Having a baby is a very fashionable thing to do! There is a huge choice of wheeled goods on the market. Bumpstart will guide you through the various choices.
- Where am I going to use it most? Am I going to be pavement pounding or wheeling my baby thru woodland, fields and country lanes?
- Is my baby able to face me when I am pushing the pram without being in a car seat?
- Do I want a separate carrycot for my baby to sleep in? Is the carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping with the appropriate safety mattress? Does it come with a safety mattress or just a comfort mattress?
- Where am I going to store my pushchair?
- Will it go through my front door and up my pathway?
- Will it fit into the boot of my car?
- Am I going to be able to use it on public transport? Can I fold it with one hand?
- How much does it weigh? Can I lift it easily? (Remember that you are always going to be pushing it more than lifting it!!)
Remember – you will be using your pushchair for about 3 years. If buying it with an infant car seat, bear in mind that you will be using it much longer as a pushchair, than as a travel system. You must try the car seat in your car to make sure it fits correctly (approx 80% of parents are driving around with car seats that are not fitted correctly, or are not compatible with their car!).
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Things to think about:
- Is it suitable for twins, i.e. from Birth?
- What is the width of the pushchair. Will it go up my path or through my doors?
- How heavy is it? (try to imagine pushing it loaded with 2 children!
- What is the weight limit per seat? Is the seat wide enough for a 2 year old wearing a thick jacket.
- Will it fit into the boot of my car? Can I use it on a bus?