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.
 

The Extreme Charisma - our adventures with 'the Tank'

Saturday, 24 March 2012 15:30 by Natasha

To be able to fully explain why I love our Charisma so much, I firstly need to tell you about our debacle with our initial travel system purchase.  It was from a well know company, not sounding dissimilar to 'Brotherwear'... we purchased an 'Xtreme' (yes its so much cooler sounding without the 'e') a good six months before our bundle of doom was due to arrive.  Good job too, because we had to change it four times.  Yes, you heard correctly.  

 
I wont bore you with details of how many times we called customer services or visited the store, but to cut a very long story short, the first one we received was damaged, the second was covered in scratches and looked like it had been previously used, with the third the break mechanism was faulty.  By the time the fourth one started making the familiar clicking that we had heard with a previous one, we knew it was definitely time to ask for a refund.  One thing I will say, the staff were extremely helping and sympathetic, so we were grateful for that much.  After rigorous internet surfing, I discovered that the Charisma had everything I was looking for (of which I will go into loving detail soon), so I hastily made my purchase.  Don't get me wrong, I love my Zia, but I really love the Charisma for reasons which I will happily divulge with you now.  
 
It wasn't long before Thom renamed it 'the Tank' for it's ability to withstand him smacking it into anything from shopping aisles to innocent bystanders, and our precious newborn would stay sound asleep, safe from the big bad world and Thom's awful steering.  It then subsequently became a hit with his mates (boys and their toys!).  I personally loved the fact that it came with pneumatic tyres, which meant that I could run across open fields with Shyloh comfortably buffered from the rough terrain.  Ok, I haven't actually run anywhere since having her.  But I could.  If I wanted to. 
 
Although the thing is built like a proverbial outhouse, it is possible to collapse it with a single hand (believe me I've done it on many an occasion!) and the tyres can also be removed for easy storage.  Yes, me and Thom have actually made this into a game and timed each other... we don't get out much.  When we first got it, we used to lay Shyloh down flat, but as she's growing and wanting to see more of the world around her, it's possible to raise her according to what particular mood she's in (this ranges from anything from 'I can't see where we're going, raise me up mummy!' to 'I've had enough for one day, I need my beauty sleep!').  It's also got a handy peek hole so I can watch her, which is great for pre-empting said mood swings.  At the moment though, it comes with a free carry cot, which I would have loved - so if you don't want yours, I'll send you a box big enough to post it to me! 
 
There are definitely benefits to the Charisma over the Zia - although each has its purpose and are entirely different pushchairs, the Charisma boasts a larger shopping basket (hurrah!), and I must say I prefer the footmuff; it's much softer and plusher, and Shy loves snuggling up inside it.  The car seat is also extremely easy to attach and remove - unlike my previous purchase where me and Thom would spend ages trying to line it up into the holes (cue five minutes worth of 'is your side green?', 'nope, it's red, take it out and do it again'), this one you just plonk on top and it fits.  The only downside I found was that the seat didn't see deep enough once used in the car and the car seatbelt would go across Shy's legs, but to be honest, this could just be my car (or Thom's ability to 
fit the car seat, I just know I am definitely not at fault).  
 
All in all, I love my Charisma (the pushchairs not bad either, boom boom!), and I really mean that.  Apart from maybe having a bright pink version, I don't think I could ask for a better travel system, especially after all the hassle I had with the other one.  It's definitely something that we'll be using for years to come!

(If you have any stories or pictures of your little one with your Charisma, please post them on my wall, would love to hear from you!).