What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

If you're looking for a pushchair, pram or a buggy there are plenty of factors to consider. Consider how much money you have to spend for a product, if you're looking for something compact or more spacious and how easy the buggy will be to clean.

Look for models that feature a reclining seat with several positions, and a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Be sure to check if they are flat as this is important for your baby's developing spine.

Safety

If you're out and about with your baby in a pram or pushchair, it's important that you adhere to safety guidelines so that your child is safe and secure. Avoid overloaded strollers (additional resources) or pushchair to prevent damage or instability. Avoid putting pillows or blankets in the pram since they could pose a risk to your child, especially in the event of an accident. Similarly, don't allow older children to climb on the stroller or babiie pram as this is a potential hazard.

Look for a pushchair that has extra padding particularly in the headrest area, to shield your child from getting hit by objects while out and about. A parent-facing mode is also a good option since it allows it to be quick and easy to monitor your child and ensure that they are content and at ease.

Some pushchairs and prams come with a bassinet that allows newborns to lie flat, in a cocoon of comfort. Some pushchairs and prams have a carrycot that can be removed once your baby is able to sit. Some prams will also offer a seat unit that can be changed between the two modes as your child develops.

Many pushchairs and prams are designed to fold to a smaller size when not in use, which makes them easier to store and carry in your car's boot or on public transport. Check how compact they are folded. This can be a huge difference when you have to fit them into tight spaces or up and over the stairs.

If you are planning to take your pram or stroller into areas with rougher terrain, like parks or fields, or even on the beach, it's best to choose one with off-road wheels. These are the best wheels for these kinds of terrains. Make sure that the wheels are air-filled as this will make them easier to maneuver over rough terrain and will not easily puncture.

For sunny days, a parasol that is attached to the frame of the pushchair, or a sunshade will help to protect your baby from overheating, and also provide shade. You can purchase them separately or as part of a pushchair accessories set, with a variety of styles and colours to pick from.

Comfort

A quality pushchair or pram is one that is comfortable for your baby and you to push. A softly padded seat liner, adjustable settings to allow your baby to lie flat or sway slightly (good for reflux sufferers) and a wide sun canopy are all beneficial. Look for suspension that makes the ride smooth and a receptive brake system so you can stop quickly when needed.

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

You'll also need to consider your requirements when choosing a pram, such as whether it's easy to maneuver and what kind of storage space you'll need. It's worth visiting a store that allows you to test-drive different pushchairs or prams to test how they feel and how they fold. It's also an excellent idea to check out any accessories you'd like, such as a seat liner, a footmuff and fans that can help your baby remain cool in summer and warm in winter.

Finally, you'll need to think about the overall design of your pushchair - will it match your personality and lifestyle? You'll use it for a long time and so you should pick a print or colour that won't fade too quickly or leave you regretting your decision.

Our Goldilocks pushchair is a light pushchair with puncture-proof tires, a big bouncey suspension, and hoods you can remove to shield your child from the elements. It offers the ideal balance of comfort for both your child and yourself. With a stylish and sophisticated brushed twill fabric with a faux-leather handle and leatherette trims It has a classic appearance, but is also fresh and modern. It is also very reasonably priced and comes with an assortment of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pushchair, pram buggy, pram and travel system get thrown around a lot but it's crucial to pick one that suits your requirements and is compatible with your lifestyle. You'll find it easier to take public transportation, in your car seat pram or at home if you select models that fold. If you choose a travel system or pram with an infant seat, ensure that it is able to be easily snapped onto the chassis without waking up your baby.

Many prams come with a large storage basket underneath the seat to allow you to keep your shopping, nappies, and bags at the ready. They also have swivel wheels, which allow them to maneuver and steer in narrow shop aisles, or change direction in busy areas such as beaches and parks. If you plan to use it in the country, you may want to choose an all-terrain model with big tires that can handle muddy walks and rough terrain.

A pushchair or stroller is lighter than a pram newborn 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. They usually have a large canopy which will offer your toddler or baby protection from the sun and some models might also be suitable for use in rainy weather.

Consider how the model weighs and whether you are able to lift it in and out of your car's boot or up the steps to your home (with or without your baby in it!) They'll become heavier over time. You may want to consider buying a machine-washable cover to make it easy to clean nappy or spilled liquids. It is also advisable to test any prams or strollers you're thinking of buying to see how they move and feel, as well as to see how easy they fold up and transport. It is also a good idea to see whether the handlebars are comfortable to you.

Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your pushchair will reduce the risk of mould or mildew. This means wiping down any fabric parts when they become dirty and giving them a thorough wash every couple of weeks or more often. Using a deodoriser or fabric freshener on a regular basis can also help reduce odours and prevent the build-up of grime that can lead to the development of mould spores as well as an unhygienic environment for your baby.

It's a great idea to remove any padding or covers before you begin cleaning your pushchair. This will make it easier for you to clean the difficult-to-reach areas, like the canopy or hood. Next, choose an area with good ventilation to work in and lay down a sheet or tarp to protect the floor and make cleaning as simple as it can be. Make use of a vacuum cleaner that has an adjustable nozzle to take out any food or dirt that might have gotten stuck in the crevices and corners.

If your pushchair comes with removable fabric sections, make sure you read the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and wash them according to the instructions (either by hand or in the washing machine). In other cases, it is safe to use a solution of warm water and mild soap (or a mild detergent) on the majority of fabrics used in prams. It is best to test the fabric's colorfastness 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 eliminate stubborn stains and marks. It is a potent stain remover that will lift all kinds of odours, such as those caused by urine and milk. It can also help lift any residues of soap or detergent. When you're done, wash the fabric thoroughly to get rid of all traces of soap and hang it to dry. Do this outside, as sunlight is a natural conditioner and disinfectant.