What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

If you're looking for a pram, pushchair or a buggy, there are lots of considerations to make. Consider how much you have to spend on a buggy, whether you want it to be smaller or larger, and how easy it will be to clean.

Look for models that feature a reclining seat with various positions, as well as a bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Make sure they are flat as this is vital to the development of the spine of your baby.

Safety

It is essential to adhere to the safety guidelines when you're out with your child in a pushchair or pram. This will ensure that your child is secure and at ease. Make sure you know the stroller's or pushchair's carriage weight limits to avoid overloading as this could result in damage or instability. Avoid placing blankets or pillows in the pram since this could be dangerous for your child, especially if they have an accident. Don't let older children use the stroller or pram because it could pose a risk.

Choose a stroller with extra padding especially in the headrest area to shield your child from getting hit by objects while out and around. It's also a good idea to choose a pushchair with cushioned headrests as they will shield your child from bumping into things while out and out and about.

Some prams and pushchairs have an attachment for a bassinet that is perfect for infants to lie on their backs cozy, cocooned and comfy. Some prams and pushchairs include a carrycot that can be removed when your baby is able to sit up. Some prams will also have a seat unit which can be switched between the two modes as your baby grows.

Many pushchairs and prams are designed to fold into smaller sizes when not in use, which makes them easy to store and transport in your car boot or on public transport. Make sure they are compact when folded. This can make a big difference when you need to fit them into tight spaces or up and down stairs.

If you're planning on taking your pram or pushchair to rougher terrain such as fields, parks or even on beaches, it is recommended to find a model with off-road wheels because they are more suitable for these types of environments. Make sure the wheels are air-filled as this will allow them to maneuver over rough terrain and will not easily puncture.

A sunshade or a parasol that attaches directly to the frame of your pushchair will provide shade and protect your baby against overheating on sunny days. They can be purchased as a separate item or as a set of accessories for your pushchair. There are a variety of designs and colors available.

Comfort

A good pram or pushchair is one that is comfortable for your baby and you to push. Soft padded seat liners, adjustable settings that allow your baby to lie on their backs flat or rise slightly to ease reflux and a large sun canopy are all useful. Look for suspension systems that make the ride smoother and a brake system that is flexible so that you can stop quickly in the event of an emergency.

Newborns need to be in a completely flat position to help with their developing spine and therefore it's essential to ensure that your pushchair is able to support this during the first few months. Many frames come with an infant carrycot that can convert into a reclining seat when your child is old enough. This lets you have both a stroller and pram within the same frame.

You'll also have to think about your needs when selecting a double pushchair like whether it's simple to maneuver and what type of storage space you need. You should visit a shop where you can try out different pushchairs and prams to test how they feel and fold. It's also a good idea to research any accessories you'd like, such as a footmuff, seat liner and fans that help your baby to stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

In the end, you'll need to think about the overall look of your stroller - does it suit your lifestyle and style? You will be using your pushchair for many years, so choose an option that you won't regret.

A light pushchair that is puncture-proof tyres that are big and bouncy, suspension and a hood that can be pulled down to protect your child from the elements is our Goldilocks of pushchairs, providing the perfect balance of comfort for both your child and you. With a smart and sophisticated brushed twill fabric with faux-leather handles and leatherette trims that have a traditional feel, but it also looks fresh and modern. It is also reasonably priced and comes with a range of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pushchair, pram buggy, pram and travel system (their explanation) get thrown around a lot but it's important to select one that meets your needs and your lifestyle. You'll be able to move around on public transport, in your car or at home if you opt for models that fold. If you choose to purchase a pram or a travel system that has a separate baby seat, make sure that it snaps on easily to the chassis and can be removed without waking your baby (especially when they're asleep).

A lot of prams have a spacious storage basket underneath that will keep your bags, shopping and nappies at hand. They also have swivel wheels that make them easy to manoeuvre and steer through narrow shop aisles, or turn around in crowded areas like beaches and parks. If you plan to use it in the countryside, you may want to consider a model with large all-terrain 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 ideal for infants who can sit up or for newborns. A large canopy can shield your child from the sun. Some models are also suitable for rain.

Consider how the model weighs and if you are able to lift it comfortably into your car boot or up the stairs (with or without a baby inside). It is important to consider this especially since they will increase in weight over time. It could be worth spending an extra amount to get a washable cover that makes cleaning up spillages or leaks from nappy nappy easy. 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 behave and how they fold and transport. You may also want to determine if the handlebars feel comfortable to you.

Cleaning

The quickest way to reduce the risk of mildew and mould is to wash your pushchair frequently. It is crucial to wipe down every component of the fabric as soon as they become dirty and give them a thorough wash every two weeks. Using a regular application of a fabric freshener or deodoriser can help to keep odours at bay and help prevent the build-up of grime which can cause mould spores to grow.

It's a good idea remove any padding or covers prior to cleaning your pushchair. This will allow you to clean and access those hard to reach places like the canopy, hood or support for the seat. Next, choose an area which is well-ventilated and lay down a sheet to protect the floor. This will make cleaning easy. Finally, it's a good idea to use a vacuum with a nozzle attachment that is flexible to remove any food debris or dirt that might be tucked away in nooks and crannies.

If your pushchair has removable fabric sections, check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and wash them according to the directions (either by hand or by washing in a machine). If you're planning to wash most fabrics in prams then you can use an aqueous solution that is made up of warm water, mild soap or mild detergent. However, it's recommended to test the fabric for the durability of its colour before using any cleaning products as certain chemicals can bleach or damage delicate fabrics.

Stains and marks that stick to the surface can often be tackled by adding a small amount bicarbonate of soda to the wash. It is a potent stain remover which can lift all kinds of odours, such as those caused by urine or milk. It also helps to lift any soap residues or detergent. After washing, rinse the fabric thoroughly to get rid of any soap residues and hang it to dry. Do this outside as sunlight is a natural fabric conditioner and disinfectant.