What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

There are many aspects to consider when choosing a buggy, pushchair, or pram. Consider the amount you're able to spend, if you're looking for an e-bike that is compact or larger and how easy to clean it.

Look for models that have a reclining seat that can be adjusted to multiple positions, and the option of a carrycot or bassinet to newborns. Make sure they are flat, as this is crucial for your baby's growing spine.

Safety

It is important to follow safety guidelines when you are out with your child in a pram or pushchair. This will ensure that your child is secure and comfortable. Avoid overloading the stroller or pushchair to ensure that there is no damage or instability. Avoid placing blankets or pillows in the pram, as this could be dangerous for your child, especially when they suffer an accident. Don't let older children climb onto the foldable stroller or pram as this could pose a danger.

Look for a pushchair that is cushioned particularly in the headrest, to safeguard your child from hitting objects when out and around. It's also a good idea to choose an infant stroller with padded headrests, as this will protect your child from bumping into things while out and out and about.

Some prams and pushchairs have bassinets that allow infants to lie flat, in a cozy cocoon. Some pushchairs and prams include a carrycot that can be removed when your baby is able to sit up. Some prams also have a seat unit that can be changed between these two types as your child develops.

Many prams and pushchairs are designed to 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. Check how compact they are folded. This could make a huge difference when you have to get them into tight spaces or up and down stairs.

If you intend to take your folding stroller or pram into rougher terrains, such as parks or fields, or even on the beach, it is recommended to select an option with off-road wheels. These are the best wheels for these environments. Make sure that the wheels are filled with air as this will make them easier to move over rougher ground and not puncture easily.

For days with sunshine, a parasol that attaches to the pushchair frame or a sunshade will help to protect your baby from overheating and provide much-needed shade. These can be purchased separately or as an accessory set for your pushchair. There are a variety of styles and colours available.

Comfort

A good pram or pushchair should be comfortable for your baby and you to push. Soft padded seat liners with adjustable settings that allow your baby to lie on their backs flat or sit up slightly to ease reflux and large sun shades are all helpful. Look for a suspension that smooths the ride and a brake system that is responsive to stop quickly when needed.

Newborns need to be in a completely flat position to support their developing spine and therefore it's essential to ensure your pushchair is able to support this during the first few months. A majority of frames come with a carrycot for newborns which can be changed to the reclining seat when your baby is old enough. This means you can have both a babiie pram and a pushchair in the same frame.

When selecting a pushchair, you'll need to think about your needs, like how easy it is to maneuver and the amount of storage space you require. Visit a store where you can test drive various pushchairs or prams to test how they feel and fold. Also, you should look into any accessories you might need, such as a footmuff or seat liner to keep your baby cool during the summer and warm in the winter.

Lastly, you'll want to think about the overall design of your pushchair - will it fit your personality and lifestyle? You'll be using your pushchair for a number of years, so choose a colour or print that you won't regret.

A light pushchair that is puncture-proof tyres, a big bouncy suspension and a hood that you can pull down to shield your baby from the elements is our Goldilocks of pushchairs, offering the perfect balance of comfort for your child and you. With a stylish and sophisticated brush twill fabric that has faux-leather handles and leatherette trims, it has a traditional appearance, but is also modern and fresh. It is also very reasonably priced and comes with an assortment of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pushchair, pram buggy, pram double and travel system [proect.org official blog] are often used interchangeably but it's important to choose one that meets your needs and your lifestyle. You'll find it easier to move around on public transport as well as in your car at home if you opt for models that fold. If you choose an infant pram or travel system with an infant seat, make sure it is able to be easily connected to the chassis without disturbing your baby.

Many prams have a large storage basket underneath the seat to allow you to keep your shopping, nappies and bags close to the ready. The wheels are usually rotate, making it easier to maneuver them in narrow aisles in shops or in crowded areas like parks and beaches. If you intend to use it in the country, you may want to choose a model with large all-terrain tyres which can cope with rough terrain and muddy paths.

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

Take note of how heavy the model will be and whether you can lift it comfortably into your car boot or up the stairs (with or without an infant inside). Particularly as they become heavier with time. You might want to think about purchasing a cover that is machine washable to make it easy to clean spilled or nappy-soaked liquids. It is also advisable to test any strollers or prams that you're thinking of buying to test how they move and feel, and to check how easy they fold and move around. You might also want to determine if the handlebars are comfortable for you to hold.

Cleaning

The most effective way to minimize the risk of mildew and mould is to wash your pushchair frequently. This means wiping down any fabric parts when they become dirty and giving them a full wash every couple of weeks or as often. Using a deodoriser or fabric freshener regularly will also help to keep odours at bay and stop the accumulation of grime, which can cause the growth of mould spores, as well as an unhygienic living space for your baby.

It's a good idea take off any padding or covers before you begin cleaning your pushchair. This will allow you to clean the hard-to-reach places, such as the hood or canopy. Choose a place which is well-ventilated and lay down a sheet to protect the floor. This will make cleaning up easier. Make use of a vacuum cleaner that has an nozzle that is flexible to get rid of any food or debris that may have gotten caught in the crevices and nooks.

If your pushchair has fabric parts that can be removed, read the instructions of the manufacturer for cleaning and wash them in accordance with the instructions (either by hand or in a washing machine). If you want to wash the majority of your fabrics in prams, you can use an aqueous solution that is made up of warm water, mild soap or mild detergent. However, it is recommended to check the fabric's colourfastness before using any cleaning products as certain chemicals can bleach or damage delicate fabrics.

Stains and marks that stick to the surface can often be tackled by adding a small amount bicarbonate of soda to the wash. This is a powerful stain remover that will lift various types of odours, including those caused by urine and milk. It also helps remove any residues of detergent or soap. After you're done, wash the fabric thoroughly to get rid of all traces of soap and hang it up to dry. Try to hang it outside as the sunlight acts as both natural fabric softener as well as an effective disinfectant.