What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting a buggy, pushchair, or pram. Consider the amount you're willing to spend, whether you want an e-bike that is compact or more spacious and how easy to clean it.

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

Safety

If you're out and about with your baby in a stroller or pram it is essential to follow safety guidelines to ensure your child is safe and secure. Be sure to check the stroller or pushchair's weight limits to prevent overloading as this could result in damage or instability. Avoid putting pillows or blankets in the pram since this could be dangerous for your child, particularly in the event of an accident. Also, don't let older children climb on the pram or stroller as this could pose a danger.

It's also a good idea to look for a pushchair with additional padding, particularly in the area of the headrest, as this can protect your child from bumping into things whilst out and around. A parent facing mode is also a good choice as this makes it easy and quick for you to monitor your baby and keep them happy and comfortable.

Some prams and pushchairs have a bassinet that allows newborns to lie flat, in a cocoon of comfort. Some will come with a carrycot that can be removed when your baby is old enough to sit up. Some prams also come with an infant seat that can be switched between the two modes as your baby develops.

Many prams and pushchairs can be folded down to a small size when not in use. This makes them easier to put in your car boot, or transport on public transport. It is important to determine the size of the pushchairs 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 plan on taking your pram or pushchair into rougher terrain such as parks, fields or even on beaches then it is a good idea to look for models with off-road wheels as this will be more suitable for these types of environments. Check to see if the wheels are air-filled since this will enable them to easily move over rougher terrain and not puncture.

For days with sunshine, a parasol that is attached to the frame of the running pushchair or a sunshade can help to protect your baby from overheating and provide the needed shade. They can be bought separately or as an accessory set for your pushchair. There are many designs and colors available.

Comfort

A good pram should be comfortable to push for both you and your baby. Soft padded seats with adjustable settings that allow your baby to lie flat on their back or sit up slightly to ease reflux and a large sun canopy are all helpful. Find a suspension that allows for a smooth ride and a responsive brake system to stop quickly when needed.

Newborns need to be in a completely flat position to help with their developing spine and therefore it's essential to make sure your pushchair can do this for the first few months. A lot of frames come with a newborn carrycot that converts to a reclining chair once your child is old enough. This lets you have both a stroller and pram in the same frame.

It is also important to think about your needs when selecting a pushchair like whether it's simple to manoeuvre and what sort of storage space you require. It's a good idea to visit a shop that allows you to test-drive different pushchairs or prams to see how they feel and fold. It's also an excellent idea to research any accessories you might want including a seat liner, a footmuff and fans that will help your baby remain cool in summer or warm in winter.

Also, think about the overall style of your stroller - does it fit your lifestyle and personality. You'll be using your pushchair for many years, so choose a colour or print that you won't regret.

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

Practicality

The terms pushchair, pram buggy, pram and travel system get thrown around a lot but it's important to select one that meets your needs and your lifestyle. You'll be able to take public transportation as well as in your car at home if you choose models that fold. If you decide to purchase an infant pram or travel system with a separate infant seat, be sure it is able to be easily connected to the chassis without disturbing your baby.

A lot of prams have a large storage basket under which will help to keep your bags, shopping and nappies within reach. They also typically have swivel wheels, which allow them to maneuver and steer through narrow shop aisles, or change direction in busy areas such as beaches and parks. If you intend to use the scooter in the countryside, you may want to choose one with large all-terrain tires that can handle rough terrain and muddy roads.

A pushchair or stroller is lighter than a traditional pram and the seat can be adjusted to different positions. This is great for infants who are able to sit up or for newborns. They typically come with a huge canopy that provides your child or toddler protection from the sun. However, some models might also be suitable for use in rainy weather.

Think about how heavy the model is and if you can comfortably lift it out and in of your car's storage area or up the stairs to your home (with or without your baby inside!) It is important to consider this especially since they will increase in weight over time. It's worth 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 you are considering purchasing to determine how they move and feel, and to check how easy they fold and move around. You might also want to check if the handlebars are comfortable for you to grip too.

Cleaning

Cleaning your pushchair on a regular basis can reduce the chance of mould or mildew. This includes wiping down any fabric parts immediately after they become dirty and giving them a thorough wash every two weeks or more often. Regularly using a fabric freshener or deodoriser will help eliminate odours and prevent the accumulation of grime that can result in mould spores.

It's a good idea remove any covers or padding prior to beginning cleaning your pushchair. This will allow you to clean the difficult-to-reach areas, like the hood or canopy. The next step is to select an area with good ventilation to work in and then lay down sheets or tarps to protect the floor and make cleaning as simple as it can be. Also, it's a good idea to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a nozzle that is flexible to get rid of any food debris or dirt that might be tucked away in the nooks and crannies.

If your pushchair comes with fabric parts that can be removed, read the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and wash them according to the directions (either by hand or by washing in a machine). If you're planning to wash the majority of your fabrics in prams then you can use a solution consisting 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.

Add a small amount of the wash to get rid of stubborn stains and marks. It is a potent stain remover that can eliminate all kinds of odours, such as those caused by urine and milk. It will also help remove any soap or detergent residues. After washing, rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove any soap residue, and hang it to dry. Aim to do this outside because sunlight acts as natural fabric softener as well as an effective disinfectant.