What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting a buggy, pushchair, or running pram. Think about the amount you're willing to spend, whether you'd prefer a compact buggy or something larger and how easy to clean it.

Look for models that feature a reclining seat with several positions, and the option of a carrycot or bassinet to newborns. Check that they are completely flat as this is vital for the development of the spine of your baby.

Safety

When you are out and about with your child in a stroller or pram it is essential to follow safety guidelines to ensure your little one is comfortable and safe. Avoid overloaded strollers or pushchair to prevent damage or instability. Avoid placing blankets or pillows in the pram as this could be hazardous for your child, especially if they have an accident. Don't let older children climb onto the pram or stroller as this can be a hazard.

Look for a pushchair with extra padding especially in the headrest area to safeguard your child from hitting objects when out and around. A parent facing mode is also a good option since it makes it quick and easy to monitor your baby and keep them at ease and happy.

Some prams and pushchairs prams pushchairs have bassinets that allow newborns to lie flat, in a cocoon of comfort. Others may have an infant carrycot that can be removed when your baby is old enough to sit up. Some prams also come with seats that can be switched between the two modes as your baby grows.

Many prams and pushchairs are designed to fold into smaller sizes when they are not in use, making them easier to store and carry in your car's boot or on public transport. Make sure they are compact when folded. This can make a big difference when you need to fit them into tight spaces or go up and down stairs.

If you plan on taking your pram or pushchair to rougher terrain such as parks, fields or even on beaches then it is a good idea to look for an off-road model since they are more suitable for these types of environments. Make sure that the wheels are air-filled as this will help them to maneuver over rough terrain and will not break easily.

A sunshade or parasol that is attached directly to the frame of your pushchair can provide shade and guard your child from overheating during sunny days. You can purchase them separately or as part of an accessory set for your pushchair sale, with several styles and colours to pick from.

Comfort

A quality pram pushchair should be comfortable to push for both you and your baby. A soft padded seat liner, adjustable settings that allow your newborn to lay flat or sway slightly (good for those with reflux) and a wide sun canopy are all beneficial. Choose a suspension system that can make the ride smoother and a brake system that is quick to stop quickly in a situation of emergency.

It is essential that your pushchair be suitable for this position for the first few weeks. A majority of frames come with a carrycot for newborns, which then switches to a reclining seat once your little one is old enough, meaning you can use both a pram and a pushchair in the same frame.

When you're choosing a pram, you'll have to think about your requirements, including how it's maneuverable and the amount of storage space you need. You should visit a shop where you can test-drive different prams or pushchairs to see how the feel and fold. It's also a good idea to check out any accessories you'd like to purchase for your baby, like an armband, a seat liner and fans that can help your baby stay cool in summer or warm in winter.

Also, think about the overall style of your stroller - does it fit your personality and lifestyle. It will be used for several years, so try to choose a print or colour that won't date too quickly or make you regret your choice.

Our Goldilocks pushchair is a lightweight pushchair with puncture-proof tires and a large bouncy suspension, and hoods you can pull down to protect your baby from the weather. It offers the perfect balance of comfort both for your child and yourself. With a stylish and sophisticated brushed twill fabric with faux-leather handles and leatherette trims, it has a traditional appearance, but is also fresh and modern. It's also reasonably priced and comes with a variety of useful accessories.

Practicality

The terms pram, pushchair buggy, pram and travel system are often used interchangeably but it's important to select one that is suitable for your needs and your lifestyle. You'll find it easier to move around on public transportation, 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 then make sure that it snaps easily onto the chassis and can be detached without waking your baby (especially in the case of sleep).

A lot of prams have a huge storage basket under the seat to help keep your shopping bags, bags and nappies close to the ready. They are also usually equipped with swivel wheels which allow them to maneuver and steer through narrow shop aisles, or to turn on the spot in busy areas such as beaches and parks. If you intend to use it in the countryside, you may want to consider a model with large all-terrain tires that can handle rough terrain and muddy paths.

A pushchair or stroller is lighter than a traditional pram and the seat can be adjusted into various positions. This is ideal for infants who can sit up or newborns. They typically have a wide canopy that provides your child or toddler protection from the sun and some models may also be suitable to use in the rain.

Take note of how the model is and whether you can lift it comfortably into your car boot or up the stairs (with or without a baby inside). They'll get heavier over time. You may want to consider buying a machine-washable cover to make it easy to clean spilled liquids or nappy messes. It's an excellent idea to test drive any prams or pushchairs that you're considering buying too, to see how they feel and behave and how they fold and carry. It is also a good idea to check whether the handlebars are comfortable to you.

Cleaning

The quickest method to decrease the chance of mould and mildew is to clean your pushchair on a regular basis. This includes cleaning any fabric components as soon as they are dirty and giving them a thorough wash every two weeks or so. Utilizing a deodoriser or a fabric freshener regularly will also help to keep odours at bay and prevent the build-up of grime, which could lead to the development of mould spores and an unhygienic environment for your child.

Before you begin cleaning your pushchair, it's a good idea to clear away any toys, and to remove any covers or padding that are able to be removed. This will allow you to clean and access those difficult to reach places like the canopy, hood or seat supports. Make sure you choose an area with good ventilation to work in and then lay down sheets or tarps to protect the floor and make clean-up as easy as possible. Utilize a vacuum cleaner with a flexible nozzle to remove any food or dirt that may have been trapped in the crevices and corners.

If you own an infant stroller with removable fabric sections, begin by checking the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and washing them according to the recommendations (either in the machine or by hand). If you're planning to wash the majority of your fabrics in top prams then you can use a solution made of warm water, mild soap or mild detergent. It is recommended to test the fabric's colourfastness using an area of a tiny size prior to using any cleaning product. Certain chemicals can harm or bleach delicate fabrics.

Stains and marks that are stubborn can often be tackled by adding a small amount of bicarbonate of soda to the wash. This is a powerful stain remover that can eliminate all kinds of odours, such as ones caused by urine or milk. It also assists in removing any soap or detergent residues. When you're done, wash the fabric thoroughly to eliminate all traces of soap and hang it up to dry. Do this outside, since sunlight is a natural fabric conditioner and disinfectant.