Keeping your baby safe and comfy is paramount which shouldn’t be compromised when taking your little one out in the pushchair. This will make outings a lot more enjoyable for both you and your baby. Here are several tips and tricks to help add that bit of extra comfort to your pushchair. Furthermore, you must also find the pram comfortable to use otherwise it could affect the experience of going out with your baby.
Types of pushchair
Many parents out there have recommended 3 in 1 pushchairs as they provide comfort at each stage of your child’s early years. From providing comfort to your baby from a spacious bassinet to having soft, padded material that lines the pushchair for when they enter the toddler stage. This explains why they are in high demand amongst new parents due to the versatility they offer. Pushchairs which do not offer this not only add extra expense as you will have to purchase additional extras or even a new pushchair as your baby gets older but, it means that you cannot change the position of your baby to suit your outing as you don’t get a carrycot, bassinet and toddler seat all in one, making it less versatile. No matter what pushchair you have your eye on buying, by making sure that it is forward-facing as well as rear-facing which will benefit you and your baby. It helps provide emotional support as your baby can see you so feels a sense of security. Likewise, you are able to encourage parent-baby interaction as well as being able to keep a closer eye on them.
Blankets
As obvious as it sounds, providing your baby with the right blanket will keep them warm in colder months and provide comfort and security all year round. Try to use a cellular blanket when you have a newborn as they are made of cotton which is perfect for delicate skin and they have tiny holes in the material which provides extra safety for your baby, especially when they are asleep, which would give you peace of mind if you are shopping when you haven’t got your full attention on your baby. The key is to find what blanket your child loves and use it on outings to make it more pleasurable as you will have a happy baby. Some babies prefer a comforter to a blanket so working out what your baby’s preferences are will make the world of difference when taking them out.
Pushchair liners
Although pushchairs come with enough padding for your baby to make them comfortable, adding an additional seat liner will bring extra comfort as they will keep your baby extra warm in colder months and cooler in warmer months. Many babies prefer liners made from sheepskin as they regulate body temperature better and provide extra support to create a swaddling effect which can increase the quality of their sleep. For winter months, some parents like to use a footmuff as they are designed to keep your baby warm from head to toe. Unlike a blanket, footmuffs are zipped up so you haven’t got the worry of your baby’s blanket becoming untucked. They act as a pushchair liner as your baby is cocooned in what is essentially, a baby sleeping bag!
Toys
As babies get older, distractions are needed to prevent them from becoming bored. Toys that attach to the car seat handle or toys which they can hold in their pushchair are a great way to keep your little one amused when you are out and about, especially when you are out for a long period of time. Not only does this entertain your child, but it also helps them to learn and develop from fine motor skills to gross motor skills.
Height of the handles
If your handles are not altered to suit your height, it could cause you back pain from poor posture. This is something, especially tall people need to consider when buying a pushchair because some handles don’t extend as much as others. It is even more so important that that you choose a pushchair with adjustable handles if you aren’t the only person who will be using it; especially if there is a significant height difference. You want outings with your child to be a pleasant experience and not uncomfortable.
All pushchairs are made with comfort in mind so if you choose not to buy any additional extras, your baby will still be comfy. However, some accessories could provide extra comfort to your baby which could make them sleep better and help with developmental milestones.