What to Look For in Prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the best pushchair, buggy or pram. Consider how much you'll need to spend on a buggy, whether you want it to be smaller or larger and how easy the buggy is to clean.

Look for models that have the ability to be adjusted to different positions, as well as the bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Check that they are completely flat because this is essential to the development of the spine of your baby.

Safety

If you're out and about with your child in a pram or pushchair it is essential to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure your little one is comfortable and secure. Check the pushchair or stroller's carriage weight limits to avoid overloading, as this can result in damage or instability. Avoid putting pillows or blankets in the pram newborn as this could be hazardous for your child, particularly if they have an accident. Don't allow older children to play on the stroller or pram because this is a potential hazard.

It's also an excellent idea to search for a pushchair with extra padding, especially around the headrest. This can help protect your child from crashing into objects when out and around. A parent-facing mode is also an excellent option since it makes it easy and quick to monitor your baby and keep them at ease and happy.

Some pushchairs and prams come with a bassinet attachment that is perfect for babies to lie flat in, cocooned and comfortable. Some prams and pushchairs come with a carrycot which can be removed when your baby is able to sit. Some prams will also offer an infant seat that can be switched between these two modes as your child grows.

Many pushchairs and prams can fold down into small dimensions when not in use, making them easy to store and carry in your car's boot or public transport. It is important to determine the size of the pushchairs when folded as this can make a difference when you have to squeeze them into tight spaces or up and down stairs.

If you are planning to use your stroller or pram into areas with rougher terrain, such as parks or fields or even the beach, it's ideal to select one with off-road wheels. They are more suitable for these environments. Make sure the wheels are air-filled since this will make them easier to travel over rough terrain and will not break easily.

For days with sunshine the parasol that attaches to the pushchair frame or a sunshade can help to shield your child from overheating and provide the needed shade. You can buy these separately or as part of a pushchair accessories set, with a variety of styles and colors to pick from.

Comfort

A good pram should be comfortable to push for you and your baby. A soft cushioned seat liner with adjustable settings that let your baby to lie flat or sway slightly (good for reflux sufferers) and a wide sun canopy are all buggy, pram and travel system are often used interchangeably but it's important to choose one that meets your needs and your lifestyle. It's easier to move around on public transport as well as in your car at home if you opt for models that fold. If you choose an infant pram or travel system with a separate infant seat, make sure it can be quickly attached to the chassis without waking your baby.

Many prams have a large storage basket under the seat to help you keep your shopping, bags and nappies close at fingertips. The wheels are typically pivoting, making it simple to maneuver and steer them in narrow aisles of shops or in areas that are crowded, like beaches and parks. If you're going to use it in the country, you may want to choose a model with wide all-terrain tires that can handle muddy walks and rough terrain.

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

Consider how heavy the model is and then consider if you are able to comfortably move it in and out of your car's boot or up the stairs to your home (with or without your baby inside!) Particularly as they become heavier with time. It could be worth spending more to get a washable cover that makes cleaning up spills or leaks from nappy nappy simple. It's recommended to test drive any sale prams or pushchairs you're thinking of buying to be able to observe how they feel and move and also how easy they fold and carry. You may also want to see whether the handlebars feel comfy to you.

Cleaning

Cleaning your pushchair regularly will reduce the risk of mould or mildew. It is important to wipe down every component of your fabric as soon they begin to get dirty, and give them an extensive wash every two weeks. Using a deodoriser or fabric freshener on a regular basis will also help to keep odours at bay and stop the accumulation of grime that can result in the growth of mould spores as well as an unhygienic environment for your baby.

Before you begin cleaning your pushchair, it's recommended to clear away any toys and take off any padding or covers that you can remove. This will make it easier for you to clean the hard-to-reach places, such as the canopy or hood. Choose a place that is well ventilated and lay down a sheet to protect the floor. This will make cleaning up easy. Also, it's a good idea to use a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment that is flexible to remove any food debris or dirt that may be trapped in the nooks and crannies.

If your pushchair has removable fabric sections, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and wash them in accordance with the directions (either by hand or in a washing machine). In other cases, it is safe to apply a warm solution of water and mild soap (or a mild detergent) on all fabrics used in pushchairs. However, it is always recommended to examine the fabric for the colorfastness prior to using any cleaning products as certain chemicals can cause damage or bleaching to delicate fabrics.

Add a small amount to the wash to get rid of stubborn stains and marks. This is a potent stain remover and can lift all kinds of odours such as ones caused by urine or milk. It also helps to lift any residues of soap or detergent. Once you're finished, rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all traces of soap and hang it up to dry. It is best to do this outdoors because sunlight acts as natural softener for fabric and a gentle disinfectant.