What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

Whether you're looking for a pram, pushchair or a buggy there are plenty of considerations to make. Think about the amount you're able to spend, whether you'd prefer a compact stroller buggy or something larger and how easy it will be to clean.

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

Safety

If you're out and about with your child in a stroller or pram it is essential to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure your little one is comfortable and safe. Check the pushchair or stroller's weight limits for carriages to avoid overloading as this could damage or cause instability. Avoid placing pillows or blankets in the pram, as this could be hazardous for your child, particularly if they have an accident. Also, don't allow older children to climb on the pram or double stroller as it could pose a risk.

It's also a good idea to look for a stroller with more padding, particularly in the area of the headrest, as this can keep your child safe from hitting objects while out and out and about. It's also a good idea to choose an infant stroller with cushioned headrests as it will help protect your child from bumping into objects when out and out and about.

Some pushchairs and prams have a bassinet that allows newborns to lay flat, in a cocoon of comfort. Some prams and pushchairs have a carrycot that can be removed when your baby is able to sit. Some prams also come with a seat unit which can be switched between two modes as your baby grows.

Many pushchairs or prams can be folded down to a smaller size when not in use. This makes them easier to keep in the car boot or to transport them on public transport. Check how compact they are folded. This could make a huge difference when you need to fit them into tight spaces or up and over stairs.

If you intend to take your pram or stroller into more rough terrains, such as parks or fields or even the beach, it's ideal to select one with off-road wheels. They are more suitable for these kinds of terrains. Check that the wheels are air-filled since this will allow them to move over rougher ground and will not break easily.

For hot days, a parasol that attaches to the frame of the foldable pushchair, or a sunshade will help to keep your baby safe from overheating, and also provide shade. They can be purchased as a separate item or as an entire set of accessories for your pushchair. There are many styles and colours available.

Comfort

A great pushchair or pram is one that is comfortable for your baby and you to push. A softly cushioned seat liner with adjustable settings to allow your newborn to lay flat or stand up slightly (good for reflux sufferers) and a wide sun canopy are all useful. Look for suspension that smooths the ride and a responsive brake system to allow you to stop quickly if needed.

It is essential that your pushchair be suitable for this position for the first couple of weeks. Many frames come with the newborn carrycot, which can be converted 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 need to consider your requirements, including how easy it is to maneuver and the amount of storage space you require. It's worth visiting a store that lets you test drive different prams and pushchairs to see how they feel and how they fold. It's also a good idea to look over any accessories you'd like to purchase for your baby, like a footmuff, seat liner and fans that help your baby stay cool in summer or warm in winter.

In the end, you'll need to think about the overall design of your stroller - does it suit your lifestyle and personality? You'll be using it for a long time, so try to choose a print or colour that won't date too quickly or make you regret your choice.

Our Goldilocks pushchair is a light pushchair that has puncture-proof tires and a large bobbing suspension, and hoods that you can lower to shield your baby from the elements. It provides the ideal balance of comfort both for your child as well as yourself. It's stylish and smart brushed twill with faux leather handles and leatherette trimmings. It has a classic look but also looks contemporary and contemporary. It's also priced competitively and comes with a range of useful accessories.

Practicality

It's common to hear the terms buggy, pram, pushchair and travel system thrown around, but it is important to select one that is suited to your lifestyle and needs. Choose models that fold into smaller dimensions as this will help when transporting on public transport as well as in your car's storage or boot space at home. If you choose to purchase an infant stroller or a travel stroller system that has an additional baby seat, ensure that it snaps securely onto the chassis and is able to be removed without waking your baby (especially if they're sleeping).

A lot of prams have a spacious storage basket underneath which will help to keep your shopping bags, bags and nappies in reach. The wheels are usually pivoting, making it simple to maneuver and steer in narrow aisles of shops or in areas with a lot of people, such as beaches and parks. If you're going to use it in the countryside, you might want a model with large all-terrain tyres which can cope with rough terrain and muddy trails.

A pushchair or stroller is lighter than a pram and offers the convenience of the ability to have a seat that is adjusted to multiple positions which is perfect for newborns or babies who can sit up. A large canopy protects your baby or toddler from the sun. Some models are suitable for rain.

Consider how heavy the model will be and whether you can lift it comfortably into the car boot or up the steps (with or without an infant inside). It is important to consider this especially since they will become heavier with time. It could be worth spending an extra amount for a machine washable cover that makes cleaning up spills or leaks from nappy nappy easy. You should also test-drive any prams or strollers you're thinking of buying to test how they move and feel, and to check how easy they fold up and move around. You might also want to determine if the handlebars are comfortable for you to grip too.

Cleaning

The most effective way to minimize the chance of mildew and mould is to clean your parent facing pushchair regularly. It is crucial to clean every component of the fabric as soon as they get dirty and give them an extensive wash every two weeks. Regularly applying a deodoriser or fabric freshener can help to keep odours at bay and stop the accumulation of grime which can cause mould spores to grow.

Before you begin to clean your pushchair It's recommended to get rid of any toys, and to remove any covers or padding that are able to be removed. This will allow you to access and clean those difficult to reach places like the canopy, hood or seat supports. Choose a place that is well-ventilated and lay down a sheet to protect the floor. This will make cleaning simpler. Make use of a vacuum cleaner that has a flexible nozzle to remove any food particles or dirt that might have gotten stuck in the nooks and crevices.

If you have an infant stroller with removable fabric sections, start by reading the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and washing them as recommended (either in the washing machine or by hand). Otherwise, it is generally safe to make use of warm water and mild soap (or a mild detergent) on the majority of fabrics used in prams. However, it's advisable to spot examine the fabric for the colorfastness prior to applying any cleaning product as some chemicals can harm or bleach delicate fabrics.

Add a small amount to the wash to remove stubborn stains and marks. It is a potent stain remover which can lift many types odours including those caused by urine or milk. It also helps remove any residues of detergent or soap. After you're done, rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove any soap residue, and hang it to dry. Do this outside, as sunlight is a natural conditioner and disinfectant.