What to Look For in a Pram Pushchair

A stylish stroller that is stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble and converts into a double and has an enormous storage basket.

A great travel system that makes it easy to "future-proof" by adding the appropriate car seat and carrycot. Plus, it folds up easily by hand and is able to stand on its own when collapsed.

Seat

A pram is likely to be one of the most used items of baby equipment you purchase so it's important that it's comfortable for your young one. Make sure you choose a model with adjustable handlebars, comfortable seats padding and a recline feature to allow you to lay your child to sleep. Check that the pushchair has a 'parent-facing' (or rear facing)' or 'world-facing' feature if your child wants to see more of what's going on around them.

One of the cool features on the Graco Near2Me is its capability to bring your child to you at the touch of an button, which allows parents to keep contact with their child and keep them close. Jaya one of our testers, a parent facing pram has praised this as an excellent choice for infants and newborns.

When you're choosing a triple stroller it is important to think about the overall dimensions. You don't want to be concerned about it taking up too much room in your home or car. Choose a model that can be folded up easily and compact when folded to ensure it fits. You can find out the ease or difficulty it is by reading reviews (like those on MadeForMums).

A quality pram must be able to fold flat when folded, making sure that your baby is able to have a completely supported sleep for their first six months, which is vital for their development. Check that the pram you're interested in is able to do this and that it is compatible with a car seat, should it be required.

Wheels

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

Rubber wheels are the most commonly used and provide great grip on all surfaces. The only downside is that they can be punctured if inflated too quickly with the pump of a car tyre. This isn't a typical problem and is usually caused by over-inflating the wheel. This type of wheel is usually used on all-terrain buggies as well as running buggies.

PU or Polyurethane wheels are filled with foam so they are lighter than rubber tyres. They also don't offer the same shock absorbing ability and can sometimes feel more harsh on concrete surfaces that are rough. They are often seen on strollers than prams and are usually the cheapest cost option.

EVA or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a harder plastic material that is lighter and has some of the characteristics of rubber, but not as much. It can be used in lieu of PU or rubber to keep it in good condition and also to reduce the weight of your pram.

A strong and reliable brake system on your pram is a crucial feature that will safeguard you, your baby and other pedestrians. Most pushchairs come with 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 pushing down with your foot. The brakes must be simple to operate and should be locked when you press them. Some pushchairs also feature a mid-wheel brake for added stability and control.

Carrycot

The carrycot is a light portable cot that can be attached to the frame of a pushchair. It's ideal for infants and babies from 6 months to 6 years of age, since they need to lie flat in order to develop their spine and lungs. A carrycot in a pram is a fantastic choice for parents who are tight on space, have a small car boot or use public transport often.

Some prams have a built-in carrying cot that can be folded into the frame. This lets you quickly change between the carriage and seat modes. This is a great choice for families with a small car boot or those who have to travel by public transport often since it will 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 with a tight budget since it's affordable yet looks and feels high-end as well as being strong, light and compact when folded.

If you're looking for a luxury single-to-double pushchair that is suitable from birth and used with a carrycot, the Mountain Buggy Twin Plus is the ideal option. This stunning pushchair comes with lay-flat carrycots, a fabric sling seat and a baby cocoon to create the ideal sleeping solution that is safe and comfortable for your twins.

It is also a smooth light-steering, nippy rider, which is ideal for urban areas. You can easily traverse busy roads and pavements when you're on the move. It's also extremely easy to use and comes with a variety of accessories, including a footmuff, rain cover and the hood.

Canopy

A pram canopy is ideal for protecting your little one from the elements while providing a cosy spot for them to sleep. It is also great for preventing sunburn and heat stroke by blocking out the harmful rays of the sun. Some models come with an open or mesh back section that you can unzip to monitor the snoozer's tiny eyes.

A hood is especially useful in winter too as it protects your baby's delicate skin from cold wind and rain. Some models come with rain covers that can easily be popped over the pram's canopy, and secured with poppers. You can also buy a separate umbrella that attaches via magnets to the pram, and is easy to fold away when not being used.

If you decide to go with a pushchair car seat or pram, picking the right model is a huge decision and one that you will use often for a long time. As your baby grows, you'll want to ensure they are comfortable and safe on every journey. A high-quality pram bag/pushchair can support your baby's spine and ensure they are relaxed during long walks and bumpy rides.

It's important to note that prams tend to be more targeted towards babies and infants, as they often come with a bassinet, or carrycot that allows you to lie them flat, whereas pushchairs are more versatile and can convert into an infant seat as your child gets older. Our expert team is happy to assist you if aren't sure which pushchair or pram is best prams for your needs. Call us or visit our store.

Storage

There are a variety of options for storage for prams based on your budget and the space you have available. A shed is a good choice if you have the space, since it will shield the pram from damage caused by weather and keep it out of the way when it's not being used. This is a great option for areas that are prone to frequent snow or rain.

A shed is usually built from wood or metal and comes with a door to make it easy to access. It may also have a lock or other security features. Another option is a garage, which will protect you from the elements and be close to your vehicle, if that's what you want to use it for.

If you don't have a garage, you can put the pram away in your home's closet. This will keep it out of the way and will not require you to see it when you enter your house or nursery. However, it might be difficult to access if you have guests in your home.

You'll need to clean your pushchair if wish to keep it in good condition. This will ensure that it is clean and free of stains and mildew. Start by vacuuming the hood using an attachment that is small, or rinsing in cool soapy water. Then, apply a gentle sterilising agent or a fabric brush to remove any stain. It is essential to dry the fabric completely outside to stop mildew and mould from spreading. You can also purchase an item that can help remove stubborn stains and leave your stroller looking like new.