What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

If you're looking for a pram, pushchair or buggy there are a lot of things to think about. Consider how much money you have to spend on a buggy, whether you want it to be compact or more spacious, and how easy it is to clean.

Look for models with the ability to adjust to various positions. Also, consider the bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Make sure they are flat as this is essential for your baby's developing spine.

Safety

When you are out and about with your child in a pram or pushchair, it's important that you adhere to safety guidelines so that your little one is comfortable and secure. Avoid overloaded strollers or pushchair to avoid damage or instability. Avoid putting pillows or blankets in the pram, as this could be dangerous for your child, especially when they suffer an accident. Also, don't allow older children to play on the pram or stroller as this could pose a danger.

Find a pushchair that has extra padding particularly in the headrest area to safeguard your child from getting hit by objects while out and out and about. A parent-facing mode is a great option as it makes it quick and easy to monitor your child and keep them happy and comfortable.

Some pushchairs and prams have bassinets that allow newborns to lie flat in a cocoon of comfort. Some pushchairs and prams have a carrycot that can be removed when your baby is able to sit. Some prams will also have a seat unit which can be switched between two modes as your baby develops.

Many prams and pushchairs can be folded down to a smaller size when they are not being used. This makes them easier to store in your car boot or even transport on public transport. It's worth checking how compact they are when folded, as this can be an issue when you need to squeeze them in tight spaces or go up and down stairs.

If you intend to use your stroller or pram into areas with rougher terrain, such as parks or fields, or even on the beach, it's recommended to select a model that has off-road wheels. These are the best wheels for these environments. Check that the wheels have air in them as this will enable them to easily move across rough terrain without having to puncture.

A sunshade or a parasol that is attached directly to the frame of your pushchair will shade and shield your child against overheating on sunny days. You can purchase them separately or as part of a pushchair accessories set, with a variety of styles and colors to pick from.

Comfort

A good pram should be comfortable to push for both you and your baby. Soft padded seats and adjustable settings that permit your baby to lay flat on their backs or rise slightly to ease reflux, and a large sun canopy are all useful. Look for a suspension that smooths the ride and a receptive brake system to stop quickly when needed.

It's essential that your pushchair be able to accommodate this position for the initial few weeks. Many frames come with a newborn carrycot, which then switches to a reclining seat when your little one is old enough. This means you can have both an infant pram and a pushchair within the same frame.

You'll also need to think about your needs when selecting a pushchair for instance, whether it's easy to maneuver and what kind of storage space you require. You should visit a shop where you can try out different prams or pushchairs to see how the feel and fold. It's also recommended to research any accessories you might want including a footmuff, seat liner and fans that can help your baby remain cool in summer and warm in winter.

You'll also want to think about the overall style of your stroller - does it fit your personality and lifestyle. You will be using your pushchair for several years, so choose an option that you won't regret.

A lightweight pushchair with puncture-proof tyres, big bouncy suspension and a hood that can be pulled down to protect your child from the elements is our Goldilocks of pushchairs, offering the perfect amount of comfort for your child and you. With a stylish and sophisticated brushed twill fabric with a faux-leather handle and leatherette trims, it has a traditional feel, but it also looks modern and fresh. It is also reasonably priced and comes with an assortment of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pram, foldable pushchair buggy, pram and travel system are frequently used but it's important to select one that meets your needs and your lifestyle. You'll be able to transport on public transportation and in your car, or at home if you choose models that fold. If you choose a travel strollers system or pram with a separate infant seat, make sure it is able to be easily connected to the chassis without disturbing your baby.

A lot of prams have a huge storage basket underneath the seat to help keep your shopping bags, bags and nappies close to the ready. They also have swivel wheels that allow them to maneuver and maneuver through narrow store aisles, or to turn around in crowded places like parks and beaches. If you plan to use the scooter in the countryside, you might prefer a model that has large all-terrain tires which can handle rough terrain and muddy roads.

A stroller or pushchair is lighter than a traditional pram and the seat can be adjusted to various positions. This is ideal for infants who are able to sit up or newborns. A large canopy will protect your baby or toddler from the sun. Certain models are suitable for rain.

Consider how the model weighs and whether you are able to lift it out and in of your car's boot or up the stairs to your home (with or without your baby inside!) They will become heavier as time passes. You might want to think about purchasing a cover that is machine washable for easy cleaning of spilled or nappy-soaked liquids. It's recommended to test any pushchair or pram you're contemplating buying, so that you can see how they feel and move as well as how easy they are to fold and transport. You may also want to check whether the handlebars are comfortable to you.

Cleaning

The most effective way to minimize the chance of mildew and mould is to clean your pushchair regularly. This includes cleaning any fabric components as soon as they are dirty and giving them a thorough wash every couple of weeks or so. Regularly using a deodoriser or fabric freshener will help eliminate odours and help prevent the build-up of dirt that could result in mould spores.

Before you start to clean your pushchair it is recommended to get rid of any toys, and to take off any covers or padding that are able to be removed. This will allow you to clean the difficult-to-reach places, such as the canopy or hood. Choose a place which is well-ventilated and lay down a sheet to protect the floor. This will make cleaning up easy. Make use of a vacuum cleaner that has a flexible nozzle to remove any food or dirt that might have gotten stuck in the nooks and crevices.

If you own a pushchair with removable fabric sections, begin by reviewing the manufacturer's care instructions and washing them according to the recommendations (either in the washing machine or by hand). If you're looking to wash your fabrics in prams, you can use an aqueous solution that is made up of warm water, gentle soap or mild detergent. It is best to test the fabric's colourfastness on only a small area prior to using any cleaning product. Some chemicals can damage or bleach delicate fabrics.

Stubborn marks and stains can be easily removed by adding a small amount bicarbonate of soda to the wash. This is a potent stain remover that can eliminate all kinds of odours for example, those triggered by milk or urine. It will also help to lift any soap residues or detergent. After you're done, rinse the fabric thoroughly to get rid of any soap residue and hang it to dry. Aim to do this outside because sunlight acts as natural softener for fabric and an effective disinfectant.