What to Look For in best prams, Pushchairs and Buggys

Whether you're looking for a pushchair, pram or a buggy there are a lot of factors to consider. Consider how much you can afford to spend, if you're looking for an e-bike that is compact or more spacious and how easy to clean it.

Find models with a reclining seat that can be adjusted to multiple positions, and a bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Check that they are completely flat as this is vital to the development of the spine of your baby.

Safety

It is important to follow safety guidelines when you are out with your baby in a pushchair or pram. This will ensure that your child is secure and at ease. Be sure to check the stroller or pushchair's weight limits for carriages to avoid overloaded vehicles as it could cause result in damage or instability. Avoid putting blankets or pillows in the pram since they can pose danger for your baby, particularly if there is an accident. Similarly, don't let older children climb on the stroller or pram because it could pose a risk.

Look for a pushchair with extra padding especially in the headrest area to safeguard your child from getting hit by objects while out and around. It's also a good idea to choose an infant stroller with padding on the headrests, since this will protect your child from hitting objects when out and out and about.

Some pushchairs and prams travel system come with the bassinet attachment, which is perfect for babies to lie flat in the comfort of a cocoon and be comfortable. Some will come with a carrycot that can be removed once your baby is old enough to sit. Some prams also have a seat unit which can be switched between two modes as your baby grows.

Many pushchairs and prams can be folded down to a compact size when they are not in use. This makes them easier to store in your car boot, or even transport on public transport. It's worth checking the size of the pushchairs when folded as this can be an issue when you need to squeeze them into tight spaces or go up and down steps.

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

A sunshade or parasol that can be attached directly to the frame of your pushchair will shade and protect your baby against overheating on sunny days. You can purchase them separately or as part of the pushchair accessories set with a variety of styles and colors to choose from.

Comfort

A good pram should be comfortable to push for both you and your baby. Softly padded seat liners, adjustable settings that allow your baby to lay flat on their backs or sit up slightly to ease reflux, and a large sun canopy are all useful. Look for suspension systems that make the ride smoother and brakes that are quick to stop quickly in a situation of emergency.

Newborns require a flat, fully lying position to help with their developing spine, so it's important to ensure your pushchair can do this for the first few months. Many frames include the newborn carrycot, which can be converted into a reclining seat when your child is old enough. This lets you use a stroller as well as pram in the same frame.

When choosing a pushchair you'll need to consider your needs, like how easy it is to maneuver and how much storage space you require. It's worth visiting a store that lets you test drive different prams and pushchairs to feel how they behave and how they fold. It's also recommended to check out any accessories you'd like to purchase, such as a seat liner, a footmuff and fans that will help your baby stay cool in summer or warm in winter.

Finally, you'll need to think about the overall design of your pushchair. Does it suit your lifestyle and personality? You'll be using it for several years so make sure you pick the right color or print that doesn't get old or make you regret your decision.

A light pushchair that is puncture-proof tyres, big bouncy suspension, and a hood can be pulled down to protect your child from the elements is our Goldilocks of pushchairs, providing the perfect balance of comfort for both your child and you. It's stylish and smart brushed twill with a faux leather handle and leatherette trims. It has a classic look but also looks modern and fresh. It's 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 choose one that is suitable for your needs and your lifestyle. It's easier to transport on public transport, in your car or at home if you opt for models that fold. If you decide to buy an infant stroller or a travel system with a separate baby seat then ensure that it snaps securely onto the chassis and can be removed without waking your baby (especially if they're sleeping).

Many prams have a large storage basket under the seat to allow you to keep your shopping bags, bags and nappies close at fingertips. They also have swivel wheels that make them easy to manoeuvre and maneuver through narrow store aisles, or to change direction in crowded places like parks and beaches. If you intend to use it in the country, you might want a model with large all-terrain tires that can handle rough terrain and muddy trails.

A pushchair or stroller is lighter than a pram and provides the convenience of seats that can be adjustable to various positions. This is ideal for newborns and babies who can sit up. A large canopy will protect your toddler or baby from the sun. Some models are also suitable for rain.

Take note of how heavy the model will be and whether you can lift it comfortably into your car boot, or up the stairs (with or without the baby inside). - especially as they will become heavier with time. You might want to think about buying a machine-washable cover to make it easy to clean spilled or nappy-soaked liquids. It is also advisable to test any strollers or prams that you're considering buying to determine how they move and feel, and to check how easy they fold and transport. You may also want to determine if the handlebars are comfortable to grip too.

Cleaning

The quickest way to reduce the risk of mould and mildew is to clean your pushchair on a regular basis. It is essential to clean every component of the fabric as soon as they become dirty and give them an extensive wash every two weeks. Using a deodoriser or fabric freshener regularly can help keep odours at bay and stop the accumulation of grime, which can result in the growth of mould spores as well as an unhygienic living space for your baby.

Before you begin cleaning your pushchair it is recommended to remove any toys, and to remove any padding or covers that can be removed. This will allow you to clean the hard-to-reach areas, like the hood or canopy. Next, choose an area that is well ventilated and lay down a sheet to protect the floor. This will make cleaning easier. Use a vacuum with an nozzle that is flexible to get rid of any food or dirt that may have been trapped in the crevices and corners.

If your pushchair comes with fabric parts that can be removed, read the instructions of the manufacturer for cleaning and wash them according to the instructions (either by hand or in a washing machine). In general, it's safe to apply a warm solution of water and gentle soap (or a mild detergent) on most fabrics used in pushchairs. It is recommended to test the fabric's colourfastness on a small area before using any cleaning product. Certain chemicals may harm or bleach delicate fabrics.

Add a small amount of the wash to remove the stubborn marks and stains. It is a potent stain remover that will lift many types odours including those caused by urine and milk. It also assists in removing any residues of soap or detergent. After you've finished, wash the fabric thoroughly to get rid of any soap residue and hang it to dry. Do this outside, since sunlight is a natural conditioner and disinfectant.