What to Look For in a Pram Pushchair

A stylish stroller travel that is fashionable and practical. It's easy to assemble, can convert into a double and features an enormous storage basket.

A great travel system that makes it simple to be 'future-proof' by incorporating an appropriate car seat and carrycot. Plus it folds neatly with one hand and can be freestanding when collapsed.

Seat

A pram is likely to be among the most frequently used pieces of baby equipment you purchase therefore it's essential to ensure it is comfortable for your little one. Choose a model with a comfortable cushioned seats, an adjustable handlebar height, and recline feature to let you lay your child down. It's also worth checking 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.

One of the cool features on the Graco Near2Me is its ability to raise your child towards you at the touch of the button, allowing parents to maintain eye contact with their baby and keep them close. This is a fantastic option for babies and newborns and was loved by our parent tester Jaya as being a lovely method to make your child feel special and loved.

When choosing a pram you should consider the overall dimensions. You don't want to have be concerned about it taking up too much space in your home or vehicle. Pick a model that is able to be folded up easily and is compact when folded to ensure it can fit. Check how easy it is to fold and then read reviews (like those on MadeForMums) for a real sense of how simple or difficult it is to maneuver fold, store and store.

A quality pram should be able to fold flat when folded. This will ensure that your baby gets a comfortable and safe sleep during the first six months, which is crucial for their development. Be sure that the pram and travel system you're considering is able to do this and that it is compatible with a car seat if needed.

Wheels

The wheels move the pram and provide your child a comfortable ride. There are three common wheel types: foam, rubber and EVA (a more rigid plastic type). Each has pros and cons depending on what you plan 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 may be punctured if inflated too much with the pump of a car tyre. This is not a frequent issue and is usually caused by someone over-inflating the wheel. This type of wheel is typically used on all-terrain buggies and buggies that run.

PU or Polyurethane wheels are foam filled so they are lighter than rubber tyres. They don't have the same shock absorption capabilities and can sometimes feel more harsh on concrete surfaces that are rough. They are more prevalent on prams and strollers than on strollers and are the most affordable option.

EVA or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a stronger plastic material that is light and has some of the 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.

A strong and reliable brake system on your stroller is an important feature and will protect you, your baby and other pedestrians. Most pushchairs come with a brake pedal on the rear of the chassis. It is activated by pressing a lever, or button on the handlebars, or by pressing down on your foot. The brakes should be simple to operate and should lock as soon as you press them. Some pushchairs feature brakes on the middle wheel for extra stability and control.

Carrycot

The carrycot is an easy-to-use portable cot that can be affixed to the chassis of any pushchair. It's perfect for newborns and babies from 6 months to 6 years of age, as they have to lie flat in order to develop their spine and lung capacity. A carrycot-style pram is an excellent option for parents who are short on space or have a small car boot or use public transport often.

Some prams have an inbuilt carrycot that folds up into the frame of the pushchair, so you can quickly switch between carriage and seat mode. This is an excellent option for families with a tiny car boot or who need to take public transport frequently as it can save 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 choice for parents with a tight budget since it's affordable yet looks and feels high-end as well as being robust, lightweight and compact when folded.

If you're looking for a luxurious single to double pushchair that's suitable for babies from birth and is used with a carrycot, the Mountain Buggy Twin Plus is the ideal option. This pram comes with a lay-flat carrycot plus, fabric sling seats and a baby cooon for the ultimate sleeping solution for your twins.

It's also a nippy lightweight, smooth-rider that's ideal for urban settings and allows you to easily negotiate the busy roads and pavements on the go. It's also extremely easy to install and comes with plenty of accessories, including rain cover, footmuff and hood.

Canopy

A pram canopy will protect your child from the elements and provide a comfortable place for them to rest. It can also help prevent sunburns and heatstroke by blocking the harsh rays of the sun. Some models feature an open window, or you can unzip the mesh back to keep an eye on your snoozer's little one without disturbing them.

In winter, a hood can be an excellent way to shield your baby's delicate skin from wind and rain. Some models come with a rain cover which can be easily popped over the pram's canopy, and secured with poppers. You can also purchase an umbrella that is attached by magnets to the pram and is easy-to-fold away when not in use.

If you decide to go with a pushchair or pram, selecting the most suitable model is a crucial decision and one that you will use regularly for years to come. As your child grows, you'll want to make sure they are comfortable and safe throughout every trip. A high-quality pram or pushchair is one that can provide a gentle spine support and keep them from getting tired when they take long rides or walks.

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 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 assist you if are unsure which type of pram or pushchair is the best for your needs. Call us or stop by our store.

Stores

There are numerous options for storage options for prams depending on your budget as well as the space available. If you have space, a shed is the ideal option to shield your pram from damage resulting from the weather and keep it out the way when not in use. It's also a good option for those who reside in an area that experiences frequent snowfall or rainfall.

A shed is typically made of wood or metal, and comes with a door that allows easy access. It could also be equipped with locks or other security features. Another popular option is a garage that will protect you from elements and be close to your vehicle if this is what you want to use it for.

If you don't have a garage, or shed, you can put your pram in a closet in your home. It will be kept away from view and you won't have to glance at it every time you enter your house or the nursery. It could be difficult to reach if are hosting guests.

You'll need to clean your pushchair if you wish to keep it in good condition. This will keep it looking great and free of mildew and stains. To clean a hood, begin by vacuuming it using a small attachment or rinsing it with cool soapy water. Then you can tackle any stains using a cloth brush or a gentle solution for sterilising. Be sure to dry the fabric outside to prevent mildew and mould from spreading. You can also buy a cleaner that will help remove stubborn stains and leave your pushchair looking like new again.