What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

If you're looking for a pushchair, pram or buggy there are plenty of factors to consider. Consider the amount you're willing to spend, if you're looking for a compact stroller buggy or something larger and how easy it will be to clean.

Look for models that have the ability to be adjusted to different positions, as well as the bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Be sure to check if they are flat as this is important for your baby's growing spine.

Safety

If you're out and about with your child in a pram or pushchair it is important to follow safety guidelines to ensure your baby is safe and secure. Avoid overloading the stroller or pushchair to ensure that there is no damage or instability. Avoid putting blankets or pillows in the pram since they can pose danger for your baby, particularly if there is an accident. Also, don't let older siblings play on the stroller or pram because this is a potential hazard.

It's also recommended to look for a pushchair that has additional padding, particularly in the area of the headrest, since this can help protect your child from bumping into things whilst out and around. It's also a good idea to choose an infant stroller with padding on the headrests, since it will help protect your child from hitting objects when out and out and about.

Some prams and pushchairs have the bassinet attachment, which is perfect for babies to lie on their backs, cocooned and comfortable. Some pushchairs and prams come with a carrycot which can be removed when your baby is able to sit up. Some prams will also have seats that can be switched between two modes as your baby develops.

Many pushchairs or prams can be folded down to a compact size when they are not in use. This makes them easier to put in your car boot or even transport on public transport. It is important to determine the size of the pushchairs when folded, as this could be a big difference when you need to squeeze them in tight spaces or up and down steps.

If you are planning to take your pram or stroller into more rough terrains, such as parks or fields, or even on the beach, it is ideal to select an option with off-road wheels. They are more suitable for these environments. Make sure that the wheels are air-filled as this will allow them to move over rougher ground and will not break easily.

A parasol or sunshade that is attached directly to the frame of your pushchair will shade and protect your baby against overheating on sunny days. These can be purchased separately or as a set of accessories for your pushchair. There are many designs and colors available.

Comfort

A quality pram should be comfortable to push for you and your baby. A comfortable, padded seat liner, adjustable settings to allow your baby to lie flat or stand up slightly (good for reflux sufferers) and a large sun canopy are all beneficial. Look for a suspension that smooths the ride and a receptive brake system to allow you to stop quickly if needed.

It's essential that your pushchair is able to accommodate this position for the first couple of weeks. Many frames include a newborn carrycot that converts to a reclining chair once your child is old enough. This lets you have both a stroller and pram in the same frame.

When you're choosing a pram, you'll have to think about your requirements, including how it's maneuverable and the amount of storage space you'll need. It's a good idea to visit a shop that lets you test drive various prams or pushchairs to see how they feel and how they fold. It's also an excellent idea to look over any accessories you might want, such as a seat liner, a footmuff and fans that can help your baby remain cool in summer or warm in winter.

Finally, you'll need to think about the overall design of your stroller - does it match your personality and lifestyle? You'll use it for a long time and so you should pick a print or colour that won't fade too quickly or leave you regretting your decision.

A light pushchair newborn that is puncture-proof tyres, a big bouncy suspension and a hood you can pull down to protect your child from the elements is our Goldilocks of pushchairs, providing the perfect balance of comfort for your child and you. It's elegant and stylish brushed twill, with faux leather handles and leatherette trimmings. It has a classic style but is also contemporary and modern. It is also very reasonably priced and comes with a variety of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pram, pushchair buggy, pram and travel system are often used interchangeably but it's important to choose one that suits your requirements and is compatible with your lifestyle. You'll be able to transport on public transport, in your car or at home if you choose models that fold. If you decide to buy a pram or travel stroller system that has a separate baby seat then ensure that it snaps securely onto the chassis and is able to be removed without waking your baby (especially when they're asleep).

Many prams come with an ample storage basket beneath that will keep your bags, shopping and nappies in reach. The wheels usually rotate, making it easier to maneuver and steer in narrow aisles of shops or in areas with a lot of people, such as beaches and parks. If you intend to use the scooter in the countryside, you might want to choose a model with big all-terrain tires that can withstand muddy paths and rough terrain.

A pushchair or stroller is lighter than a pram, and offers the convenience of seats that can be adjustable to various positions. This is ideal for newborns and babies who can sit up. A large canopy will protect your toddler or baby from the sun. Certain models are suitable for rain.

Consider how the model weighs and then consider if you are able to comfortably move it in and out of your car's storage area or up the steps to your home (with or without your child in it!) It is important to consider this especially since they will get heavier over time. It's worth buying a machine-washable cover for easy cleaning of spilled or nappy-soaked liquids. It's a good idea to test drive any pushchair or pram you're thinking of buying to be able to observe how they feel and move as well as how easy they fold and carry. It is also a good idea to check if the handlebars feel comfortable to you.

Cleaning

Cleaning your pushchair regularly will reduce the risk of mildew or mould. This means cleaning any fabric components as soon as they are dirty and giving them a full wash every two weeks or as often. Utilizing a deodoriser or a fabric freshener regularly can also help keep odours at bay and help prevent the accumulation of grime that can result in the growth of mould spores and an unhygienic living space for your baby.

Before you begin cleaning your pushchair it is an ideal idea to get rid of any toys, and to take off any padding or covers that can be removed. This will allow you to clean the difficult-to-reach areas, like the canopy or hood. Make sure you choose an area with good ventilation to work in and lay down a sheet or tarp to protect the floor and make cleaning as simple as it can be. Use a vacuum with an adjustable nozzle to take out any food particles or dirt that may have been trapped in the crevices and corners.

If your pushchair is equipped with removable fabric sections, check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and wash them according to the directions (either by hand or in the washing machine). If you want to wash the majority of your fabrics in prams then you can use a solution consisting of warm water, gentle soap or mild detergent. It is best to test the fabric's colourfastness on an area of a tiny size prior to using any cleaning product. Some chemicals can damage or bleach delicate fabrics.

Stains and marks that are stubborn can often be tackled by adding a small amount bicarbonate of soda to the wash. This is a powerful stain remover and will lift many types of odours, for example, those caused by milk or urine. It also assists in removing any residues of detergent or soap. After you're done, wash the fabric thoroughly to remove all traces of soap and hang it to dry. Do this outside as sunlight is a natural conditioner and disinfectant.