What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

If you're in the market for a pram, pushchair or a buggy there are plenty of things to think about. Think about how much you can afford to spend, whether you'd prefer a compact buggy or something more spacious, and how easy to clean it.

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

Safety

It is important to follow safety guidelines while out with your baby in a pushchair or pram. This will ensure that your child is secure and comfortable. Avoid overloading the stroller or pushchair to ensure that there is no damage or instability. Avoid placing pillows or blankets in the pram, as this can be dangerous for your baby, particularly if there is an accident. Do not allow older children to climb onto the pram or folding stroller since this can be a hazard.

It's also a good idea to look for a pushchair with extra padding, especially around the headrest. This can protect your child from crashing into objects when out and around. It's also recommended to select the pushchair that has padded headrests, as it will help protect your child from bumping into objects while out and about.

Some pushchairs and prams come with bassinets that allow infants 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 will also offer a seat unit that can be moved between these two modes as your child develops.

Many pushchairs or prams can be folded down to a small size when not in use. This makes them easier to keep in your car boot or transport on public transport. Be sure to check how compact they are folded. This can make a big difference when you need to get them into small spaces or up and down stairs.

If you're planning to take your pushchair or pram into rougher terrain such as parks, fields or even on beaches, it is recommended to look for a model with off-road wheels as this will be more suitable for these kinds of environments. Make sure the wheels are filled with air as this will make them easier to move over rougher ground and not puncture easily.

For sunny days the parasol that attaches to the frame of the pushchair, or a sunshade is a great way to shield your child from overheating and provide the needed shade. These can be purchased separately or as an accessory set for your pushchair. There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from.

Comfort

A quality pushchair or pram should be comfortable for both your baby and you to push. Soft padded seats and adjustable settings that permit your baby to lay flat on their backs or raise their legs slightly to ease reflux and a large sun canopy are all beneficial. Look for suspension that makes the ride smooth and a brake system that is responsive to allow you to stop quickly if needed.

Newborns require a flat, fully lying position to help with their developing spine, so it's important to make sure your pushchair can do this for the first few months. A majority of frames come with a carrycot for newborns which can be changed to a reclining seat when your baby is old enough, meaning you can put an infant pram and a pushchair in the same frame.

You'll also need to consider your needs when selecting a pushchair such as whether it's easy to maneuver and what kind of storage space you need. It's a good idea to visit a shop that allows you to test-drive various cheap prams or pushchairs to see how they feel and how they fold. It's also recommended to look over any accessories you might want including a seat liner, a footmuff and fans that can help your baby remain cool in summer and warm in winter.

You should also think about the overall style of your stroller. Does it match your personality and lifestyle. You'll use it for several years so make sure you pick an image or color that won't fade too quickly or leave you regretting your choice.

Our Goldilocks pushchair is a light pushchair with puncture-proof tires as well as a huge bouncy suspension, and hoods you can lower to shield your baby from the weather. It provides the perfect balance of comfort, both for your child as well as yourself. With a stylish and sophisticated brushed twill fabric with a faux-leather handle and leatherette trims that have a traditional feel, but it also looks modern and fresh. It's also very competitively priced and comes with a variety of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pushchair, pram buggy, pram and travel system (Click That Link) get thrown around a lot but it's important to select one that meets your requirements and is compatible with your lifestyle. You'll be able to transport on public transport, in your car or at home if you choose models that fold up. If you choose to purchase an infant stroller or a travel system with a separate baby seat, ensure that it snaps easily onto the chassis and can be removed without waking your baby (especially when they're asleep).

A lot of prams have a spacious storage basket underneath which will help to keep your shopping bags, bags and nappies at hand. They also typically have swivel wheels that allow them to maneuver and steer through narrow shop aisles, or to change direction in crowded areas like parks and beaches. If you plan to ride the scooter in the countryside, you might prefer a model that has large all-terrain tires which can handle rough terrain and muddy trails.

A stroller or pushchair is lighter than a pram and provides the convenience of the ability to have a seat that is adjusted to multiple positions which is ideal for newborns or babies who can sit up. They typically have a wide canopy which will offer your baby or toddler stroller with protection from the sun. However, certain models could be suitable for use in the rain.

Think about how the model weighs and whether you can safely lift it into your car boot, or up the stairs (with or without a baby inside). They'll become heavier with time. It could be worth spending a little extra to get a washable cover that makes cleaning up spills or leaks from nappy nappy simple. It's a good idea to test drive any prams or pushchairs you're considering buying too, so that you can see how they feel and move and how easy they fold and transport. You might also want to check if the handlebars are comfortable for you to grip too.

Cleaning

The quickest way to reduce the risk of mildew and mould is to clean your pushchair regularly. This means wiping down any fabric parts as soon as they are dirty and giving them a full wash every couple of weeks or so. Regularly applying a fabric freshener or deodoriser will help eliminate odours and stop the accumulation of dirt that could lead to mould spores.

Before you begin cleaning your pushchair, it's a good idea to get rid of any toys and remove any padding or covers that can be removed. This will allow you to access and clean those hard to reach places like the hood, canopy or support for the seat. Then, select a space which is well-ventilated and lay down a sheet to protect your floor. This will make cleaning up simpler. Also, it's an ideal idea to use a vacuum with a nozzle attachment that is flexible to loosen any dirt or food scraps that could be trapped in nooks and crannies.

If your pushchair is equipped with 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 in the washing machine). If you're looking to wash the majority of your fabrics in prams then you can use a solution made of warm water, mild soap or mild detergent. However, it is always recommended to examine the fabric for the colorfastness prior to using any cleaning products as certain chemicals may harm or bleach delicate fabrics.

Add a small amount of the wash to get rid of stubborn stains and marks. This is an effective stain remover and can lift many types of odours, including those caused by milk or urine. It also helps to lift any soap residues or detergent. When you're done, wash the fabric thoroughly to eliminate all traces of soap and hang it up to dry. Aim to do this outside because sunlight acts as both a natural fabric softener and a gentle disinfectant.