What to Look For in a Pram Pushchair

A stylish pram which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to put together and can be converted into a double and has a big storage basket.

A brilliant travel system that makes it simple to be 'future-proof' by incorporating the appropriate car seat and carrycot. It folds quickly and easily with one hand, and stands up when collapsed.

Seat

A pram is likely to be among the most frequently used pieces of baby equipment you purchase so it's important that it's comfortable for your little one. Look for models with comfy cushioned seats, an adjustable handlebar height, and recline feature to allow you to get your child asleep. It's also worth ensuring that the pushchair can be set to be 'parent facing' (or rear-facing) or 'world facing', if your child is getting older and wants to see what is happening around them.

A nifty feature on the Graco Near2Me is its capability to bring your child to you at the touch of the button, allowing parents to maintain contact with their child and pushchair with car seat keep them close. This is a wonderful option for newborns and babies and was loved by our parent tester Jaya as a great method to make your child feel special and loved.

It is crucial to consider the overall dimensions of a pram when selecting, as you don't want it to take up too much space in the trunk of your car or in your living area. To ensure that it fits, choose a model which can be folded and folded into a compact size. You can check the ease or difficulty it is by reading reviews (like those on MadeForMums).

A high-quality pram must fold completely flat, allowing your baby to sleep comfortably for the first six months of their life. This is vital for their development. Make sure the pram you're looking at can do this and that it can be used with a car seat, if needed.

Wheels

The wheels of a pram pushchair are what make it move and provide your child the experience they need. There are three standard wheel types: rubber, foam and EVA (a more durable plastic type). Each wheel type has its pros and cons depending on how you intend to use your stroller.

Rubber wheels are most common, and they provide excellent grip on all surfaces. They can be punctured using a compressor for car tyres to over inflate them. This is not a frequent problem and is usually caused by someone over-inflating the wheels. This type of wheel is typically used on buggies that run all-terrain.

PU or Polyurethane Wheels are made of foam, making them lighter than rubber tires. They also don't offer the same shock absorption capabilities and can feel more hard on concrete surfaces that are rough. They are more prevalent on strollers than in prams and are the least expensive option.

EVA or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a harder plastic material that is lighter and has some of the characteristics of rubber but not as much. It can be used to replace PU or rubber in your pram due to its low maintenance and overall weight reduction.

Having strong reliable brakes on your stroller is a must and can protect your child, you and pedestrians. Most pushchairs come with brake pedals that are located on the rear of the chassis. It can be activated by pressing a button or lever on the handlebars, or by pressing down with your foot. The brakes should be simple to operate and should lock immediately when you press them. Some pushchairs have an in-wheel brake to provide stability and control.

Carrycot

The carrycot is a simple-to-use portable cot that can be attached to the frame of any pushchair. It is ideal for newborns and babies up to six months of age, since they need to lie flat in order to develop their spine and lungs. A pram with carrycot is the perfect choice for parents with little space, a small boot, or who travel by public transport frequently.

Some prams come with a built-in carrying cot that can fold into the frame. This lets you easily change between carriage and seat modes. This is a great option for families with a tiny car boot or who have to use public transport often as it can save time and effort. The iCandy YOYO2 is an example of this and has scored well with MFM home testers, and also winning Gold in our previous MadeForMums awards. It's an excellent choice for new parents who are on a tight budget, since it's reasonably priced, yet looks and feels luxurious. It's also strong, lightweight stroller, and compact when folded.

If you're in search of a high-end single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth and can be used with a carrycot and a carrycot, the Mountain Buggy Twin Plus is the ideal option. It includes a lay-flat carrycot fabric sling seats, as well as a baby cooon for the ideal sleeping solution for twins.

It is also a smooth light-steering, nippy rider, which is ideal for urban areas. You can easily navigate through busy streets and pavements while on the move. It's also extremely easy to install and comes with plenty of accessories such as rain cover, footmuff, and hood.

Canopy

A canopy for your pram will protect your child from the elements while providing a cozy place to sleep. It's also great for preventing sunburn and heat stroke by blocking out the harmful rays of the sun. Some models have an open or mesh back section that you can unzip to monitor the tiny snoozer.

In winter, a hood is a great way to protect your baby's delicate skin from the elements and rain. Some models include rain covers that can be easily put over the pram's canopy and secured with poppers. You can also purchase a separate umbrella which attaches to the pram using magnets and is simple to take down when not in use.

Your pram or pushchair for many years to come, so selecting the best one is a critical decision. As your child grows, you'll need to ensure that they're comfortable and safe throughout every trip. A quality pram or pushchair will support your baby's spine and ensure they are relaxed during long walks and bumpy rides.

Pushchairs can be converted into a seat once your baby grows older. They are more adaptable than prams. Our knowledgeable team is available to assist you if aren't sure which pushchair or pram is best for your needs. Contact us or visit our store.

Storage

There are a variety of options for pram storage depending on your budget and the space available. If you have space, a shed is the ideal option to shield your pram from damage resulting from the elements and keep it out the way when not in use. It's also a good option for those who reside in a region that has frequent snow or rain.

A shed is usually constructed out of metal or wood and it has a door that allows easy access. It may also have a lock or other security features. Garages are a popular option as it will provide protection from the elements while being close to your car, if you're using that for transport.

If you don't have garage space, you could store the pram in the closet of your home. This will keep it out of the way and will not require you to see it when you enter your home or the nursery. However, it might be difficult to access if you have guests coming over.

To maintain your pushchair, you'll need to clean it regularly. This will keep it looking great and free of mildew and stains. To clean a hood, begin by vacuuming it using the small attachment or washing it with cool soapy water. Then, use a mild sterilizing agent or a fabric brush to remove any stains. It is essential to dry the fabric thoroughly outside to stop mould and mildew from spreading. You can also purchase a cleaner that will help remove stubborn stains and make your pushchair look like new again.