What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

Whether you're looking for a pushchair, pram or buggy there are a lot of factors to consider. Think about how much you'll need to spend, if you want something smaller or larger and how easy the buggy will be to clean.

Find models with a reclining seat that can be adjusted to various positions, as well as a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Check if they lie completely flat as this is essential for the development of your baby's spine.

Safety

If you're out and about with your child in a pram or pushchair, it's important that you adhere to safety guidelines so that your child is safe and secure. Avoid overloaded strollers or pushchair to avoid damage or instability. Avoid placing pillows or blankets in the pram, because they could pose a risk for your baby, particularly when there is an accident. Also, don't let older siblings climb on the stroller or pram because it could pose a risk.

Find a pushchair with extra padding particularly in the headrest, to protect your child against getting hit by objects while out and out and about. It's also a good idea to choose a pushchair with padded headrests, as they will shield your child from bumping into objects when out and about.

Some pushchairs and prams come with a bassinet that allows newborns to lie flat in a cocoon of peace. Some pushchairs and prams come with a carrycot which can be removed when your baby is able to sit up. Some prams also come with an infant seat that can be switched between the two modes as your baby grows.

Many pushchairs and prams are designed to fold to a smaller size when not in use, which makes them easy to store and transport in your car's boot or on public transport. It's worth checking how compact they are when folded as this could be a big difference when you need to squeeze them in tight spaces or go up and down stairs.

If you plan on taking your pram or pushchair to rougher terrain such as fields, parks, or even on beaches then it is recommended to choose models with off-road wheels because they are more suitable for these kinds of environments. Make sure that the wheels are filled with air as this will help them to travel strollers over rough terrain and not puncture easily.

For hot days the parasol that attaches to the frame of the pushchair or a sunshade can help to protect your baby from overheating and provide much-needed shade. You can purchase them either separately or as part of an accessory set for your pushchair, with several styles and colours to pick from.

Comfort

A quality pram should be comfortable to push for both you and your baby. Soft padded seat liners, adjustable settings that allow your baby to lie on their backs flat or raise their legs slightly to ease reflux, and a large sun canopy are all useful. Choose a suspension system that will make the ride smoother and brakes that are quick to stop quickly in a situation of emergency.

It's vital that your pushchair be capable of accommodating this position for the initial few weeks. Many frames come with the newborn carrycot, which can be converted into a reclining seat when your child is old enough. This allows you to use a stroller as well as a pram in the same frame.

It is also important to consider your requirements when choosing a pram, for instance, whether it's easy to manoeuvre and what sort of storage space you require. It's worth visiting a store that allows you to test-drive different pushchairs or prams to feel how they behave and how they fold. It's also recommended to research any accessories you'd like including an armband, a seat liner and fans that can help your baby remain cool in summer and warm in winter.

Lastly, you'll want to think about the overall design of your pushchair - will it suit your personality and lifestyle? You will be using your pushchair for a number of years, so choose a colour or print that you will not regret.

A lightweight pushchair with puncture-proof tyres, big bouncy suspension and a hood that can be pulled down to protect your child from the elements is our Goldilocks of pushchairs, providing just the right balance of comfort for both your child and you. With a smart and sophisticated brushed twill fabric with faux-leather handles and leatherette trims, it has a traditional appearance, but is also fresh and modern. It's also priced competitively and comes with a variety of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pram, pushchair buggy, pram and travel system get thrown around a lot but it's important to select one that suits your needs and your lifestyle. Find models that fold down to smaller sizes as this will help when you're taking it on public transport, in your car boot or storage space at home. If you choose to purchase a pram or a travel system that has an additional baby seat, make sure that it snaps on easily to the chassis and can be detached without waking your baby (especially when they're asleep).

A lot of prams have an ample storage basket beneath which will help to keep your shopping bags, bags and nappies at hand. They also have swivel wheels that make them easy to manoeuvre and steer in narrow shop aisles, or turn on the spot in crowded areas like beaches and parks. If you plan to use it in the country, you may want to choose an all-terrain model with big tyres which can cope with rough terrain and muddy trails.

A stroller or pushchair is lighter than a traditional pram, and the seat can be adjusted into multiple positions. This is great for infants who are able to sit up or newborns. They usually have a large canopy that provides your baby or toddler with protection from the sun and certain models could be suitable for use in rainy weather.

Take note of how the model is and if you are able to safely lift it into the car boot or up the stairs (with or without a baby inside). They'll get heavier as time passes. You may want to consider purchasing a cover that is machine washable for easy cleaning of nappy or spilled liquids. It's a good idea to test any prams or pushchairs that you're considering buying too, so that you can see how they feel and move and how easy they fold and carry. You may also want to see whether the handlebars feel comfy to you.

Cleaning

The most effective way to minimize the chance of mildew and mould is to clean your pushchair on a regular basis. This should include cleaning any fabric components as soon as they are dirty and giving them a thorough wash every couple of weeks or as often. Using a deodoriser or fabric freshener on a regular basis can help keep odors at bay and prevent the build-up of grime that can result in the growth of mould spores as well as an unhygienic living space for your baby.

It's a good idea remove any padding or covers before you begin cleaning your pushchair. This will make it easier for you to clean the difficult-to-reach places, such as the hood or canopy. The next step is to select a well-ventilated area to work in and lay down sheets or tarps to protect the floor and make cleaning as simple as it can be. Also, it's a good idea to use a vacuum with a nozzle attachment that is flexible to get rid of any dirt or food scraps that could be trapped in the nooks and crannies.

If your pushchair is equipped with removable fabric sections, make sure you read the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and wash them according to the directions (either by hand or by washing in a machine). If you want to wash your fabrics in prams you can do so with a solution made of warm water, gentle soap or mild detergent. However, it is advisable to spot examine the fabric for colourfastness before using any cleaning products as some chemicals can bleach or damage delicate fabrics.

Stubborn marks and stains can often be tackled by adding a small amount of bicarbonate of soda to the wash. This is an effective stain remover and will lift many types of odours, such as those caused by urine or milk. It also helps to remove any soap residues or detergent. When you're done, wash the fabric thoroughly to get rid of all traces of soap and hang it to dry. It is best to do this outdoors since sunlight acts as natural softener for fabric and a gentle disinfectant.