What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

If you're in the market for a pushchair travel system, foldable pram or buggy, there are lots of things to think about. Think about how much you have to spend on a buggy, whether you want it to be smaller or more spacious and how easy it is to clean.

Look for models that feature a reclining seat with multiple positions, and the option of a carrycot or bassinet to newborns. Check that they are completely flat, as this is crucial to the development of the spine of your baby.

Safety

If you're out and about with your child in a pushchair with car seat or pram it is important to adhere to safety guidelines so that your child is safe and safe. Avoid overloaded strollers or pushchair to ensure that there is no damage or instability. Avoid placing any blankets or pillows in the pram, since they can pose danger for your baby especially if there is an accident. Don't let older children climb on the pram or stroller as this can be a hazard.

It's also a good idea to look for a stroller with additional padding, particularly in the area of the headrest, since this can protect your child from hitting objects while out and about. A child-facing mode is a great choice as this makes it easy and quick for you to monitor your baby and keep them at ease and happy.

Some prams and pushchairs have a bassinet attachment that is perfect for infants to lie flat in, cocooned and comfortable. Some will come with an infant carrycot that can be removed once your baby is old enough to sit up. Some prams will also have seats that can be switched between two modes as your baby develops.

Many pushchairs travel systems or prams can be folded down to a smaller size when they are not in use. This makes them easier to keep in your car boot or transport on public transport. It is worth assessing the size of the pushchairs when folded, as this can be an issue when you need to squeeze them into small spaces or climb up and down stairs.

If you are planning to use your stroller or pram into rougher terrains, such as fields or parks or even the beach, it's best to choose one with off-road wheels. These are better suited to these types of environments. Check that the wheels are air-filled since this will allow them to move over rougher ground and will not break easily.

A sunshade or a parasol that can be attached directly to the frame of your pushchair can provide shade and guard your child from overheating during sunny days. You can purchase these items separately or as part of an accessory set for your double pushchair, with a variety of styles and colours to choose from.

Comfort

A quality pushchair or pram is one that is comfortable for your baby and you to push. Soft padded seat liners and adjustable settings that permit your baby to lie on their backs flat or raise their legs slightly to ease reflux and a large sun canopy are all useful. Find a suspension that smooths the ride and a brake system that is responsive to stop quickly when needed.

Newborns require a flat, fully lying position to support their growing spine, so it's important to ensure your pushchair can do this for the first few months. Many frames come with the newborn carrycot, which can be converted to a reclining chair once your child is old enough. This lets you combine a stroller and a pram in the same frame.

When selecting a pushchair, you'll need to consider your needs, such as how easy it is to maneuver and how much storage space you need. It's a good idea to visit a shop that lets you test drive different prams and pushchairs to see how they feel and fold. It's also an excellent idea to check out any accessories you might want for your baby, like a footmuff, seat liner and fans that will help your baby to stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

You'll also want to think about the overall style of your stroller - does it fit your style and lifestyle. You'll be using it for a long time, so try to choose the right color or print that won't fade too quickly or leave you regretting your decision.

A light pushchair that is puncture-proof tyres, a big 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 your child and you. It has a sophisticated and stylish brushed twill, with a faux leather handle and leatherette trims. It has a classic style but is also modern and contemporary. It is also very reasonably priced and comes with a range of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pushchair, pram buggy, pram and travel system are often used interchangeably but it's crucial to pick one that suits your requirements and is compatible with your lifestyle. Look for models that can fold down to smaller sizes to make it easier when transporting on public transport, in your car's storage or boot space at home. If you opt for an infant pram or travel system with a separate infant seat, make sure it can be easily connected to the chassis without disturbing your baby.

A lot of prams have a huge storage basket under the seat to allow you to keep your shopping bags, nappies, and bags to the ready. The wheels are typically swivel, making it easy to maneuver and steer them in narrow aisles of shops or in areas with a lot of people, such as parks and beaches. If you intend to use the scooter in the countryside, you might prefer a model with big all-terrain tires which can handle rough terrain and muddy trails.

A stroller or pushchair is lighter than a pram, and offers the convenience of seats that can be adjusted to multiple positions which is ideal for newborns or 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 is and if you are able to safely lift it into the car boot or up the stairs (with or without an infant inside). They'll get heavier as time passes. It might be worth paying more to get a washable cover that makes cleaning up spills or leaks from nappy diapers quick and easy. It's a good idea to test any prams or pushchairs you're thinking of buying so that you can see how they feel and behave as well as how they fold and carry. You may also want to determine if the handlebars feel comfortable to you.

Cleaning

Cleaning your pushchair on a regular basis will reduce the risk of mould or mildew. This includes wiping down any fabric components when they become dirty and giving them a thorough wash every couple of weeks or more often. Utilizing a deodoriser or a fabric freshener on a regular basis can help reduce odours and stop the accumulation of grime that can result in the growth of mould spores and an unhygienic environment for your child.

It's a good idea take off any padding or covers prior to beginning cleaning your pushchair. This will make it easier to clean and access those difficult to reach places like the hood, canopy or the seat supports. Choose a place which is well-ventilated and lay down a sheet to protect your floor. This will make cleaning up easier. Finally, it's a good idea to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a nozzle that is flexible to remove any dirt or food scraps that may be trapped in the nooks and crannies.

If your pushchair has removable fabric sections, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer for cleaning and wash them according to the instructions (either by hand or by washing in a machine). If you're planning to wash most fabrics in prams then you can use a solution made of warm water, gentle soap or mild detergent. It is recommended to test the fabric's colourfastness using only a small area prior to using any cleaning product. Certain chemicals may harm or bleach delicate fabrics.

Add a small amount to the wash to remove stubborn marks and stains. It is a potent stain remover that will lift various types of odours, including those caused by urine or milk. It will also help to lift any soap residues or detergent. After you're done, wash the fabric thoroughly to eliminate all soap traces and hang it to dry. Aim to do this outside because sunlight acts as both natural fabric softener as well as a gentle disinfectant.