What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

If you're looking for a pushchair, pram or buggy there are a lot of considerations to make. Consider how much you'll need to spend for a product, if you're looking for something compact travel pram or more spacious, and how easy the buggy will be to clean.

Look for models that feature a reclining seat that can be adjusted to several positions, and the option of a carrycot or bassinet to newborns. Be sure to check if they are flat as this is essential for your baby's growing 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 secure and comfortable. Avoid overloaded strollers or pushchair to avoid damage or instability. Avoid placing pillows or blankets in the pram since this could be hazardous for your child, particularly if they have an accident. Similarly, don't let older siblings climb on the pram or double stroller as this is a potential hazard.

It's also recommended to look for a stroller with extra padding, especially around the headrest. This can help keep your child safe from bumping into things whilst out and around. It's also a good idea to choose an infant stroller with padding on the headrests, since it will help protect your child from hitting things while out and about.

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

Many pushchairs car seats and prams are designed to fold into smaller sizes when not in use, which makes them easy to store and transport in your car's boot or public transport. It's worth checking the size of the pushchairs when folded as this can be an issue when you need to fit them into tight spaces or up and down stairs.

If you plan to use your stroller or pram into areas with rougher terrain, such as fields or parks, or even on the beach, it is ideal to select a model that has off-road wheels. These are better suited to these types of environments. Make sure that the wheels are air-filled as this will make them easier to maneuver over rough terrain and will not break easily.

For sunny days, a parasol that is attached to the frame of the pushchair or a sunshade can help to keep your baby safe from overheating and provide the needed shade. You can purchase these items separately or as part of the pushchair accessories set with a variety of styles and colors to pick from.

Comfort

A great pushchair or pram should be comfortable for your baby and you to push. Soft padded seat liners with adjustable settings that allow your baby to lay flat on their backs or rise slightly to ease reflux and a large sun canopy are all helpful. Find a suspension system that will make the ride smoother and brakes that are responsive so you can stop quickly in the event of an emergency.

It is essential that your pushchair be capable of accommodating this position for the first couple of weeks. Many frames include the newborn carrycot, which can be converted to a reclining chair once your child is old enough. This lets you have both a stroller and pram within the same frame.

You'll also need to consider your requirements when choosing a pram, such as whether it's easy to manoeuvre and what sort of storage space you require. Visit a store where you can try out different pushchairs and prams to test how they feel and fold. You should also check out any accessories that you may require, such as a footmuff or seat liner to keep your baby cool in the summer and warm in winter.

You'll also want to consider the overall style of your stroller - is it a good fit for your style and lifestyle. You will be using your pushchair for many years, so make sure you pick the right color or design that you will not regret.

A light pushchair that is puncture-proof tyres, big bouncy suspension, and a hood can be pulled down to shield your baby from the elements is our Goldilocks of pushchairs, offering just the right balance of comfort for both your child and you. With a sophisticated and stylish brushed twill fabric, a faux-leather handle and leatherette trims It has a classic feel, but it also looks modern and fresh. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a selection of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pushchair, pram buggy, pram and travel system are frequently used but it's important to select one that meets your needs and your lifestyle. It's easier to transport on public transport, in your car or at home if you choose models that fold up. If you opt for a pram or travel system with an 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 under the seat to help you keep your shopping, bags and nappies close in your the ready. They also have swivel wheels that 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 plan to ride the scooter in the countryside, you may want to choose a model with big all-terrain tires that can handle rough terrain and muddy roads.

A stroller travel or pushchair is lighter than a traditional pram and the seat can be adjusted in different positions. This is great for infants who are able to sit up or for newborns. They usually have a large canopy that will provide your child or toddler protection from the sun and some models might also be suitable for use in rainy weather.

Think about how heavy the model is and then consider if you are able to comfortably move it in and out of your car's storage area or up the steps to your home (with or without your baby in it!) They'll become heavier over time. It could be worth spending a little extra to get a washable cover that makes cleaning up spills or leaks from nappy nappy easy. You should also test-drive any prams or strollers you are considering purchasing to test how they move and feel, and also to determine how easy they fold up and move around. You may also want to determine if the handlebars are comfortable to hold.

Cleaning

The quickest way to reduce the chance of mould and mildew is to wash your pushchair frequently. This includes cleaning any fabric components when they become dirty and giving them a full wash every two weeks or more often. Regularly using a fabric freshener or deodoriser will help eliminate odours and prevent the accumulation of grime which can cause mould spores to grow.

Before you begin cleaning your pushchair, it's recommended to clear away any toys and remove any padding or covers that are able to be removed. This will allow you to access and clean those difficult to reach areas such as the canopy, hood or the seat supports. Then, select a space which is well-ventilated and lay down sheets to protect the floor. This will make cleaning easier. Also, it's a good idea to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a nozzle that is flexible to loosen any food debris or dirt that might be tucked away in nooks and crannies.

If your pushchair has removable fabric sections, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and wash them in accordance with the instructions (either by hand or by washing in a machine). Otherwise, it is generally safe to use a warm solution of water and mild soap (or a mild detergent) on all fabrics used in pushchairs. It is best to test the fabric's colourfastness using a small area before using any cleaning product. Certain chemicals may harm or bleach delicate fabrics.

Stains and marks that are stubborn are often cured by adding a small amount of bicarbonate of soda to the wash. This is a potent stain remover and can lift many types of odours, including ones caused by milk or urine. It can also help lift any soap residues or detergent. After washing, rinse the fabric thoroughly to get rid of any soap residue, and hang it to dry. Try to hang it outside since sunlight acts as a natural fabric softener and an effective disinfectant.