Pushchair - advice and buying guide. Do you know what to look for when buying a pushchair?

As a new parent you will want a pushchair...

Look for BS EN 1888 when you are buying a new one or use the advice below to check out a second-hand one. Newborn babies need to be carried flat. Prams and carrycots are usually suitable from birth but not all pushchairs and buggies can be adjusted to let your baby be carried flat.

Ask for advice when you are buying to make sure you choose a suitable model. Think as well about how you will use your pushchair or buggy. If you have to get it on and off public transport or regularly carry it up stairs make sure you are able to do so comfortably.

You should consider all of the following safety points when choosing or using your pram, pushchair or buggy. They are relevant to all makes and types:

1) All new pushchairs come with a five-point harness. If you have a second-hand pushchair you may need to buy a harness separately. If so, look for BS 6684.

2) Test the brakes on a slope as well as on a flat surface and make sure they work well with the weight of your baby in the pushchair. Check the overall condition of your pushchair every few months.

3) Check that the pushchair cannot fold up when your baby is in it – there should be a safety locking device to prevent it from doing this be aware of places where your baby’s fingers can get trapped.

4) Make sure your baby’s feet cannot trail on the ground.Guards or shopping trays below the foot rest can help prevent this.

5) Do not overload your pushchair – in particular avoid hanging bags on the handles. This can unbalance the pushchair and cause it to tip up even when your child is sitting in it.

6. Take care when crossing the road – especially where there are parked cars. Make sure there is no approaching traffic before you push the pushchair off the kerb. Reflective stickers can help make your pushchair more visible at night or in poor weather.

7) If you are buying a second-hand pushchair check the fabric areas to make sure that no sharp pieces of metal or plastic have worn through.

For more information visit the Child Action Prevention Trust.