Pram Storage: How to Store Your Pram Safely

Where to store your pram

Whether you're storing a pram between babies, making space in a small flat, or putting away a pram you no longer need daily — where you store it matters more than most parents realise. The wrong storage conditions can cause mould, rust, perished rubber, and fabric degradation that turns a perfectly good pram into something you wouldn't put your child in.

The ideal pram storage spot is dry, cool, well-ventilated, and out of direct sunlight. A spare room, under-stairs cupboard, or dry garage ticks all the boxes. A damp shed, outdoor lean-to, or balcony with no cover? That's where problems start.

Outdoor pram storage solutions

Many parents have no choice but to store their pram outdoors — especially in London flats with no hallway or garage. If outdoor pram storage is your only option, here's how to do it properly:

• Waterproof pram storage cover. A dedicated cover keeps rain, bird droppings, and UV off the pram. Look for breathable covers that prevent condensation building up inside — a fully sealed plastic cover will actually trap moisture and cause mould faster than no cover at all.
• Pram storage box or shed. A small deck box or outdoor storage chest keeps the pram protected and off the ground. Keter, Suncast, and Lifetime make options from around £80–150 that fit a folded pram.
• Covered porch or entrance area. If your building has a covered entrance, this can work — but check your lease or building rules first.
• Raise it off the ground. If storing on a balcony or patio, put the pram on a wooden pallet or shelf to keep it off cold, damp concrete. Ground contact is the #1 cause of mould on stored prams.

The honest truth about outdoor pushchair storage: No outdoor solution is as good as indoor. Even with the best cover, temperature swings cause condensation, and UK weather is relentless. If you're storing for more than a few weeks, expect to need at least a thorough clean when you bring it back in.

Indoor pram storage ideas

Indoor storage is always better for your pram. Here are practical solutions for small spaces:

• Under the stairs. The classic London house solution. Fold the pram flat and slide it in.
• Wall hooks. Heavy-duty wall hooks (rated for 20kg+) let you hang a folded pram vertically on a wall. Works brilliantly in hallways and utility rooms.
• Spare room / nursery cupboard. If you have a built-in wardrobe you're not using to capacity, a folded pram fits in most standard wardrobes.
• Under the bed. Some compact-fold prams (Babyzen YOYO, Bugaboo Butterfly) fold flat enough to slide under a standard bed frame.
• Loft / attic. Good for long-term storage between babies. Make sure the loft is dry and not prone to extreme temperature swings. Use a breathable cover.
• Self-storage unit. For extended storage (6+ months), a small self-storage unit is climate-controlled and secure. Costs around £30–50/month in London.

How to prepare your pram for storage

Don't just fold it and forget it. Taking 20 minutes to prepare your pram properly before storage can save it from mould, odours, and damage that might make it unusable when you need it again.

1. Clean it first. This is the most important step. Food residue, milk, mud, and moisture trapped in fabric is what causes mould. At minimum, wipe down the frame, clean the wheels, and spot-clean the fabric. For proper protection, a professional pram deep clean before storage removes everything and gives you the best chance of it coming out perfect.
2. Dry it completely. If you've washed the fabric or the pram is damp from rain, let everything dry fully before folding and storing. Storing a damp pram guarantees mould.
3. Fold it properly. Use the manufacturer's fold method. Don't force any mechanisms or store it partially folded — this puts stress on joints and hinges.
4. Remove the battery (if applicable). Electronic features like lights or auto-fold should have batteries removed to prevent corrosion.
5. Cover it. A breathable dust cover or cotton sheet protects against dust without trapping moisture. Avoid cling film or sealed plastic bags.
6. Inflate the tyres. If your pram has air tyres, inflate them to the recommended pressure. Storing on flat tyres can permanently deform them.

Preventing mould and damage in storage

Mould is the #1 enemy of stored prams. It grows in the fabric, padding, straps, and hood — anywhere that trapped moisture meets organic material. Once mould takes hold, it's difficult to remove safely at home (especially from foam padding), and it can be harmful for babies to breathe in.

To prevent mould:

• Clean before storing — remove all food residue, milk, and organic material
• Store dry — never store a damp pram
• Ventilate — avoid sealed containers; use breathable covers
• Avoid ground contact — cold concrete causes condensation
• Use silica gel sachets — tuck a few into the folded pram to absorb ambient moisture
• Check periodically — if storing for months, open it up and inspect every 4–6 weeks

If you do find mould when you take your pram out of storage, don't panic — but don't ignore it either. Read our guide on whether mould on a pram is dangerous for more detail, or message us on WhatsApp and we'll take care of it with our specialist mould treatment.

How long can you store a pram?

In proper dry conditions, a well-maintained pram can be stored for years. The frame and wheels are durable — it's the fabric, foam, and rubber that degrade. In good indoor storage, 2–3 years is completely fine. In poor conditions (damp shed, uncovered balcony), problems can start within weeks.

After long-term storage, always check the following before putting a child in it: tyre pressure and condition, brake function, harness straps for wear or fraying, folding mechanism, and all fabric for mould or mildew.

Taking your pram out of storage

Got a new baby on the way and pulling the pram out of storage? Here's the reality: even with perfect preparation, a stored pram is going to need some attention before it's baby-ready again. Dust, musty smells, flat tyres, stiff wheels, and possibly mould spots are all common.

For a quick refresh at home, wipe down the frame, pump the tyres, clean the wheels, and wash the removable covers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Give the hood and seat a good vacuum to remove dust and any insects that may have moved in.

If your pram has mould, heavy staining, or just smells like it's been in a shed for two years — a surface clean at home probably won't cut it. A professional pram cleaning service strips everything down, deep cleans with baby-safe products, treats mould properly, and returns it looking and smelling like new. We collect from your door and deliver it back — you don't have to do anything except enjoy it with the new baby.