What to Look For in a Pram Pushchair

A stylish stroller that is both stylish and practical. It is easy to assemble and can be converted into double. It also comes with an enormous storage basket.

A brilliant travel system that makes it easy to be 'future-proof' by incorporating the appropriate car seat and carrycot. It folds quickly and easily with one hand, and can be reassembled when folded.

Seat

A pram is likely to be among the most frequently used pieces of baby equipment you buy therefore it's essential to ensure it's comfortable for your little one. Find models with comfortable seat padding, adjustable handlebar height and a recline function to allow you to lay your child down. Make sure the pushchair comes with a 'parent-facing' (or rear facing) or 'world-facing' feature if your child wants to be able to see more of what's happening around them.

One of the cool features on the Graco Near2Me is its capability to bring your child up to you by pressing a button, allowing parents to keep eye contact with their baby and keep them close. Jaya, our parent tester said this is an excellent choice for infants and newborns.

It is important to think about the overall size of a pram when selecting, as you do not want it to take up too much space in the trunk of your car or in your living space. To ensure that it fits, choose a model which can fold and fold into a compact size. Consider how easy to do this and read reviews (like those on MadeForMums) to get a true sense of how simple or difficult it is to maneuver fold and store.

A quality pram should be able to fold flat when folded, ensuring that your baby gets a completely supported sleep for their first six months, which is essential for their development. Check that the pram that you are thinking about buying is able to do this, and also that it can be used with a car seat should it be required.

Wheels

The wheels are what move the pram and give your child a smooth ride. There are 3 common wheel types - rubber, foam and EVA (harder plastic type). Each has its pros and cons, based on what you intend to use your pushchair for.

Rubber wheels are the most commonly used and offer excellent grip on all surfaces. The only drawback is that they could be punctured if inflated too quickly with a car tyre pump. However, this is usually due to someone over inflating them, and isn't an everyday problem. This type of wheel is commonly used on all-terrain buggies and running buggies.

PU or Polyurethane Wheels are filled with foam, which makes them lighter than rubber tires. They don't have the same shock absorption capabilities and may feel harsh on concrete surfaces that are rough. They are more commonly found on strollers than in prams and are the least expensive option.

EVA or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a stronger plastic that is lightweight and has some characteristics of rubber, but not as much. It can be used instead of PU or rubber for low maintenance and to reduce the overall weight of your pram.

A strong and reliable brake system on your stroller is a must and will safeguard you, your baby and other pedestrians. The majority of pushchairs have a brake pedal located on the rear of the chassis and can be activated by pressing a lever or button on the handlebars, or by pressing down with your foot. The brakes must be easy to use and should be locked immediately after pressing them. Some pushchairs have a brake on the middle wheel for additional stability and control.

Carrycot

The carrycot is a light portable cot that can be attached to the frame of the pushchair. It's a great choice for infants from six months old as they must lie flat, which is essential for their spinal and lung development. A pram with carrycot is a great option for parents who have only a tiny boot, or who travel by public transport often.

Some prams have a built-in carrying cot that can be folded into the frame. This lets you easily switch between carriage and seat modes. This is an excellent option for families with a small car boot or frequent public transport. It will save you time and effort. The iCandy YOYO2 is a good example of this and has scored highly with MFM home testers, and also winning Gold in our previous MadeForMums awards. It's also a great option for new parents on a budget as it's affordable yet looks and feels high-end as well as being robust, lightweight and compact when folded.

Mountain Buggy Twin Plus, an elegant pushchair suitable for double or single use that can be used from birth with a carrycot. It is the perfect option. This stunning pushchair comes with a lay flat carrycot plus a fabric sling seat and a baby Mobility cocoon to create the ultimate sleeping solution that is secure and comfortable for your twins.

It's also a soft light-steering, nippy driver, which is ideal for urban areas. It's easy to traverse busy roads and pavements on the move. It's also incredibly easy and comes with a variety of accessories, such as rain covers, a footmuff and hood.

Canopy

A canopy for prams will shield your child from the elements and provide a cozy place to sleep. It can also prevent sunburns and heat stroke by blocking the harsh rays from the sun. Some models feature a peekaboo window or unzip the back mesh so you can monitor your snoozer's little one without disturbing them.

A hood is especially useful in winter too as it protects your baby's sensitive skin from cold winds and rain. Some models come with a rain cover that is easily popped over the canopy of the pram, and secured with poppers. If you prefer, you can buy a separate umbrella which attaches to the pram via magnets and is simple to fold away when not in use.

You will use your pram or pushchair travel system for a number of years to come, so picking the most suitable one is a crucial decision. As your baby grows and develops, you'll want to ensure that they are secure and comfortable on every trip. A quality pushchair or pram is one that can help your baby's spine stay in a comfortable position and keep them from getting tired on long rides or long walks.

Pushchairs can transform into a seat as your baby gets older. They are more versatile than prams. If you're unable to decide which pram or pushchair is the best travel pram for your needs, our experienced team are happy to help - give us a call or drop by our store.

Stores

There are a variety of options for pram storage depending on your budget and the space available. A shed is a great option if you have the room, as it will shield your pram from weather damage and keep it out of the way when not in use. It's also a good option if you reside in a region that has frequent snow or rain.

A shed is constructed from wood or metal and is equipped with an entrance door that allows that allows easy access. It can also include the security of a lock as well as other features. A garage is another popular option, since it will provide protection from the elements while being close to your vehicle if you're using it for transportation.

If you do not have garage space, you could store the pram in your home's closet. This will keep it out of sight, so you don't have to look at it when you enter your home or nursery. It might be difficult to reach if you are hosting guests.

You'll need to regularly clean your pushchair if you want to maintain it. It will look great and free of mildew and stains. To clean a hood, begin by vacuuming it using a small attachment or rinsing it in cool soapy water. Then, you can work on any stains using a fabric brush or gentle sterilising solution. Be sure to dry the fabric outside to prevent mould and mildew from spreading. You can also purchase cleaning products that will remove the most stubborn stains and leave your stroller looking like new again.