Prams, pushchairs and buggies

Loyal companions for the little ones

In the first three years of a child's life, the pram, push-chair and buggy will be the child’s most important companions. They are ideal for long walks, when shopping or on holiday, offering the child comfortable mobility before they can walk themselves or when the distances are too far for little feet. Top quality prams are cost-intensive purchases, so that parents should find out about all the various possibilities before proceeding. Comfort for both child and parent is crucial.

It is very important for the child to be suitably positioned for the respective age. The child’s needs will change in time. While it is best for newborn infants to lie in the pram, later on it should be possible to change over between sitting and lying. Therefore, prams that can be converted quickly and easily depending on the phase of life are ideal.

Freedom of movement is important for the child

An adaptable belt system ensures adequate freedom of movement and adjustable leg supports help adapt the pushchair settings to the situation. Alternate sitting positions are important as well. Therefore, make sure that easily alternating between upright and reclined positions is possible.

Good climate control must not be neglected either, along with the use of washable fabrics that are permeable to air and moisture.

Even though the eyes of babies and toddlers do not work as well as those of adults yet, they love having an unobstructed view – especially of their mother or father. Conversely it is not only reassuring but also advantageous to have the little one in sight. There should be a glare and weather shield, such as a canopy that can be adjusted far to the front with a viewing window.

Handling and lightweight of crucial importance for the adults

Points to be considered in advance include the question as to where will the pram be used: mainly in town, or in woods and in the countryside? This is important when choosing the tyres. Small swivelling front wheels with a small turning radius are better for town, while large tyres and fixed front wheels are easier to manage in woods and in the countryside. By the way, a pram is a good pram on account of its stability and handling, rather than its size.

If the pushchair is frequently lifted into a vehicle or you live on an upper floor, the weight plays a significant role. Picking up the pushchair in the shop and carrying it some distance is worthwhile. A pushchair should not weigh more than 12 kg, a buggy no more than 10 kg. Easy folding is desirable as well so it can shrink down to a convenient size for back-friendly transportation. That makes it easy to take along on buses, the underground or the small boot of a car.

Height-adjustable handles on a pushchair or ergonomic handles on a buggy are advantageous to protect the user’s back. A luggage basket is handy to stow everything you need on a walk.

Easy handling improves satisfaction

Added functions and comfort must not come at the expense of usability. Adjustments and the installation of accessories have to be possible without tools.

When a buggy has covers that are easy to change and washable, nothing stands in the way of outdoor excursions.

Include breaks for playing and moving around

It is important to note that it is not good for the child’s development to sit for too long, even in a perfect pram or buggy. There should therefore be plenty of breaks for playing and moving around.

Checklist

Child safety is the central aspect when buying a pram. TÜV or GS approval signs offer a reliable decision-making aid. Another crucial aspect is comfort for child and adult.

The pram must offer the child adequate freedom of movement, different, comfortable sitting and lying positions and pleasant climatic conditions.

Pleasant driving and manoeuvring characteristics, uncomplicated adaptation of various transport units, height-adjustable/ergonomic handles, easily alternating between upright and prone positions, a low net weight and easy folding are crucial for adults.

Minimum requirements

Sufficient freedom of movement (e.g. adjustable harness systems)
Easy change between sitting and lying position
Optimum clear view for the child to the adult and vice versa
Cover and weather protection (e.g. sun roof that can be moved well forward, with windows)
Comfortable, adjustable leg supports, e.g. adjustable footrest (not necessary for carrycot)
Optimum climatisation
Easily collapsible
Height-adjustable pram handles, ergonomic buggy handles
Lightweight structure up to max. 12 kg (pram) or max. approx. 10 kg (buggy)
Easy to handle (e.g. understandable instructions, adjusted without tools, unmistakable handling elements, easily removed and washable covers, easily accessible and spacious basket)
Compliance with all current safety requirements

Products in this sector with the AGR seal of approval

CYBEX

Ergobaby

Maxi-Cosi

Manufacturer

CYBEX GmbH
Riedingerstraße 18
95448 Bayreuth
GERMANY
Phone + 44 1212708301
www.cybex-online.com/c/service-hub/contact/contact_us.html

Ergobaby Europe GmbH
Gaußstraße 120
22765 Hamburg
GERMANY
Phone +49 40/42 10 650
Fax +49 40/42 10 65 199
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.ergobaby.eu

MAXI-COSI
Dorel Juvenile Europe
Korendijk 5
5704 RD, Helmond
THE NETHERLANDS
doreljuvenile.com