A pushchair or pram is going to be with you for a long time, often several years and possibly longer if you have more children. Therefore, it only makes sense that you spend some time considering what you need to look out for when buying one. It goes without saying that safety and comfort are a must, but below are some other things you might not have considered:

Your Lifestyle: If you rely on public transportation, size, weight, and portability are essential factors. Test how easy it is to quickly fold the pushchair or pram for catching a bus, or negotiating a flight of stairs. If you walk more often than drive, look for a sturdy pushchair or pram with good suspension and easy maneuverability. If you're a frequent driver, try a lightweight pushchair or pram that stores compactly in your trunk. For athletic and outdoorsy types, a jogger might be perfect.

Space Limitations: How big is it, folded and unfolded? Will it fit in the trunk or back seat of your car? Will it fit through a standard-size door? Can you take it on a subway or bus?

Weight: Quite simple... the more lifting you do the lighter you want you pushchair or pram to be. If it's too heavy and you need to climb some steps it won't be safe for you or your baby.

Your Height: Of course, all parents want their baby's comfort to be the most important thing, but it is always worth considering your own height. If you are tall you won't want to choose a model that has you bending down, as you can get a bad back. Make sure the model will be suitable for all the people who will be using it.

Wheel Type: Most people prefer the fully independent wheels but fixed position or oversized wheels can make the pushchair or pram more stable.

Portability: Many parents have two pushchair or prams for various needs. A full-size pushchair or pram is great for longer, bumpier rides, while the ultracompact umbrella fits everywhere from trunks to overhead bins on planes. If you buy only one pushchair or pram, keep portability at the top of your list.

Sanity-Saving Features: As with cars, there are many innovative and time-saving pushchair or pram features available. Some models offer the beloved one-hand-fold feature; others have all-terrain wheels; others include parent trays. Plan ahead and think about what you can and cannot live without.

Budget: It is possible to find a great pushchair or pram without spending a fortune. (It is also possible to find subpar pushchair or prams at sky-high prices.) However, more often than not, you get what you pay for. Think carefully about the features you need and then narrow by budget. Your purchase could potentially last from your child's infancy well through the toddler years, so investing in a quality pushchair or pram may be more economical in the long run.