What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

Whether you're looking for a pushchair, folding pram or buggy, there are lots of factors to consider. Consider how much money you can afford on a buggy, whether you want it to be smaller or more spacious, and how easy the buggy will be to clean.

Look for models that have an adjustable reclining seat that can adjust to multiple positions and bassinets or a baby carrycot. Check if they lie completely flat as this is important for the development of your baby's spine.

Safety

It's important to follow the safety guidelines when you're out with your child in a pram or pushchair. This will ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. Avoid overloading the stroller or pushchair to prevent damage or instability. Avoid placing pillows or blankets in the pram because they could pose a risk for your baby especially in the event of an accident. Don't let older siblings climb on the stroller or pram as it could pose a risk.

It's also recommended to look for a pushchair with extra padding, especially around the headrest, as this can protect your child from bumping into things whilst out and out and about. A child-facing mode is a great choice as this allows it to be quick and easy to monitor your child and ensure that they are happy and comfortable.

Some prams and pushchairs include an attachment for a bassinet that is ideal for newborns to lay flat on, cocooned and comfortable. Others may have a carrycot that is removed when your baby is old enough to sit up. Some prams also have an infant seat that can be switched between the two modes as your child develops.

A lot of pushchairs and prams are designed to fold down into small dimensions when not in use, making them easy to store and carry in your car's boot or on public transport. It is important to determine how compact they are when folded, as this can be an issue when you have to squeeze them into tight spaces or up and down steps.

If you're planning on taking your pram or pushchair into rougher terrain such as fields, parks or even on beaches, it is a good idea to look for a model with off-road wheels as this will be more suitable for these types of environments. Check to see if the wheels have air in them because they will be able to glide smoothly across rough terrain without having to puncture.

A parasol or sunshade that is attached directly to the frame of your pushchair can provide shade and protect your baby against overheating on sunny days. These can be purchased separately or as a set of accessories for your pushchair. There are many designs and colors available.

Comfort

A quality pushchair or pram should be comfortable for both your baby and you to push. Softly padded seat liners, adjustable settings that allow your baby to lie flat on their back or rise slightly to ease reflux, and a large sun canopy are all beneficial. Look for suspension that smooths the ride and a brake system that is responsive so you can stop quickly if you need to.

Newborns require a flat, fully lying position to help with their growing spine and therefore it's essential to make sure your pushchair can do this for the first few months. A lot of frames come with an infant carrycot that can convert to a reclining chair once your child is old enough. This lets you combine a stroller and a pram in the same frame.

You'll also need to consider your requirements when choosing a pram stores near me, for instance, whether it's easy to maneuver and what kind of storage space you need. It's worth visiting a store that lets you test drive various prams or pushchairs to test how they feel and fold. It's also an excellent idea to research any accessories you'd like including an armband, a seat liner and fans that can help your baby stay cool in summer or warm in winter.

You should also consider the overall style of your stroller - is it a good fit for your personality and lifestyle. It will be used for a long time, so try to choose a print or colour that won't fade too quickly or make you regret your decision.

Our Goldilocks pushchair is a lightweight pushchair with puncture-proof wheels, a big bouncy suspension, and hoods that you can pull down to protect your baby from the elements. It offers the ideal balance of comfort both for your child and yourself. With a smart and sophisticated brushed twill fabric, a faux-leather handle and leatherette trims It has a classic feel but also looks modern and fresh. It is also very reasonably priced and comes with a range of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pram sets, pushchair buggy, pram and travel system are frequently used but it's important to choose one that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. Choose models that fold into smaller dimensions to make it easier when you're taking it on public transport and in your car boot or storage space at home. If you choose to purchase a pram or a travel stroller system that has an additional baby seat, ensure that it snaps on easily to the chassis and is able to be removed without disturbing your baby (especially if they're sleeping).

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 which make them easy to manoeuvre and maneuver through narrow store aisles, or to change direction in busy areas such as parks and beaches. If you plan to use the scooter in the countryside, you might prefer one with large all-terrain tires that can withstand muddy paths and rough terrain.

A pushchair or stroller is lighter than a pram and offers the convenience of a seat that can be adjustable to various positions. This is perfect for newborns or babies who can sit up. A large canopy will protect your child from the sun. Some models are also suitable for rain.

Think about how the model weighs and if you can comfortably lift it in and out of your car's boot or up the steps to your home (with or without your baby in it!) Particularly as they get heavier over time. You might want to think about investing in a machine-washable cover to make it easy to clean spilled or nappy-soaked liquids. It is also advisable to test any prams or strollers you are considering purchasing to see how they move and feel and to check how easy they fold up and move around. You might also want to see whether the handlebars are comfortable for you to grip too.

Cleaning

The quickest way to reduce the risk of mould and mildew is to clean your pushchair on a regular basis. 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 deodoriser or fabric freshener will help eliminate odours and stop the accumulation of grime that can cause mould spores to grow.

It's a good idea take off any padding or covers prior to cleaning your pushchair. This will make it easier for you to clean the hard-to-reach areas, like the canopy or hood. Make sure you 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. Also, it's an ideal idea to use a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment that is flexible to loosen any food debris or dirt that could be trapped in the nooks and crannies.

If you own a pushchair that has removable fabric sections, start by reading the manufacturer's care instructions and washing them as recommended (either in the washing machine or by hand). In general, it's safe to apply warm water and gentle soap (or mild detergent) on most fabrics used in prams. It is best to test the fabric's colourfastness on a small area before using any cleaning product. Certain chemicals may harm or bleach delicate fabrics.

Add a small amount of the wash to get rid of stubborn stains and marks. This is a powerful stain remover which can lift many types odours including those caused by urine and milk. It can also help lift any residues of soap or detergent. Once you're finished, rinse the fabric thoroughly to eliminate all soap traces and hang it to dry. Do this outside, since sunlight is a natural conditioner and disinfectant.