It’s the little extras that make all the difference

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Make your pram or stroller the best it can be with this range of must-have accessories - after all mum needs somewhere to put her coffee...

When you're expecting a baby, one of the biggest purchases you have to make is the pram. And also one of the most expensive. But, believe me, it’s an item that you will use ALL the time for a number of years, so it’s definitely worth the money.

However what about all the other bits and pieces that go with it? There are all sorts of hidden extras available for prams and strollers, but do you really need them? After all, you just paid a small fortune for the pram, isn’t that enough?

I didn't buy many accessories initially when we got our pram. In fact, it wasn’t until I was pushing my baby around that I suddenly realised, maybe a raincover would have been a good idea or goodness, a cup holder for my coffee would be fantastic and hang on, where do I put my nappy bag? I eventually worked through all the chaos and sorted myself out, but I wouldn't recommend leaving to the last minute. There’s so much going on when your baby arrives, it can be tricky trying to fit in shopping for pram accessories

I know, it may feel like there is so much to purchase when you've already forked out for a pram but believe me, it’s the little things that make all the difference. (For me, the difference between keeping my baby dry or not when it started to rain!).

Many prams offer their own range of accessories, while there are also universal products that can be used for most brands, which won't break the bank. To make life easy, we’ve gone through all the available accessories and rounded up the best selection to suit a range of budgets, so that when your baby arrives, you’ll be ready for anything.

You definitely need something to carry all your baby bits and pieces and preferably not in a bag tossed underneath. Firstly, this is a hassle as you have to pull the bag out and fumble around for what you need, and secondly it takes up precious storage space that you may want for bigger essentials like a picnic blanket or shopping.

This baby bag from Storksak has a functional design with twin carry handles and integrated straps that conveniently attaches to the pram. There's plenty of space to keep all essentials at-the-ready like nappies, wipes, even your wallet and phone. A zipper top and a flap closing provides security, while the interiors can be wiped clean throughout.

This is definitely an essential accessory, something I discovered the hard way. Not that you're going to traipse about in the pouring rain with your little one, but there might be moments when it you’re out and about and it starts to sprinkle, or you need to run errands, perhaps go to an appointment and it's drizzling outside. The other advantage to the rain cover, more recently discovered during the pandemic, is that it offers babies (who can't wear masks) a little more protection when out and about in supermarkets and shopping centres.

This is a good universal option that fits most prams and strollers and is one of Amazon's top sellers with a host of positive reviews from happy customers. Made from quality material, it keeps baby dry while providing good ventilation and is easy to put on and take off. As it's a universal size, it's quite large and so may not work for small compact strollers. However for larger prams it works a treat.

One reviewer commented that it fitted the Joolz pram with no problem at all, while another said, "It’s perfect if you have a baby that can’t wear a mask so you can just put them in there because we have to live with covid now."

A pram liner is a very useful item as it protects your expensive pram against those inevitable spills and messes, while providing a little extra cosy comfort for your baby. Make sure you choose something that is machine washable and also reversible so if you have an accident while out and about, you simply flip it over. 

Oi Oi do fabulous baby accessories and this fun brightly coloured pram liner is yet another example. It offers a universal design that will fit any pram with a five-point safety harness and comes in six great patterns. It's also reversible so you can use both sides, it's easy to wipe clean and at the end of the day, completely machine washable.  

Small but very very handy, these little clips are perfect for securely attaching all baby and toddler essentials to the pram such as wraps, blanket or favourite toys. Once you have them, you will use them all the time.

These sturdy clips are a godsend when it comes to keeping baby essentials in place such as a wrap for when your little one falls asleep, or if the sun is is in their eyes. A pack of four would probably get you by, but it's always good to have a couple extras on hand just in case.

Much like the rain, when it comes to those harsh summer rays, your baby needs a little more protection that the usual pull-out visor on most prams. This is the one thing I did get well in advance, as my baby was born in the height of summer, and it was a lifesaver. Your pram might have one included or available at an extra cost, otherwise you can try a quality universal sun shade instead.

This sunshade was invented by a British mum who was needing something to pop over the pram as a suncover or to block the light when her baby wanted a sleep. The result is this universal shade that fits most prams, while cutting out 99 per cent of UV rays. It provides good ventilation as well as a dark quiet space for your baby to snooze when out and about.

It has attracted thousands of reviews, with one customer saying, "Love it!! Highly recommend. So easy to use with the Velcro straps - great design. Love the fact that it’s breathable, protects from the sun and encourages sleep."

I never had a cupholder and I have to say it would have been much appreciated. Pushing a pram doesn't leave many spare hands and a sleep deprived mum needs a somewhere to stow a coffee or refreshing beverage. Many prams offer their own cup holder at an extra cost, such as the much-loved Bugaboo version, however there are universal options that are well priced and equally effective.

This version is a beauty as it offers not only a holder for your drink, but also a spot for your phone. It secures on firmly with silicone clips and features petals inside to keep cup stable. It will suit pretty much any major brand of pram such as UPPAbaby VISTA, Britax, BabyJoy, Chicco, Maclaren, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger and many more.

One parent was thrilled and left the comment, "Finally gave in and bought this, so glad I did! It's awesome! My partner wants me to buy a second for his drink and phone."

You baby spends a lot of time being pushed around in the pram and while there is much to see, they sometimes need a little distraction so you can get things done. This is where pram toys become your next best friend. Usually they clip onto the pram so little hands can't toss them out. They're easy to grasp and often provide textured and noisy fabrics and surfaces to touch and feel. Not only do they mean a little peace for mum, but also providing great sensory and development tools for your little one.

Lamaze do exciting toys for little ones with bright contrasting colours, textures and sounds such as this cute frog, with its froggie noises, crinkles and a leaf-shaped teether to chew on. Plenty of on-the-move entertainment with hands-on exploration and visual stimulation.

This cute little fabric book has a sturdy clip that attaches to the pram for hours of entertainment while rolling along. Not only does it offer the iconic images of the Very Hungry Caterpillar but also a teether and fun crinkly pages.

Protect your little one from flies, mosquitoes,  bees and any other creepy crawlies around. Your pram may come with one included, but if not, there are good quality universal covers available.

According to Baby Bunting, this universal mozzie net is guaranteed to fit any three and four wheel prams/ joggers and bassinets - or your money back! Easy to roll up and stow away in your pram so it's always on-hand to keep insects at bay.

This sounds divine, but unfortunately not for mum. This cosy little accessory keeps bub's toes toasty and warm during those cold winter walks to the park.

This gorgeous foot muff is locally made, with over 30 different colours and patterns to choose from. They are a universal fit, although you do specify your prams's brand and model. Pure cotton on the outside and warm and snuggly inside, you attach it to the pram frame, bumper bar or pram seat with  two cotton velcro tabs.  Bubbarino also custom make pram liners, which are equally beautiful.

One thing I never had quite enough room for was the grocery shopping. Pushing a pram, you clearly can't push a shopping trolley, so I would find myself squashing groceries in the storage basket below, balancing bread on top of the sun visor, even trying to hold a shopping basket in one hand and push the pram with the other. An extra attachable shopping bag would have come in very handy...

This shopping bag will securely fit most brands of prams or strollers and is made of durable mesh to give you extra reliable shopping storage. It features a large opening and an expanding zipper section - plus it rolls up to easily store in your pram when not in use.

 One reviewer said, "This bag is so handy when you don’t have enough room in the bottom basket. So happy I found this!"

This a handy idea that takes up no extra room in the nappy bag or pram - a little clip to securely attach extra shopping bags, toys or even your handbag. Keep it in the pram pocket or nappy bag for those moments when you have a little more than usual to carry around.

This one is well priced and does the job it's meant to do. One customer left the comment, "Beats the more expensive clips out there. This fits so well on the pram, is sturdy and very useful for carrying extra bags as well as clipping on those toys for the Bub."

This is another accessory I didn't even know about, but what a great idea! Small and affordable yet a real treat for those hot summer days. I had a baby during a very hot summer and it would have been perfect. It clips easily to the pram and will keep baby cucumber cool on the warmest of days.

This award-winning fan features soft fins and an easy-to-use clip that attaches to most prams and strollers. It has a flexible neck to be able to direct the flow wherever you want, while its cute size makes it easy to stow away when not in use. All you need is a couple of AA batteries.

While you're here, why not check out our list of newborn essentials as well as the best travel prams and strollers you can buy this year.