What to Look For in a Pram Pushchair

A stylish pram that is both swish and practical. It is easy to assemble and is able to be converted into a double. It also comes with an enormous storage basket.

This brilliant travel system makes it easy to "future proof" by incorporating an appropriate carrycot and car seat. It folds easily by hand and is able to stand on its own when collapsed.

Seat

A pram is likely to be one of the most frequently used pieces of baby equipment that you purchase therefore it's essential to ensure it's comfortable for your little one. Look for models with comfy cushioned seats, an adjustable handlebar height and recline function that allows you to get your child asleep. It's also worth ensuring that the pushchair is placed in either 'parent-facing' (or rear-facing) or 'world facing', when your child is older and wants to look around and see what's going on around them.

A nifty feature on the Graco Near2Me is its ability to raise your child up to you at the touch of a button, allowing parents to maintain eye contact with their child and keep them close. Jaya the tester for our parents, praised this as an excellent option for infants and newborns.

It's important to consider the overall size of the pram when choosing one, since you don't want to take up too much space in your car trunk or your living space. Pick a model that is able to be folded easily and compact when folded to ensure it will fit. Consider how easy to do this and read reviews (like those on MadeForMums) to get a clear sense of how simple or difficult it is to move fold and store.

A good quality pram should fold completely flat, allowing your child to lay comfortably during the first six months of their life. This is vital for their development. Check that the pram you're considering can do this, and that it is compatible with a car seat if needed.

Wheels

The wheels move the pram and give your child a smooth ride. There are three standard wheel types: foam, rubber and EVA (a more durable plastic type). Each type has pros and cons, based on what you plan to use your pushchair for.

Rubber wheels are the most commonly used and offer excellent grip on all surfaces. They can be punctured by using a compressor for car tyres to inflate them too hard. However this usually happens due to someone over-inflating the tires and isn't a common issue. This wheel type is often used on buggies that run all-terrain.

PU or Polyurethane wheels are filled with foam so they are lighter than rubber tyres. They do not have the same shock-absorbing capabilities and can feel more abrasive on rough concrete surfaces. They are more prevalent on prams and strollers than on strollers and are the least expensive option.

EVA or Ethylene vinyl acetate, is a plastic material that has the properties of rubber and is also lighter. It can be used to replace rubber or PU in your pram for its low maintenance and overall weight reduction.

It is essential to have reliable brakes in your pram. This will safeguard you your child, as well as other pedestrians. The majority of pushchairs have brake pedals located at the rear of the chassis and can be activated by pressing a button or lever on the handlebars or pushing down with your foot. The brakes should be easy to operate and should be locked as soon as you press them. Some pushchairs also have a mid-wheel brake for more stability and control.

Carrycot

The carrycot is a simple-to-use portable cot that is able to be attached to the chassis of any pushchair. It's a great option for newborns up to around six months old as they need to lie flat, which is essential for their spinal and lung development. A carrycot-equipped pram is the perfect choice for parents who have little space, a small boot, or who travel by public transport often.

Some prams have an integrated carrycot that folds into the frame of the pushchair with car seat, so you can quickly switch between carriage and seat modes. This is a great choice for families with a small car boot or those who have to use public transport often as it can save time and effort. The iCandy YOYO2 is a good example of this and has a high score with MFM home testers, as well as winning Gold in our previous MadeForMums awards. It's also a great option for new parents with a tight budget since it's not expensive, but is stylish and luxurious and is strong, light and compact when folded.

Mountain Buggy Twin Plus, the ultimate pushchair for single or double use that can be used from birth. a carrycot. It is the perfect option. This stunning pram includes a lay flat carrycot plus a fabric sling seat and an infant cocoon to create the most comfortable sleeping environment that is secure and comfortable for twins.

It's also a smooth, nippy and light-steering rider, which is ideal for urban areas. You can easily traverse busy roads and pavements when you're on the move. Additionally, it's extremely simple to set up and comes with plenty of accessories like a rain cover, footmuff and hood.

Canopy

A canopy for prams will shield your child from the elements while providing a cozy place to rest. It also helps prevent heat stroke and sunburn by blocking the harsh rays of the sun. Some models have a mesh back or peekaboo section that you can unzip to monitor the snoozer's tiny eyes.

A hood can be useful in winter, allowing you to shield your baby's delicate skin from the cold wind and rain. Some models come with a rain cover that can be easily put over the pram's canopy and secured with poppers. You can also purchase a separate umbrella that attaches via magnets to the pram and is easy-to-fold away when not in usage.

You will use your pram or pushchair for a number of years to come, so picking the best one is a critical choice. As your baby grows and develops, you'll want to ensure they are secure and comfortable on every journey. A good pram/pushchair will ensure your baby's spine is supported and ensure they are comfortable during long walks and bumpy rides.

It's worth noting that prams tend to be more geared towards infants and newborns and babies, since they typically include a bassinet or carrycot to enable you to lay them flat, whereas pushchairs tend to be more flexible and can be converted into a seat as your baby grows older. Our team of experts is ready to help you if you aren't sure which pushchair or pram is best for your requirements. Call us or visit our store.

Storage

There are a number of options for storage for prams, based on your budget and the space available. If you have space sheds are the ideal option to shield your pram from damage caused by the elements and keep it out the way when not being used. This is an excellent option for areas that are prone to frequent snow or rain.

A shed is typically constructed out of metal or wood and has an entrance door that allows for easy access. It may also have locks or other security features. Another option that is popular is a garage that will protect you from the elements and will be close to your vehicle if that's the option you choose.

If you do not have a garage, you can keep the pram in the closet of your home. It will be hidden and won't be visible when you enter the house or the nursery. However, it might be difficult to access if have guests visiting.

You'll have to clean your pushchair if want to keep it maintained. This will keep it looking good and free of stains and mildew. To clean a hood, start by vacuuming it with a small attachment or rinsing it with cool soapy water. You can then use a mild cleaning agent or fabric brush to get rid of any stain. Be sure to dry the fabric on the outside to stop mould and mildew from spreading. You can also buy an item to clean up staining that is difficult to remove, making your pushchair look like new.