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, whether you want a compact buggy or something larger and how easy it will be to clean.

Look for models that feature a reclining seat that can be adjusted to various positions, as well as a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Be sure to check if they are flat as this is essential for the development of your baby's spine.

Safety

When you are out and about with your child in a stroller or pram it is essential to adhere to safety guidelines so that your child is safe and safe. Avoid overloading the stroller or pushchair to avoid damage or instability. Avoid putting pillows or blankets in the pram as this could be dangerous for your child, particularly when they suffer an accident. Also, don't allow older children to play on the stroller or pram because it could pose a risk.

It's also an excellent idea to search for a pushchair that has additional padding, particularly in the area of the headrest. This can keep your child safe from crashing into objects when out and around. A parent facing mode is also an excellent option as it makes it quick and easy to monitor your child and keep them content and at ease.

Some prams and pushchairs have a bassinet that allows newborns to lay flat, in a cozy cocoon. Others may have a carrycot that is removed when your baby is old enough to sit up. Some prams also come with a seat unit which can be switched between the two modes as your baby grows.

Many prams and pushchairs can be folded down to a compact size when they are not being used. This makes them much easier to store in the car boot or to transport them on public transport. Check how compact they are folded. This can be a huge difference when you have to get them into tight spaces or go up and down stairs.

If you're planning on taking your pram or pushchair into rougher terrain, such as parks, fields or even on beaches then it is a good idea to find a model with off-road wheels as this will be better suited to these kinds of environments. Check that the wheels are air-filled since this will allow them to travel over rough terrain and will not easily puncture.

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

Comfort

A quality pram should be comfortable to push for you and your baby. Soft padded seat liners with adjustable settings that allow your baby to lie flat on their back or rise slightly to ease reflux and an expansive sun canopy are all useful. Choose a suspension system that can make the ride smoother and a brake system that is responsive so you can stop quickly in a situation of emergency.

It is essential that your pushchair be suitable for this position for the first couple of weeks. Many frames come with the newborn carrycot, which can be converted to a reclining chair once your child is old enough. This lets you use a stroller as well as pram in the same frame.

When selecting a pushchair, you'll need to consider your needs, like how easy it is to maneuver and the amount of storage space you need. It is recommended to visit a store where you can test drive different pushchairs and prams to determine how they feel and fold. It's also a good idea to check out any accessories you'd like to purchase, such as a seat liner, a footmuff and fans that will help your baby to stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

Lastly, you'll want to think about the overall look of your stroller - does it suit your lifestyle and personality? You'll be using it for a long time, so try to choose a print or colour that won't date too quickly or leave you regretting your choice.

A lightweight pushchair with 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. It offers the perfect amount of comfort for your child and you. With a sophisticated and stylish brushed twill fabric with faux-leather handles and leatherette trims that have a traditional feel but also looks modern and fresh. It's also priced competitively 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 choose one that is suitable for your requirements and is compatible with your lifestyle. Find models that fold down to smaller sizes to make it easier when you're on public transport and in your car's boot or storage space at home. If you choose a pram or travel system with a separate infant seat, make sure it can be easily attached to the chassis without disturbing your baby.

Many prams come with a large storage basket under that will keep your bags, shopping and nappies at hand. They also typically have swivel wheels that make them easy to manoeuvre and steer through narrow shop aisles, or to change direction in busy areas such as beaches and parks. If you're going to use it in the countryside then you may want to consider an all-terrain model with big tires that can handle rough terrain and muddy paths.

A pushchair or stroller is lighter than a traditional foldable pram and the seat can be adjusted to different positions. This is perfect for infants who are able to sit up or newborns. They typically come with a huge canopy that provides your child or toddler protection from the sun. However, some models may 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 boot or up the stairs to your home (with or without your baby inside!) Particularly as they get heavier over time. You may want to consider buying a machine-washable cover for easy cleaning of spilled or nappy-soaked liquids. It's recommended to try out any prams or pushchairs you're contemplating buying, to be able to observe how they feel and move as well as how easy they are to fold and carry. 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 mildew or mould. This should include wiping down any fabric components as soon as they are dirty and giving them a full wash every couple of weeks or as often. Using a deodoriser or fabric freshener on a regular basis can help reduce odours and help prevent 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 great idea to remove any covers or padding prior to cleaning your pushchair. This will make it easier for you to clean the hard-to-reach places, such as the canopy or hood. Then, select a space which is well-ventilated and lay down a sheet to protect the floor. This will make cleaning easy. It's also a good idea to use a vacuum cleaner with a flexible nozzle attachment to remove any dirt or food scraps that might be tucked away in nooks and crannies.

If you own an infant stroller with removable fabric parts, then start by reading the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and washing them according to the instructions (either in the machine or by hand). In general, it's safe to apply a solution of warm water and mild soap (or mild detergent) on most fabrics used in prams. It is best to test the fabric's colourfastness on an area of a tiny size prior to using any cleaning product. Certain chemicals can harm or bleach delicate fabrics.

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