What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right pushchair, buggy, or pram. Think about how much you'll need to spend, if you want something smaller or larger and how easy the buggy is to clean.

Look for models that have an reclining seat that has various positions, as well as a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Check if they lie completely flat as this is important 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 follow safety guidelines to ensure your little one is comfortable and secure. Avoid overloaded strollers or pushchair to prevent damage or instability. Avoid putting blankets or pillows in the pram, as this can be dangerous for your baby, especially if there is an accident. Similarly, don't let older children use the pram or stroller as this is a potential hazard.

Choose a stroller that has extra padding particularly in the headrest area to protect your child against getting hit by objects while out and around. It's also an ideal idea to pick a pushchair with padded headrests, as this will protect your child from bumping into things when out and about.

Some pushchairs and prams have an attachment for a bassinet that is perfect for babies to lay flat on the comfort of a cocoon and be comfortable. Some prams and pushchairs have a carrycot that can be removed when your baby is able to sit up. Some prams also have seats that can be switched between the two modes as your child grows.

Many pushchairs and prams can fold down into smaller sizes when they are not in use, making them easy to store and carry in your car's 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 small spaces or up and down stairs.

If you intend to take your pram or stroller into rougher terrain, such as parks or fields or even the beach, it is ideal to select a model that has off-road wheels. They are more suitable to these types of environments. Check to see if the wheels are air-filled since this will enable them to easily move over rougher terrain and not puncture.

A parasol or sunshade that can be attached directly to the frame of your pushchair can provide shade and guard your child against overheating on sunny days. You can buy these in a separate purchase or as part a pushchair accessories set, with a variety of styles and colors to pick from.

Comfort

A good pram should be comfortable to push for you and your baby. A comfortable, cushioned seat liner with adjustable settings that let your newborn to lie flat or stand up slightly (good for those with reflux) and a wide sun canopy are all beneficial. Look for a suspension that allows for a smooth ride and a responsive brake system so you can stop quickly if you need to.

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

When selecting a pushchair, you'll have to think about your needs, like how it's easy to move and how much storage space you'll need. It is recommended to visit a store where you can try out various pushchairs prams pushchairs or prams to test how they feel and fold. It is also advisable to look over any accessories that you may require, such as a footmuff or seat liner, to keep your baby cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Finally, you'll need to think about the overall look of your pushchair - will it suit your lifestyle and personality? You'll be using your pushchair for a number of years, so pick the right color or design that you will be happy with.

A light pushchair that is puncture-proof tyres, a big bouncy suspension and a hood you can pull down to protect your child from the elements is our Goldilocks of cheap pushchairs. It offers the perfect balance of comfort for your child and you. With a smart and sophisticated brush twill fabric that has a faux-leather handle and leatherette trims, it has a traditional feel but also looks modern and fresh. It's also very affordable priced and comes with a variety of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pram, pushchair buggy, pram and travel system are frequently used but it's important to choose one that meets your needs and your lifestyle. Choose models that fold down into 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 opt for a pram or a travel system with a separate baby seat then make sure that it snaps securely onto the chassis and can be removed without waking your baby (especially when they're asleep).

A lot of prams have an ample storage basket beneath that will keep your bags, shopping and nappies at hand. They also have swivel wheels, which allow them to maneuver and steer in narrow shop aisles, or to turn on the spot in crowded places like parks and beaches. If you're going to use it in the countryside, you may want to consider a model with wide all-terrain tires that can handle rough terrain and muddy paths.

A pushchair or stroller is lighter than a pram and provides the convenience of a seat that can be adjusted to a variety of positions, which is ideal for newborns and babies who can sit up. They usually have a large canopy which will offer your child or toddler protection from the sun. However, some models might also be suitable for use in rainy weather.

Think about how the model weighs and whether you are able to lift it out and in of your car seat pram boot or up the stairs to your home (with or without your child in it!) They'll get heavier with time. You may want to consider purchasing a cover that is machine washable to make it easy to clean nappy or spilled liquids. You should also test-drive any prams or strollers you are considering purchasing to test how they feel and move, and to check how easy they fold up and transport. You might also want to see whether the handlebars are comfortable to grip too.

Cleaning

Cleaning your pushchair on a regular basis will reduce the risk of mould or mildew. This should include wiping down any fabric components immediately after they become dirty and giving them a full wash every couple of weeks or as often. Using a deodoriser or fabric freshener on a regular basis will also help to keep odors at bay and help prevent the accumulation of grime that can lead to the development of mould spores as well as an unhygienic environment for your child.

It's a good idea to remove any covers or padding prior to cleaning your pushchair. This will allow you to access and clean those difficult to reach places like the canopy, hood or seat supports. Choose a place which is well-ventilated and lay down sheets to protect the floor. This will make cleaning easier. Utilize a vacuum cleaner with an nozzle that is flexible to get rid of any food particles or dirt that may have been trapped in the nooks and crevices.

If you have an infant my babiie stroller with removable fabric parts, then start by reading the care instructions of the manufacturer and washing them as recommended (either in the machine or by hand). If you're planning to wash the majority of your fabrics in prams then you can use an aqueous solution that is made up of warm water, gentle soap or mild detergent. However, it is always advisable to spot examine the fabric for the durability of its colour before using any cleaning products as some chemicals can bleach or damage delicate fabrics.

Add a small amount of the wash to remove stubborn stains and marks. This is a powerful stain remover that will lift various types of odours, including those caused by urine and milk. It can also help lift any residues of soap or detergent. After washing, rinse the fabric well to remove any soap residue and hang it to dry. Do this outside, as sunlight is a natural conditioner and disinfectant.