Prams and Travel Systems - What do I need? | Daisy Tree Baby Boutique | Pram Shop Aberdeenshire

I've not tried every pram on the market but I've tried most and I have enough experience to share my thoughts to help you to decide what is the best pram for you. Prams, travel systems, carrycots, seat units? What are they and what do I need?

Here are the most frequently asked questions I am asked at Daisy Tree.

 

 

What is a Travel System?

A Travel System is a pram that has the ability to take an Infant Carrier (car seat) on it. Most prams will have adaptors so that you can attach an Infant Carrier. You do not need to have the same make of Pram as Infant Carrier (car Seat) just as long as the pram manufacturer makes adaptors for it. 

 

How long do they stay in a Carrycot for?

Your baby will be in a carrycot for 6 months. They are nicely protected in there and it gives them the ability to sleep flat with no constrictions on their lungs.

 

What is the Seat Unit?

The seat unit will be used from 6 months firstly mum facing and then world facing until such time as your baby no longer needs a pram. Seat units can recline and should have a 5 point harness.

 

How long will the Infant Carrier last?

The Infant carrier (car seat) offers your baby safe rearward travel until the age of about 12 - 15 months depending on the weight and height of your baby. It is a legal requirement for your baby to travel rearward until 15 months. It is the safest option to keep them rearward for as long as possible. Your baby should never wear a snowsuit or jacket whilst in their Infant Carrier as in the event of an accident they can slip out of the suit as it is not possible to tighten the harness enough when they are bulked up. There are safe options for keeping your baby warm and safe so there is no need for a jacket. Maxi Cosi Infant Carrier Footmuff

 

How do I know if I have tightened the harness on the Infant Carrier (car seat)correctly?

Do the pinch test. That, is with your finger and thumb try to pinch the harness strap just below the baby's shoulder at the front. If you can pinch some of the strap between your finger and thumb it is too loose. You should not be able to pinch any but you should still be able to slip 2 fingers behind the strap.

 

How long can a baby be in their Infant Carrier (car seat) at one time?

This question has a myriad of answers and nothing that gives complete clarity. What I can tell you is that up to approx 8 weeks until the baby can hold his/her head it is very easy for oxygen deprivation to occur after 30 minutes. My advice would be to ensure that you try not to keep the baby in the Infant carrier for longer than 30 minutes at one time during the early weeks. Thereafter you can build up the time slowly but you should always take a break after 2 hours and get the baby out of the seat for a stretch. Please use your beautiful carrycot when you are out and about, careful choosing now will mean you will choose something that is easy to use and you are more likely then to use it. Only use the Infant carrier on the chassis for a quick nip in to a shop.

 

How will I get home from the hospital then?

Good question and often asked. On the way home from the hospital somebody should sit next to the baby so that they can keep an eye. Moving onwards if no one is sitting next to the baby you should have a back seat car mirror which will enable you to keep an eye on the baby and the baby to have eye contact with you.https://www.maxi-cosi.co.uk/car-seats/back-seat-car-mirror

 

Prams  -There is lots to consider when buying a pram.

Ask yourself how you think you will use your pram?

What is your lifestyle like? Your car? Do you have a dog and pram to fit in the boot? Is one of you extra tall?

I often talk about the kerb test at Daisy Tree. Some prams are supremely heavy when you go to push them up onto a kerb. You're going to be doing that alot! It's worth considering. I can vouch for all of these that they have passed the kerb test! If you've had your eye on another make that's not listed, do a shout out on Facebook and ask those questions. Mums are so happy to talk about their prams. It's a personal choice. Choose what suits you and your lifestyle.

 

There are 7 different categories of prams:-City Pram, Country Pram, Off Road Pram, Classic Pram, Crossover Pram, Future Proof Prams and Twin Prams.

 

City Pram - this would usually be a 2 in 1 pram, in other words the carrycot would covert to become the seat unit. They can still be used as Travel Systems and are usually light and ideal for popping around the town. They will not be great over bumpy ground as their suspension and wheels will not be as robust as other prams but they will do just fine walking in the park.They are a great choice for city and town dwellers. An example is the Maxi Cosi Zelia

 

Country Pram- robust and with excellent suspension and ideal for country walks. These prams often have a huge hood to protect baby from the elements and can navigate rough ground easily. Some may have rear air filled tyres, some have adjustable suspension and give you that lovely bounce. These are brilliant for country walks. Consider the Wow Continental or for a smaller option the Wow 2.

 

Off Road Pram -this is the bad boy of off roading and up for anything you throw at it! Usually a 3 wheeler with big air filled tyres. This can tackle all sorts of terrain. These 3 wheel prams may be slightly wider but are still able to navigate through doors too. An example is the Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle, Terrain or it's smaller cousin the Swift.

 

Classic Pram -A classic pram would be traditional in looks and style and have traditional wheels. The wheels will not swivel so a slight lift is all that is required to navigate a tight corner. They will have excellent suspension and will have a comfortable ride. An example is Emmaljunga - Mondial de Luxe

 

Crossover Pram - A true crossover pram can take you on country walks and navigate through doors with ease. They are easy to fold and store in your car. The Peg Perego Veloce is agile, snappy light and compact. Top quality soft ride wheels ensure effortless steering, coupled with rear shock absorbers and ball bearings this pram is at home around town as it is on country walks.

Another example is The Maxi Cosi Adorra Luxe which offers complete luxury at all times. This is a special edition pushchair that comes complete with the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Luxe Infant Carrier, Oria carrycot and Luxe Footmuff.

 

Future Proof and Twins- Twice as nice doesn't mean twice the price at Daisy Tree as we offer a 5% Twin discount. Side by side? Or one in front of the other?  Check out the Peg Perego Ypsi the ultimate future proof or twin pram. Agile and functional, easy to manoeuvre and fold with top quality wheels complete with shock absorbers and ball bearings. Starting off as a single pram this can become a twin or companion pram with many configurations with the double adaptors. Or the Roma Gemini offers a comfy smooth ride with a tailored finish and can have the addition of a carrycot making this a low cost option as a twin or companion pram

 

Other things to consider are for a Winter Baby these Maxi Cosi Gloves are a must have!

For the Summer an Insect net is essential too. Some of these prams come with one.

 

All of these prams except the Roma Gemini can be packaged into a Travel System. The Peg Perego prams are compatible with a Fully Reclinable Infant Carrier, The Maxi Cosi Prams have a huge choice of Infant Carriers and Cosatto offer their own Infant Carriers. 

At Daisy Tree we aim to make pram shopping as stress free and enjoyable as possible. With excellent knowledge and hands on experience we can show you the best options for your lifestyle. You can try the prams in the shop, outside and in your car ensuring you are fully informed. As space is limited we have carefully chosen each pram for a reason ensuring that all lifestyles are covered. We only choose companies that match our own exacting standards for quality, customer service and knowledge.

These are all excellent companies who make excellent prams. If you have any more questions please ask! 

Thanks for reading, I hope it helps.