5 Summer Accessories for Your Pushchair

Tuesday, 16 April 2013 13:24 by Guest Blogger

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.

pushchair liner zia x petite star

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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How To Pick The Right Pushchair For You

Tuesday, 5 February 2013 14:02 by Nursery Value

zia x group shot

Part 1 - You and Your Lifestyle


> If you use public transport regularly, or have steps leading to your home, a lightweight and compact folding pram or pushchair would be best.
 
l> If you use a car, check the size of your car boot and compare 
it with the folded dimensions of the pram or pushchair you are thinking about buying. Do remember that, even if you have a car, you'll still need to transport your baby around town in a pram or pushchair on foot. Consider a multi-function travel system that's a baby car seat and pushchair in one.
 
l> If space is at a premium at home, it's probably best to opt for a pram or pushchair that allows the seat unit to fold.
 
l> If you walk a lot, choose a sturdy model with lockable wheels. Swivel wheels make a pushchair easy to manoeuvre, while fixed wheels make handling easier over rough surfaces. Some pushchairs offer both a fixed and swivel wheel option. However you travel, make sure you choose the correct handle height for both you and your partner - some models have adjustable handle heights.
 
 

Part 2 - Your Baby's Needs

 
lNewborn babies need to lie back, so you'll need a pram, a pushchair/carrycot combination, or a pushchair with a lie-back facility. Some models have fully reversible seat units so your baby can face you.
 
l
 
Consider also where your newborn baby will sleep: in a Moses basket, crib, cot or carrycot. This will also help you decide on what type of pram or carrycot to buy. 
 
 

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

 

The convertible pushchair combines the classic
comfort of a pram with the versatility of a pushchair.
 
Suitable for newborn babies to toddlers, different
models combine some or all of the following
features:
¡ > Reversible seat unit - faces forward or faces you
¡ > Adjusts from lie-flat pram to a pushchair suitable for toddlers
¡ > Fixed or swivel wheels - large wheels available on some models
¡ > Co-ordinating fabric hood and boot to create a traditional pram look
¡ > Removable washable covers
¡ > Easy to fold up using one hand only

Part 5 - Pushchairs

A typical pushchair has either a lie-back seat unit or a reclining bucket seat and is usually suitable for newborn babies to toddlers.

 
lDifferent models have a combination of the features below:
¡ > A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline
¡ > Reversible seat unit that can face forwards or towards you
¡ > Lightweight and easy to use
¡ > Folds flat for easy storage
¡ > Freestanding when folded
¡ > Fixed or lockable swivel wheels
¡ > Adjustable foot rest
¡ > Shopping tray or basket
¡ > Bumper bar
¡ > Carry handle for use on public transport
¡ > Can be used with an infant carrier as part of a fully-flexible travel system
 

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
 > Lightweight and easy to use
 > Bumper bar for older babies
 > Fixed or lockable swivel wheels
 > Wheel suspension
 > Adjustable foot rest
 > Shopping tray or basket

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.

 
lDifferent models have a combination of the features below:
¡ > A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline
¡ > Adjustable foot rest
¡ > Lockable swivel wheels
¡ > Lightweight frame
¡ > Compact when folded
¡ > Carry handle, making it easier to use on public transport
¡ > Shopping basket
¡ > Hood
 

Part 8 - Doubling Up - If you have more than one child 

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

Tandems
lA tandem pushchair has one seat in front of the other and offers a practical solution to transporting your baby and toddler together. They're suitable for babies from birth onwards, and some are suitable for twins.
lDifferent models have a combination of the features below:
¡ > A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline
¡ > Independent, multi-position reclining seats
¡ > Independent adjustable foot rests
¡ > Bumper bar for older babies
¡ > Lockable swivel wheels
¡ > Removable washable covers
¡ > Padded liners
¡ > Shopping basket
 
l
 
Double buggies
lFor carrying two babies, or a baby and toddler, side by side. Some are suitable for babies from birth and different models have a combination of the features below:
¡ > A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline
¡ > Independent, multi-position reclining seats
¡ > Lockable swivel wheels
¡ > Umbrella fold for easy storage
¡ > Optional Carrycot

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.
 

Zia+ - off to see the World

Monday, 13 February 2012 16:39 by Natasha
Zia - off to see the World

Anyone who knows Shyloh will tell you that she's not the easiest of babies, and believe me, that's putting it mildly!  So when I was asked to test the new Zia+. I must admit I was slightly dubious to do so.  Nothing to do with the pushchair itself, on the contrary it's very attractive, it was more the fact that my wonderful daughter likes to scream blue bloody murder whenever she's put in her usual pushchair (if you don'd believe me, ask anyone in my local supermarket).  So I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit, but thought I've got nothing to lose so off I went... 
 
I might go as far as saying that the Zia is a godsend.  Yes, you heard right.  As I lowered Shyloh gently into the pushchair for the first time, praying that she wouldn't start wailing, she began pulling faces that said, 'mummy, what on earth are you doing, you know I don't like my pushchair!'.  But she didn't cry!  In fact, she seemed quite content!  I must admit, I was shocked to begin with, but then quickly realised why.  She could actually see where she was going!  All this time I'd been laying her down in her travel system (which Thom has loving dubbed 'The Tank'), but with the Zia we could sit her up - and the great thing is, there wasn't only the option of laying flat (so suitable from birth) or bolt upright, but you can set the incline to whatever you fancy, which was perfect as she's still a little young to be fully upright.  So that was one box ticked straight away.  We continued out on our trip... 
 
Both Thom and I both mentioned how light it felt (but I must say not tacky feeling, which you get with a lot of lightweight pushchairs), and subsequently, how easy it was to manoeuvre.  After using our travel system for so long, the Zia was a welcomed relief - we could use this to pop out to the shops easily, and would have no problems using public transport when we needed to; its incredibly easy to collapse, even with a baby in tow.  He also loved the fact that he could change the height of the handles, with me being 5ft 5 and Thom being 6ft 1 1/2 (he always likes to remind me of the extra half inch!), the Zia was perfect for us both.  
 
I also comes with a basket under the seat, which I will admit wasn't the biggest, but its amazing what you can fit in there.  The only thing I would say was once I put my changing bag on the handles, it made it hard to access the basket, but I didn't see this as a major problem, and Thom remarked that this would actually be a bonus if I put my purse in the basket (I think this was a subtle hint to stop me spending money!).  I got a bright pink footmuff for the Zia, which both me and Shyloh loved - it isn't the thickest I've ever seen, but I actually see this as a benefit as you could use it in the spring without baby overheating, and in colder weather you can just add a blanket.  Even Thom thought it was cute (although I'm not meant to tell you he thought that, or used the word 'cute', so ignore that bit!).  
 
We've used the Zia a lot now, mainly because its just so handy.  The first time we got it home after a walk about, Thom came back into the house proclaiming, 'where's the pushchair gone?!'.  He was shocked when I lead him to the pantry and pointed it out, tucked away under the shelves.  It folds away and is amazingly compact.  Another thing we were impressed about was the price, we did quite a bit of research on this as my mother now wants an additional pushchair for when she has Shyloh and all the forums say the Zia is the one to go for (so it's not just us who think it!) - best value for money, performance, etc.  So basically, we're dead chuffed, Shyloh no longer screams like she's being murdered and Grandma has found something else to buy 'for the baby'!  All in all, one very happy family!  
 
If you'd like to add any comments about your experiences with your new Zia, please do so, we'd love to hear from you!  Just post your comments on my FB wall!