Reversible buggies find overwhelming support among mothers

The survey of 322 mothers of children under five years of age found that 90 per cent of them think that being able to face their child is important because it means they can talk to them, be closer to them and see how they are feeling.

Despite this, the survey, commissioned by baby products specialist Graco, suggests that less than one per cent of pushchairs sold in the UK have the ability to change the orientation of the child in the seat.

The survey follows previous research carried out by Suzanne Zeedyk of Dundee University on behalf of the National Literacy Trust’s Talk to Your Baby campaign, which found that children who are transported in away-facing buggies are less likely to talk, laugh and interact with parents. This has implications for their brain development.

The research also found that babies’ heart rates fell slightly when placed in a pusher-facing buggy and they were twice as likely to fall asleep, suggesting that facing the pusher reduced children’s stress levels (News, 21 December 2008).

Last year Graco launched the Graco Symbio, a buggy with a reversible handle that allows a child to be changed from the away-facing position to the pusher-facing position without having to lift them out of the buggy. The Graco Symbio retails at around £300.

Child psychologist Emma Kenny said, ‘In light of previous research, it is surprising that over the last few decades, pushchairs in the UK have undergone a change in design, so that most pushchairs now face away from the parent. The fact that 19 out of 20 mothers would be interested in the option to alter the orientation as they see fit, suggests a new shift in perceptions of what is important when buying a pushchair.

'Reversible buggies give both parents and children a choice and offer a level of control and promote interaction. From a very young age, children strive to be their own person. Babies are little learning vessels and it is important they receive as much stimulation as possible.'

Liz Attenborough, manager of Talk to Your Baby, said, ‘I’m delighted that the message about the importance of face-to-face communication with babies is so highly rated by parents. From their first day, new babies benefit from close contact with their carer so that they can feel supported and learn to smile and babble.  All new models of pushchair where the baby faces the pusher are to be welcomed, although there are still too few available at an affordable price.’