What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right pushchair, buggy, or pram. 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 will be to clean.

Look for models that have the ability to adjust to multiple positions and the bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Check that they are completely flat because this is essential to the development of the spine of your baby.

Safety

It's important to follow safety guidelines while out with your child in a pushchair or pram. This will ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. Make sure you know the stroller's or pushchair's carriage weight limits to avoid overloading as this could create instability or damage. Avoid putting blankets or pillows in the pram, because they could pose a risk for your baby, especially when there is an accident. Don't let older siblings play on the stroller or pram as this is a potential hazard.

Look for a pushchair with extra padding especially in the headrest area to protect your child against bumping into objects while out and around. It's also a good idea to choose the pushchair that has padding on the headrests, since it will help protect your child from bumping into objects when out and about.

Some prams travel system and pushchairs have a bassinet that allows newborns to lie flat in a cocoon of peace. Others will have an infant carrycot that can be removed when your baby is old enough to sit. Some prams will also offer seats that can be changed between these two types as your child develops.

Many prams and pushchairs are designed to fold down into small dimensions when they are not in use, making them easy to store and transport in your car's boot or on public transport. Check how compact pushchair they are folded. This can make a big difference when you have to fit them into small spaces or up and down stairs.

If you are planning to take your stroller or pram into more rough terrain, like parks or fields or even the beach, it's recommended to select one with off-road wheels. They are more suitable for these environments. Check to see if the wheels are air-filled because this will allow them to move easily over rougher terrain and not puncture.

For days with sunshine, a parasol that is attached to the pushchair frame or a sunshade will help to keep your baby safe from overheating and provide the needed shade. You can purchase these items in a separate purchase or as part an accessory set for your pushchair, with several styles and colours to choose from.

Comfort

A quality pram should be comfortable to push for both you and your baby. A soft cushioned seat liner with adjustable settings that allow your newborn to lie flat or stand up slightly (good for those with reflux) and a large sun canopy are all useful. Find a suspension system that will allow for a smoother ride, as well as brakes that are quick to stop quickly in an emergency.

Newborns require a flat, fully lying position to help with their developing spine, so it's important to ensure that your pushchair is able to do this during the first few months. Many frames come with a newborn carrycot that converts to a reclining seat once your child is old enough. This allows you to have both a stroller and pram within the same frame.

When you're choosing a pram, you'll have to think about your needs, such as how easy it is to maneuver and the amount of 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. You should also check out any accessories that you may require, such as a seat liner or footmuff to keep your baby cool during the summer and warm in winter.

Lastly, you'll want to think about the overall look of your pushchair - will it suit your lifestyle and style? It will be used for several years so make sure you pick the right color or print that won't date too quickly or make you regret your decision.

A lightweight pushchair with puncture-proof tyres, a big bouncy suspension, and a hood you can pull down to shield your baby from the elements is our Goldilocks of pushchairs, offering just the right balance of comfort for your child and you. With a stylish and sophisticated brushed twill fabric with a faux-leather handle and leatherette trims, it has a traditional feel, but it also looks modern and fresh. It's also priced competitively and comes with a selection of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pushchair, pram buggy, pram and travel system are frequently used but it's important to choose one that is suitable for your needs and your lifestyle. Look for models that can fold into smaller dimensions as this will help when you're on public transport as well as in your car boot or storage space at home. If you decide to purchase a travel system or pram and car seat with a separate infant seat, make sure it is able to be easily snapped onto the chassis without waking your baby.

Many prams have a large storage basket under the seat to help you keep your shopping bags, nappies, and bags at fingertips. The wheels usually rotate, making it easier to maneuver them through narrow aisles in stores or in crowded areas like parks and beaches. If you plan to use the scooter in the countryside, you might want to choose a model that has large all-terrain tires which can handle muddy paths and rough terrain.

A stroller or pushchair is lighter than a traditional pram and the seat can be adjusted in various positions. This is ideal for infants who are able to sit up or newborns. They typically come with a huge canopy that provides your toddler or baby protection from the sun and some models may also be suitable to use in the rain.

Think about how the model weighs and if you can comfortably move it in and out of your car boot or up the stairs to your home (with or without your child inside!) Particularly as they become heavier with time. It might be worth paying an extra amount for a machine washable cover that makes cleaning up spillages or nappy leaks quick and simple. It's recommended to try out any pushchair or pram you're contemplating buying, to see how they feel and behave and how easy they are to fold and carry. It is also a good idea to see whether the handlebars feel comfy to you.

Cleaning

Cleaning your running pushchair on a regular basis can reduce the chance of mould or mildew. It is essential to wipe down every component of your fabric as soon they begin to get dirty, and give them a thorough wash every two weeks. Using a deodoriser and/or fabric freshener regularly will also help to keep odours at bay and prevent the build-up of grime that can result in the growth of mould spores and an unhygienic environment for your baby.

Before you start to clean your pushchair It's recommended to clear away any toys and remove any covers or padding that are able to be removed. This will allow you to access and clean those hard to reach places such as the canopy, hood or the seat supports. Next, choose a well-ventilated area to work in and lay down a sheet or tarp to protect the floor and make cleaning as simple as it can be. Utilize a vacuum cleaner with a flexible nozzle to remove any food or debris that may have gotten caught in the crevices and nooks.

If your pushchair is equipped with removable fabric sections, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and wash them in accordance with the directions (either by hand or in a washing machine). Otherwise, it is generally safe to make use of a solution of warm water and gentle soap (or mild detergent) on all fabrics used in pushchairs car seats. It is best to test the fabric's colorfastness on an area of a tiny size prior to using any cleaning product. Some chemicals can damage or bleach delicate fabrics.

Add a small amount of the wash to get rid of stubborn stains and marks. This is a potent stain remover and will lift all kinds of odours such as those caused by milk or urine. It also helps remove any residues of detergent or soap. When you're done, wash the fabric thoroughly to get rid of all traces of soap and hang it up to dry. It is best to do this outdoors as the sunlight acts as a natural fabric softener and an effective disinfectant.