Ten Pram Pushchairs That Really Change Your Life
What to Look For in a Pram Pushchair
A stylish and fashionable pram that's both stylish and practical. It is simple to put together and is able to be converted into a double. It also comes with an enormous storage basket.
A fantastic travel strollers system that makes it easy to "future-proof" by adding the appropriate car seat and carrycot. Plus it folds neatly with one hand and is free-standing when folded.
Seat
A pram is likely to be among the most frequently used pieces 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 so you can lay your child to sleep. Check that the pushchair has a 'parent-facing' (or rear facing)' or 'world-facing' setting for children who want to be able to see more of what's going on around them.
A great feature of the Near2Me from Graco 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. This is a fantastic option for babies and infants and was loved by our parent tester Jaya as being a lovely method to make your child feel special and loved.
It is important to think about the overall dimensions of a pram before you choose one, as you don't want it to take up too much space in your car trunk or in your living space. Pick a model that is able to fold easily and is compact when collapsed to ensure it can fit. You can check whether it is easy or difficult is by reading reviews (like those found on MadeForMums).
A good quality pram should fold completely flat, allowing your child to sleep comfortably for the first six months of their lives. This is vital for their development. Check that the pram you're looking at can do this and that it can be used with a car seat, if needed.
Wheels
The wheels are what move the pram and provide your child a comfortable ride. There are three wheel types - rubber foam and EVA (harder plastic type). Each wheel type has its pros and con depending on how you intend to use your stroller.
Rubber wheels are the most popular and offer excellent grip on all surfaces. The only down side is that they could be punctured if inflated too much by the pump of a car tyre. This is not a common problem, and is usually caused by someone who has inflated the wheels too much. This type of wheel is typically used on all-terrain buggies and running buggies.
PU or Polyurethane Wheels are stuffed with foam, making them lighter than rubber tires. They also don't offer the same shock absorption capabilities and may feel hard on concrete surfaces that are rough. They are seen more on prams rather than strollers and are generally the lowest cost option.
EVA or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a stronger plastic material that is lighter and has some of the characteristics of rubber but not as much. It can be used instead of rubber or PU for low maintenance and to reduce the overall weight of your pram.
Having strong reliable brakes on your stroller is an important feature and will safeguard your child, you and pedestrians. Most pushchairs have brake pedals that are 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 should be simple to operate and should be locked as soon as 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 attaches to the frame of the pushchair. It is a fantastic option for newborns up to around six months old as they must lie flat and be able to breathe, which is crucial for their lung and spine development. A pram with a carrycot is a great option for parents who are limited in space or have a small car boot, or who take public transport frequently.
Some prams have a built-in carrying cot that can fold into the frame. This allows you to quickly switch between the carriage and seat modes. This is a great option for families with a small car boot or who have to use public transport frequently because it saves time and effort. The iCandy YOYO2 has been highly rated by MFM home testers, and was awarded Gold in our previous MadeForMums Awards. It's an excellent choice for new parents on a tight budget, since it's affordable and has a luxurious look and feel. It's also strong and lightweight. It's also compact when folded.
Mountain Buggy Twin Plus, the ultimate pushchair for double or single use that can be used from birth. a carrycot is the best option. This stunning pram includes a lay-flat carrycot a fabric sling seat and a baby cocoon to provide the ultimate sleeping solution that is safe and comfortable for your twins.
It's also a smooth lightweight, smooth-rider which is perfect for urban environments which means you can effortlessly navigate through busy roads and pavements while on the go. It's also very easy to use and comes with a wide range of accessories, including rain covers, a footmuff and hood.
Canopy
A pram canopy is perfect to protect your baby from the elements and also providing a cozy place for them to snooze. It also helps prevent sunburns and heatstroke by blocking the harsh rays of the sun. Some models have a mesh back or peekaboo section that you can detach to monitor the snoozer's tiny eyes.
In winter, a hood can be a great way to protect your baby's delicate skin from the elements and rain. Some models come with rain covers that is easily popped over the canopy of the pram, and secured with poppers. If you prefer, you can buy an umbrella that is attached to the pram using magnets and is simple to remove when not in use.
Your pram or pushchair car seat for many years to come, so selecting the most suitable one is a crucial decision. As your baby grows and develops you'll want to ensure they are safe and comfortable throughout every trip. A good quality pram/pushchair newborn should be able to support their gentle spine and keep them from becoming tired when they take long rides or walks.
It's worth noting that pushchairs tend to be more orientated towards infants and newborns, as they often come with a bassinet, or carrycot to enable you to lie them flat, whereas pushchairs tend to be more flexible and can convert into an infant seat as your child gets older. Our team of experts is ready to assist you if you aren't sure which pushchair or pram is best for your needs. Contact us or visit our store.
Storage
There are numerous options for storage for prams, dependent on your budget as well as the space available. If you have space, a shed is an excellent option to shield your pram from damage resulting from the elements and keep it out of the way when not being used. It's also a great option for those who live in an area with frequent snowfall or rainfall.
A shed is usually built out of metal or wood and comes with doors that allow that allows easy access. It may also come with locks or other security features. Another popular option is a garage, which will shield 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 or shed, you can store your pram in a closet within your home. It will be in a safe place and you won't see it when you enter the house or nursery. However, it may be difficult to access if have guests in your home.
You'll need to regularly clean your pushchair if you want to keep it maintained. This will ensure that it is clean 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 on the outside to stop mould and mildew from spreading. You can also purchase an item to clean up staining that is difficult to remove making your pushchair look like new.