Choosing Baby Transport
One of the most important things to consider when choosing how to transport your baby or toddler is your lifestyle. There are so many options available from lightweight and compact folding pushchairs perfect for those who rely on public transport to baby slings and carriers which allow you to be close to baby yet get on with daily life.
Baby Slings
Baby slings not only provide a comfortable and functional way to carry your baby, but ensure that they get your attention and the stimulation of being in contact with you at the same time as allowing you to keep your hands free. Slings provide good support for baby's head, neck and spin and a comfortable position for them to drop off to sleep in.
To ensure you choose the right sling, ask yourself the following questions: What age is the sling aimed at? Can it be used from birth until your child becomes a toddler? Is the sling easily adjustable? This is especially important if both parents intend to use it. Is the sling easy to fasten and unfasten, and could you manage to do it by yourself? Is the sling washable? - vital if it's for a newborn. Is the sling comfortable to wear? In other words, does it distribute a baby's weight evenly across your body? Is the sling comfortable for both you and your baby?
Baby Carriers
Baby front carriers - which are worn like back to front rucksacks - are slightly more structured than slings. They can be used from birth and provide plenty of opportunity for contact with your baby. Perhaps the only downside of front carriers is that you are often restricted to one carrying position (although some allow you to position your baby both towards and away from you).
Baby back carriers tend to be more suitable for older babies who are able to sit up unaided as they don't generally provide enough support for the neck and spine of a younger infant. When choosing a carrier you should take into consideration whether the age or weight range of the carrier is suitable for your baby, whether it will be comfortable for both you and your partner to carry (padded adjustable straps help), and whether it will carry your baby securely and in a good position.
Prams and Pushchairs
Newborn babies need to lie back, so you will require a pram, a pushchairs/carrycot combination or a pushchair with a lie-back facility. Some models have fully reversible seat units so your baby can face you.
Three-in-one pram and pushchair combinations combine a carrycot and convertible two-in-one pram and pushchair, while two in one pram and pushchair combinations combine the classic comfort of a pram with the versatility of a pushchair. Both are suitable for transporting everything from newborn babies to toddlers. Your baby can sleep in the carrycot for the first few months.
A typical pushchair has either a lie back seat unit or a reclining bucket seat and is usually suitable for newborn babies to toddlers.
Three wheeler pushchairs come in two varieties, both of which are suitable for newborn babies if they have a fully reclinable seat or cot seat. All terrain pushchairs are designed specifically for the roughest terrain and/or jogging, but are equally comfortable in everyday use, while city pushchairs are designed for everyday use about town.
Last but not least are buggies and strollers - lightweight, versatile, simple to use and ideal for shopping trips, travelling and holidays. All are suitable for toddlers and most can also be used for newborn babies.
Before you buy a pram or pushchair make sure it can fit in the boot of your car or that it would be easy to take on the bus. If you walk a lot, choose a sturdy model with lockable wheels. Swivel wheels make a pushchairs easy to manoeuvre, while fixed wheels make handling easier over rough surfaces. If space is limited at home it would be better to opt for a pram or pushchair that allows the seat unit to fold.