way to do this is by researching useful accessories. I have compiled a list of things I think are great to have on summer standby.

1. Pushchair liner

A pushchair liner is simply an insert for your pushchair seat. I find these really useful in summer when you no longer need to use the footmuff, but still want to protect the fabric of your pushchair. They come in a huge range of materials and designs, so there is bound to be one to suit your tastes. It is always worth making sure the one you go for is machine washable so it’s easy to remove all those ice cream marks!

2. Pushchair carry bag

If you are going on holiday, or travelling on days out during the summer, a travel bag is a great investment. It is a ‘holdall’ for storing and transporting your pushchair in. Not only does it keep your pushchair and accessories all in one place, but it makes it easy to move around, and protects it from scratching and damage. This is especially useful if you are brave enough to be travelling on an aeroplane as damage can sometimes occur during transit.

3. Parasol

When the sun does shine, you will want a way of keeping it out of your baby’s face. This is where a parasol comes in handy. They attach to the frame of your pushchair and can be adjusted to the correct position to shade your little one. There are many universal styles, as well as specific branded ones, but remember to check the attachments as some may need adaptors to fit your pushchair frame.

4. Changing bag

You may already have a changing bag, but it is most definetley a summer essential, so if you are due to become a mum this summer, make sure this is on your must have list! In the summer months, there always seems to be lots to carry – spare clothes, sun hats, suncream, picnics, drinks for you and baby as well as all the usual paraphernalia having a baby with you requires! So make sure you invest in a good sized changing bag that can carry everything you need. Some also have insulated pockets which can be great for keeping food and drinks cold on a hot summer day.

5. Raincover

Ok, not strictly a typical summer accessory, but we do live in the UK, so at some point during the summer it is likely you will need a raincover for your pushchair. Again, there are universal styles, and branded styles so make sure you get one which fits your pushchair securely to kepp out the summer showers! Some raincovers also have a window flap in the front which allows you to reach in and access baby without removing the whole raincover – consider whether this is something which would be useful for you.

I am hoping that summer is on the way to us very shortly so we can all get out and enjoy the sunshine!

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Part 1 - You and Your Lifestyle

Part 2 - Your Baby's Needs

Part 3 -Three-in-one pram and pushchair combinations

 

These models combine a carrycot and convertible two-in

one pushchair and are suitable for transporting newborn

babies to toddlers. Your baby can sleep in the carrycot for

the first few months.

 

lDifferent models combine some or all of the following features:

¡ > Fixed or swivel wheels - large wheels available on some models

¡ > Reversible seat unit - faces forward or faces you

¡ > Easy to fold up using one hand only

¡ > More traditional in appearance

¡ > Larger wheeled chassis offers better suspension

¡ > Seat unit adjusts to the flat position

¡ > Shopping basket or tray

¡ > Co-ordinating accessories

Part 4 -Two-in-one pram and pushchair combinations

Part 6 - Three Wheeler Pushchairs

 

You can choose from two types of three-wheelers, both of which are suitable for newborn babies if they have a fully reclinable seat or cot

seat.

 

lAll-terrain pushchairs are designed specifically for the roughest terrain and/or jogging, but are equally comfortable in everyday use. City pushchairs are designed for everyday use about town.

 

lDifferent models have a combination of the features below:

¡ > Hood, foot muff, basket and PVC covering

¡ > Removable accessories that are machine washable

¡ > Pneumatic tyres for a comfortable ride

¡ > Quick-release wheels

¡ > Folds flat for easy storage

¡ > Lie-back facility

¡ > Carry bag for transporting the pushchair

 

Part 7 - Travel Systems - from Car Seat to Pushchair

These include either a carrycot, pushchair and car seat, or a pushchair and car seat, and are suitable for babies from birth. Some car seats can be used for babies up to 13kg/29lbs (approximately 9-12 months); simply attach it to the chassis of the pushchair.

Different models have a combination of the features below:

 > A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline

Part 8 - Buggies and Strollers

Buggies and strollers are lightweight, versatile and simple to use. They're ideal for shopping, travelling and holidays, and most can be used for newborn babies.

If you have twins, or small children close in age and weight, double buggies and tandems are ideal.

Part 9 - Accessories for your Pram, Pushchair or Stroller

 

We stock a range of accessories that will help you make the

most of your pram, pushchair or buggy - wherever you are.

 

l > Changing bag A convenient way to store neatly everything you need to take your baby visiting. Most bags come with a PVC changing mat, pockets for soiled items and insulated pockets.

l > Sun parasol Helps protect your baby from harsh sunlight. 

l > Foot muff Ideal in cold weather - keeps your baby snug and warm while you are out and about. Some foot muffs convert to pram quilts and liners. 

l > Head support cushion Specially designed to give young babies extra support and comfort in pushchairs, car seats and bouncing chairs.

Part 10 - Safety

By law, all pushchairs sold in the UK must comply with British standards. Some travel systems may

include a car seat that complies with European standards.

 

To ensure your child's safety, remember these simple points:

 

Do

l > Always read the instructions carefully and familiarise yourself with all the moving parts before you use your pushchair for the first time.

l > Show anyone who's going to use your pushchair, and who may be unfamiliar with it, how to open and close it, and how to operate the brakes and locking mechanism.

l > Always check that locking devices are secure when you open the pushchair. Remember to release all locks before folding it.

l > Always secure your child in the pushchair with the five-point harness.

l > Use the brakes every time you stop - even on flat surfaces.

 

Don't

l > Adjust the seat position while your child is in the pushchair.

l > Leave your child unattended.

l > Carry more than one child in your pushchair unless it's designed for that.

l > Hang shopping or other heavy items on the handles, as it could tip over the pushchair or pram.

l > Use PVC rain covers indoors or in strong sunlight.

 

Are you purchasing a Pushchair for the first time?

Do you have no idea what you need or what to look for?

Have no fear. Nursery Value has put together a handy Pushchair Buying Guide to help you work out what's best for you and your baby.

Click here to read the Pushchair Buying Guide.

Have we missed anything important from the guide? Let us know in the comments, via twitter or facebook.

As we're soon approaching National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (25th June) I thought it only apt to write a blog about how my life has changed now that my boobs seem to be permanently out. It was always my intention to breastfeed, but I never really realised how hard it would be to get the hang of, and quite how difficult the whole process would be. I guess I imagined it to be something along the lines of; boob out, whack her on, jobs a good'un, but it didn't quite go like that.

I might as well take you back to the beginning - the birth of my wonderful monster. She latched on as soon as she came out, and almost instantly a feeling of utter pride washed over me. I found it amazing how this tiny thing, barely an hour old, seemed to know exactly what to do. Unfortunately, my euphoria was short lived, for by the time we got round to her third feed, it was like she'd forgotten. Plus, my nipples hurt like mad (sorry to any men reading this, but you have to know, it can be bloody painful at the start!). I asked a midwife for assistance, as I was deeply hormonal (not surprisingly), and concerned that Shyloh would starve... I was told to massage my breast and collect any drops that came out into a syringe. I immediately started sobbing, and it wasn't until the next duty midwife came along that she suggested laying down to feed her, which worked a treat. Obstacle number one over.

The early days are quite a blur, but I remember it being very tricky to get the hang of what I was actually supposed to be doing, and how best to teach Shyloh. Thom would have to make me a little bed of a million blankets on the living room floor so I could lay down every feed (glad we grew out of that!), and the cats would always want to lay with us. I felt like I was always breastfeeding in the early days, and to be honest I probably was, for there was a point where Shy would feed every 1.5 to 2 hours. We went to a breastfeeding clinic, and bless Thom, he had to sit there with a dozen women all with their baps out... probably would have been a pleasant experience for him under other circumstances! I also leaked like mad, I would be feeding off of one boob and the other would start gushing... ok, that's probably too much information, but you need to know these things!

I've had to feed in some pretty interesting places. Remembrance Day, slap bang on the 2 minute silence, Shyloh starts wailing so I resorted to feeding her on the floor of the cobble stoned market square in front of hundreds of veterans. During an interview... yes, you read right. Not only did I have to show my bits to four men I would potentially be working for, but baby then decides to puke everywhere. Suffice to say, I didn't get the job. I've had to walk through countless shopping centres, supermarkets, town centres, parks, restaurants etc with Shyloh attached to me. Great fun.

Thankfully, pretty much everyone has been really open and supportive when it comes to breastfeeding in public places, and my friends are used to me being half naked in front of them by now. My best friend was slightly uncomfortable to begin with, when I'd have to feed Shyloh he would sheepishly avert eye contact, slowly head towards the door whilst saying, 'I think I'm going to go see what Thom is up to' (bless him). I've had another friend, who is a glamour photographer and therefore used to boobs of all shapes and sizes, sit pretty much on top of me whilst I was feeding, stare at my boobs, going 'that's amazing, doesn't that hurt, why is she pulling like that, how many holes does it come out of, does it squirt everywhere or trickle out, what colour is it, that's sooooooo amazing!!'. I guess some people would have been traumatised by the barrage of questions, but I was really pleased that he was interested and wanted to know more about it all.

Not to say that everyone is in agreement. My mother, of all people has been a pain, and frequently asks me when I'm going to stop as it's an 'inconvenience' (grrr!). Once, in the very early days, she proclaimed 'that's not how you do it', and proceeded to shove my boob into Shy's mouth. I have had to bite my tongue on several occasions, and in the end sent her an email with information on breastfeeding so that she could stop coming out with ludicrous comments such as, 'you're milk isn't good any more', 'there is no point doing it after six months', and my personal favourite, 'if you carry on it's just selfish'. I have felt like slapping her in the face with a breast pad before, but I remind myself that it was all very different in her day.

There is a lot of support out there for women who want to learn more about it, or are struggling to get to grips with it. I don't think I could have coped without the breastfeeding cafe and the friends I made there. There are also groups, such as Le Leche League, who were a massive help when my milk production went down. For anyone who is thinking of breastfeeding, I would advise it wholeheartedly - I'm not going to bang on about the benefits as I'd be here all day, but I would say don't give up, it's hard work, but so so so worth it in the long run. I love the bond I have with Shyloh, and I will always remember this time fondly. It's been eight months now and I'm 'still' breastfeeding. An no, I have no intention to stop just yet. Why should I? There is so much contradiction when it comes to the how long to breastfeed for, but I believe that it's down to the individual. As far as I'm concerned, Shyloh will stop when she's ready. Ok, I may have to consider reevaluating this if she's coming home from middle school and asking for a feed! And anyway, if I stop now, I'd have to start buying milk to put it Thom's tea! Ha, just kidding Thom! Or am I? :) 

Selecting the right type of pushchair from a huge range of manufacturers is not an easy task, and to some new parents it can be quite overwhelming.

So to help you make the decision that's right for you we’ve compiled a glossary of the many types of pushchair available on the market.

Forward / Rear facing
This kind of pushchair faces either towards or away from the parent who’s pushing the pushchair. The advantage of choosing a rear facing pushchair is that they can see his/her child at all times; while an older child may prefer to look forward and engage with the environment around them. Most rear facing pushchairs will often provide an option to switch between both front and rear positions.

Pushchair
Pushchair is a generic term used to describe a wheeled product that is used to carry a child. Many types of pushchair fit into this category such as stroller, buggy and pram.

Stroller / Buggy
A stroller is a lightweight pushchair designed with convenience in mind. Strollers are perfect for lightweight use and being taken on public transport, and most parents use a stroller as a second buggy. A good majority of strollers use an umbrella style folding system which is explained in further detail below.

Pram / Pramette
A pram in most instances has four wheels and is suitable from birth. Prams tend to have a cot based seat unit, which is sometimes removable to create a carrycot. Prams are only normally suitable to around 6 months, or when your child can sit up unaided.

Travel System
Some pushchairs have the ability to take a car seat. This is a great feature because it allows you to transfer a sleeping baby straight from the car onto the pushchair without waking the child. Most car seats will fit onto the pushchair using adaptors but may require you to remove the current seat unit of the pushchair to fit the car seat. Most manufacturers will offer their own car seat, but will also offer additional car seat adaptors so you can use your existing car seat.

2-in-1
These types of pushchairs can be used as a standard upright pushchair, or convert to a pram. 2-in-1 pushchairs are perfect for using in pram mode from birth, and when your child starts sitting up and being inquisitive you can switch to a traditional upright position so you can continue using it.

3-in-1
A 3-in-1 pushchair adds the additional ability to combine a car seat (travel system), or detachable carrycot depending on the model.

3-wheeler
A 3-wheeler, sometimes referred to as a “jogger” is a pushchair with three wheels. These sporty looking pushchairs are often lighter than their four-wheeled counterparts and can normally be stored more easily. Modern three-wheelers are often just as stable as their four-wheeled counterparts and in some cases convert to additional modes. Some can even take car seats and carrycots.

Umbrella fold
This type of pushchair folds up into a long thin shape rather like an umbrella. They tend to be the most economical buggies on the market and tend to fill the lightweight/light-use section of the market and in most cases are not designed for carrying heavy loads.

Twin Pushchair
These pushchairs tend to be umbrella style pushchairs with a second seat unit in side-by-side formation and are best suited to children of similar ages.

Tandem Pushchairs
Like twins these buggies carry two (or more) children in front-and-rear formation, and also tend to be umbrella styled. Most Tandems will accept one newborn and in the other seat a slightly older child. This makes tandems perfect for children of differing age ranges.