Ten Pram Pushchairs That Really Make Your Life Better
What to Look For in a Pram Pushchair
A stylish stroller that is both stylish and practical. It is easy to build and can be converted into a double. It also comes with a large storage basket.
This brilliant travel pushchair system makes it easy to "future resistant" by incorporating a compatible carrycot and car seat. It can be folded quickly and easily with one hand, and it is able to stand when folded.
Seat
A pram is likely to be one of the most used items of baby equipment you buy therefore it's essential to ensure it is comfortable for your little one. Choose a model with a comfortable cushioning for the seat, a handlebar that is adjustable in height, and recline feature to let you lay your child down. Check that the pushchair has an 'parent facing pram facing (or rear facing) or 'world-facing' setting in case your child wishes to be able to see more of what's going on around them.
The Graco Near2Me comes with an interesting feature that lets parents keep their child close and keep eye contact. Jaya one of our testers, a parent said this is an excellent option for infants and newborns.
When choosing a pram it is important to think about the overall size. You don't want to have to be concerned about it taking up too much room in your car or home. Select a model that can be folded easily and compact pushchair when folded to ensure it will fit. Consider how easy to fold it and read reviews (like those on MadeForMums) to get a clear idea of how easy or difficult it is to maneuver fold and store.
A quality pram should fold completely flat, allowing your baby to sleep comfortably throughout the first six months of their life. This is crucial 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 3 common wheel types - rubber foam and EVA (harder plastic type). Each wheel type has pros and cons depending on how you plan to use your stroller.
Rubber wheels are the most commonly used and provide great grip on all surfaces. They can be punctured by using a compressor for car tyres to inflate them too hard. This is not a frequent problem, and is usually caused by over-inflating the wheels. This type of wheel is typically used on all-terrain buggies as well as running buggies.
PU or Polyurethane wheels are foam filled so they are lighter than rubber tyres. They also don't offer the same shock-absorbing capability and can feel more hard on concrete surfaces that are rough. They are more prevalent on prams and strollers than on strollers, and are the cheapest option.
EVA or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a stronger plastic that is lightweight and has some properties of rubber but not as much. It can be used to replace PU or rubber in your pram due to its low maintenance and weight reduction.
Having strong reliable brakes on your pram is a must and will protect you, your baby and pedestrians. Most pushchairs have a brake pedal located on the rear of the chassis. It 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 use and should lock immediately after pressing them. Some pushchairs also feature a mid-wheel brake for added stability and control.
Carrycot
The carrycot is an easy-to-use portable cot that can be attached to the chassis of any pushchair. It's ideal for babies and infants from 6 months to 6 years of age, as they must lie flat in order to develop their spine and lungs. A carrycot-equipped pram is the perfect choice for parents who have only a tiny boot, or who travel stroller by public transport frequently.
Some prams come with a built-in carrycot that folds into the frame of the pushchair so you can quickly switch between carriage and seat mode. This is an excellent option for families who have limited space in their car or who use public transport frequently. It can help you save time and effort. The iCandy YOYO2 has been highly rated by MFM home testers and won Gold in our previous MadeForMums Awards. It's a great choice for parents who are on a budget, as it's affordable and is luxurious and looks. It's also sturdy and lightweight. It's also compact when folded.
If you're looking for a luxury single-to-double pushchair that's suitable from birth and used with a carrycot, the Mountain Buggy Twin Plus is the ideal choice. This stunning pram includes a lay flat carrycot plus an sling seat made of fabric and a baby cocoon to provide the most comfortable sleeping environment that is safe and comfortable for twins.
It's also a nippy easy-rider, with a light steering that is ideal for urban environments, so you can easily navigate busy roads and pavements while traveling. Plus, it's incredibly easy to set up and comes with lots of accessories like rain cover, footmuff and hood.
Canopy
A pram canopy is ideal to shield your child from the elements and providing a cosy spot for them to relax. It is also great for preventing sunburn and heat stroke by blocking the harmful rays of the sun. Some models come with a peekaboo or mesh back section that you can unzip to monitor the tiny snoozer.
A hood can be particularly useful in winter as it protects your baby's sensitive skin from the cold wind and rain. Some models include a rain cover which can be easily put over the pram's canopy, and secured by poppers. If you prefer, you can buy an umbrella that attaches to the pram via magnets and is simple to fold away when not in use.
You will use your pram or pushchair for a number of years to come, so picking the right one is an important decision. As your baby grows and develops you'll want to make sure they are safe and comfortable throughout every journey. A high-quality pram or pushchair will be able to support their gentle spine and prevent them from getting tired on long rides or walks.
It's worth noting that pushchairs tend to be more geared towards newborns and babies in that they usually come with a bassinet or carrycot that lets you lay them flat, whereas pushchairs car seats are more versatile and can convert to a seat as your baby gets older. If you're having trouble deciding which pram or pushchair is the best for your needs, our knowledgeable team are happy to help - give us a call or drop by our store.
Storage
There are a variety of options for storage for prams based on your budget and the space available. If you have the space an outdoor shed is an excellent option to shield your pram from damage caused by the elements and keep it out of the way when it is not being used. This is a great option in areas that experience frequent snow or rain.
A shed is made out of metal or wood and comes with a door that allows easy access. It could also be equipped with a lock or other security features. Garages are a popular option as it will provide protection from the elements while being close to your car, if you're using that for transport.
If you do not have garage space, you can put the pram away in the closet of your home. This will keep it out of sight and will not require you to see it when you go into your home or the nursery. However, it may be difficult to access if have guests in your home.
To maintain your pushchair you'll need to keep it clean. This will ensure that it looks fantastic and is free of stains and mildew. Begin by vacuuming the hood using a small attachment or by rinsing it with cool soapy water. Then, you can work on any stains with a fabric brush or a gentle sterilising solution. It's important to remember to dry the fabric thoroughly outside to stop mildew and mould from spreading. You can also buy a cleaner to get rid of the most stubborn stains and make your pushchair appear like new.