| The Debate: | | | | mum and dad is far greater than time spent out |
| The controversial debate of whether or not a | | | | and about in the pushchair, so can it really have a |
| parent facing pushchair is healthier for babies all | | | | long term negative effect on babies' |
| began from research carried out through the | | | | communication skills later in life, probably not. |
| National Literacy Trust who created "talk to your | | | | Our Conclusion |
| baby campaign". | | | | It is a personal choice whether or not you choose |
| What the Research Suggested: | | | | a forward facing or parent facing pushchair. In the |
| The aim of this campaign was to encourage | | | | early years some mothers would want to see |
| parents and carers to talk more to their children | | | | their baby while they are out and about whereas |
| from birth. They believe that a baby will develop | | | | others would be happy for their baby to interact |
| good communication and language skills if parents | | | | with world. One deciding factor may be down to |
| interact more with their babies from an early age. | | | | budget rather than the research carried out. A |
| Their research suggests that buying a forward | | | | parent facing pushchair will most likely be more |
| facing pushchair will restrict the interaction with | | | | expensive than a forward facing one. |
| mother and baby making the baby feel "anxious" | | | | If you are still unsure, an alternative may be to |
| and increase stress levels. The research concluded | | | | buy a 2 in 1 pushchair which will enable you to |
| that a parent facing pushchair was healthier for | | | | easily switch from forward to parent facing when |
| babies because mothers are more likely to talk to | | | | the mood takes you. There are many different |
| their babies and interact with them. | | | | makes of 2 in 1 pushchairs and which can vary in |
| Should Mothers be Concerned? | | | | price. Again it will depend on your budget. |
| There are many holes in the way the research | | | | We have researched various online retail shops |
| was carried out, in particular measuring stress | | | | who currently have great deals on 2 for 1 |
| babies felt just by their heart rate. The research | | | | pushchairs. Mothercare are currently offering up |
| concluded that in a forward facing pushchair the | | | | to £140 discount off some of their 2 in 1 |
| baby's heart rate increased which was a sign of | | | | models. Their My Choice 4 wheeler pushchair |
| stress. An increase in heart rate can not | | | | currently has a 17% discount priced at £195. |
| necessarily be taken as a sign of stress. | | | | This model allows you to personalise your |
| Whether or not a mother chooses a forward | | | | pushchair by choosing the seat unit and converts |
| facing pushchair or a parent facing pushchair is | | | | from pram mode to a pushchair without the use |
| really a matter of personal choice. Some mothers | | | | of a separate carry cot. |
| may feel it is good for their babies to explore the | | | | Mothercare have brought out a new model called |
| outside world and take in new experiences rather | | | | the Spin Pushchair which allows you to convert |
| than constantly see their mothers face all of the | | | | from forward to parent facing in one quick spin |
| time. Plus time spent at home interacting with | | | | and is suitable from birth. |