What to Look For in a Pram Pushchair

A stylish and fashionable pram that's stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and can be converted into a double and features a big storage basket.

A great travel system that makes it easy to "future-proof" by adding a compatible car seat and carrycot. It folds neatly and easily with just one hand, and is able to stand when folded.

Seat

It is likely that your child will use the pram often, so it is important that it is comfortable. Choose a model with a comfortable cushioned seats, an adjustable handlebar height, and recline feature that allows you to get your child asleep. It's also worth ensuring that the pushchair is set in either 'parent facing' (or rear-facing) or 'world facing', when your child is getting older and wants to observe what's going on around them.

A great feature of the Near2Me from Graco is its ability to raise your child towards you by pressing the button, allowing parents to maintain contact with their child and keep them close. Jaya, our parent tester said this is an excellent choice for newborns and infants.

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 area. Select a model that can fold easily and is compact when folded to ensure it can fit. You can check the ease or difficulty it is by reading reviews (like the ones on MadeForMums).

A good quality pram should fold flat, allowing your baby to sleep comfortably for the first six months of their lives. This is crucial for their development. Make sure the pram you're considering is able to do this and that it is compatible with a car seat in the event that it is required.

Wheels

The wheels of a pushchair are what make it move and what give your child the experience they need. There are three standard wheel types: rubber, foam and EVA (a harder plastic type). Each type has pros and cons depending on what you intend to use your pushchair for.

Rubber wheels are the most common and offer great grip on all surfaces. The only down side is that they may be punctured if they are inflated too quickly by a car tyre pump. This is not a frequent problem, and is usually caused by someone who has inflated the wheels too much. This wheel type is commonly used on all-terrain buggies as well as running buggies.

PU or Polyurethane wheels are filled with foam which makes them lighter than rubber tyres. They do not have the same shock-absorbing ability and may feel more harsh on rough concrete surfaces. They are more commonly found on strollers than in prams and are the most affordable option.

EVA or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a harder plastic material that is lighter and has some properties of rubber but not as much. It can be used to replace PU or rubber in your pram for its ease of maintenance and weight reduction.

It is important to have reliable brakes in your pushchair. This will ensure the safety of you as well as your child and other pedestrians. Most pushchairs have brake pedals located at the rear of the chassis. It can be activated by pressing a button or lever on the handlebars or pushing down with your foot. The brakes must be simple to operate and should lock as soon as you press them. Some pushchairs have an in-wheel brake to provide stability and control.

Carrycot

The carrycot is a lightweight portable cot that attaches to the chassis of a pushchair. It's a great choice for newborns up to around six months old since they need to lie flat, which is essential for their lung and spinal development. A pram with a carrycot is a great option for parents with little space, a small boot or use public transport often.

Some prams have a built-in carrycot that folds into the frame of the pushchair so it is easy to switch between carriage and seat mode. This is an excellent option for families with a small car boot or who use public transport frequently. It will help you save time and effort. The iCandy YOYO2 has been highly rated by MFM home testers and has won Gold in our previous MadeForMums Awards. It's also a good choice for parents on a budget as it's affordable yet has a premium look and feel as well as being robust, lightweight and compact when folded.

If you're looking for a luxury single-to-double pushchair that's suitable from birth and can be used with a carrycot and a carrycot, the Mountain Buggy twin pushchair Plus is the ideal option. This stunning pushchair comes with lay-flat carrycots a fabric sling seat and an infant cocoon to create the most comfortable sleeping environment that is safe and comfortable for twins.

It's also a smooth lightweight, smooth-rider that's ideal for urban settings and allows you to easily navigate traffic-heavy roads and pavements on the move. It's also extremely easy to set up and comes with a variety of accessories like rain cover, footmuff and hood.

Canopy

A canopy for prams will shield your child from the elements while offering a comfortable place for them to rest. It can also help prevent heat stroke and sunburns by blocking the harsh rays of the sun. Some models feature a mesh back or peekaboo section that you can unzip to keep an eye on the snoozer's tiny eyes.

In winter, a hood is an excellent way to shield your baby's delicate skin from the elements and rain. Some models include a rain cover that can be easily put over the pram's canopy and secured by poppers. If you prefer, you can buy an umbrella that is attached to the pram via magnets and is easy to fold away when not 3 in one pushchair use.

If you decide to go with a pram or pushchair, choosing the most suitable model is a crucial choice that you will be using frequently for many years to come. As your baby grows and develops you'll want to ensure they are safe and comfortable on every trip. A good quality pram/pushchair is one that can help your baby's spine stay in a comfortable position and keep them from getting tired on long rides or walks.

It's worth noting that pushchairs tend to be more geared towards infants and newborns, as they often come with a bassinet or carrycot that lets you lay them flat, whereas pushchairs are generally more versatile and can convert to seats as your baby gets older. If you're unable to decide what kind of pram or pushchair is best for your needs, our knowledgeable team are happy to help by giving us a call or drop by our store.

Stores

There are a variety of options for pram storage, according to your budget as well as the space available. If you have the space an outdoor shed is the ideal option to shield your pram from damage caused by the elements and keep it out the way when not being used. It's also a great option when you live in an area with frequent rainfall or snow.

A shed is constructed from wood or metal and comes with doors that allow for easy access. It could also come with the security of a lock as well as other features. Garages are a popular option, as it provides protection from the elements and be close to your car, if you're using that for transport.

If you do not have garage space, you can keep the pram in your home's closet. It will be hidden and you won't notice it when you enter the house or nursery. It could be difficult to reach if you are hosting guests.

To maintain your pushchair you'll need to clean it regularly. This will keep it looking good and free of mildew and stains. Begin by vacuuming the hood with a small attachment or washing it in cool, soapy water. Then, you can work on any stains using a fabric brush or gentle sterilising solution. Remember to dry the fabric outside to prevent mould and mildew from spreading. You can also purchase cleaning products that will remove stubborn stains and leave your pushchair looking like new again.