Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair can also be referred to as a stroller, buggy or pram. It's the Swiss Army knife of baby transportation. From navigating crowded streets to traversing rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been built to conquer all types of surfaces.

A good pushchair will offer safety and comfort for your baby, ease to you, and the chance for you both to explore and bond. Find out what to look for when buying one.

Folding

One of the most important aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting a pushchair twin is how easy it folds. A standout is the EeZeFold, which has an incredible one-handed fold that lets you hold your child while folding the buggy, meaning that you don't have to switch between the two. The buggy is stable when folded, so you don't have to be concerned about your child getting out.

Some folding pushchairs are compact enough that they fit into the boot of your car. They're perfect for frequent travel or those with a small vehicle. There are also day-today buggies that require less of space than the typical pushchair but still have decent features such as a great recline and lightweight wheels. They're also generally lightweight enough to carry by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

The majority of these pushchairs are targeted at older babies and toddlers as they can sit upright, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option of adding an infant carrycot, making them suitable from birth. They may also be travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in just a click.

Many compact pushchairs are extremely compact travel stroller when folded with the seat attached. They're ideal for those who have limited storage space at home, or who live in apartments. They're also light, and they often have a rain cover to protect them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category can be folded with one hand by pressing a button. It is great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also extremely lightweight, making it easy to handle on rough surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the outside world or the parent, and the hood can be extended to provide extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the requirements of growing families. It can begin as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for siblings, and even turn into a triple stroller by the addition of a third seat or ride-along boards. Our top choice is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a versatile single-to-double stroller that can be converted to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for infants, one or two toddler seats, and even a third child with the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, like the height and recline settings. They should also come with large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers typically have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they will be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying a number of children or loads of equipment.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the need for parents to purchase separate products. It is able to convert quickly and effortlessly into one stroller or a Double stroller - hiroyukichishiro.com -, with no need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle offer ample seating space when used as a wagon. The Larktale is more bulky than the other convertibles we have rated top-rated however it is a great maneuverability and is able to handle uphills. The biggest issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A good pushchair will have many safety features, including a five-point harness for the infant. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist and also between the legs. It is essential that the harness doesn't come loose, and that there aren't any places where a child's fingers could get stuck.

There are many different pushchair brakes to choose from, and you should choose one that best fits your needs. The most popular brake is one that is a foot brake. It's great when you frequently stop such as when you shop. A lot of jogger-style pushchairs come with hand brakes. This is useful in situations where you have to change your momentum frequently, such as when you run. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake which you can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a good option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more frequently as it makes it easier to maintain your balance while still applying pressure on the wheels.

Verify that the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is extremely beneficial for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable wheel in the front of the pushchair can prevent the pushchair from slipping away if you're in a hurry or have lots of baggage in the rear.

Even though it may appear to be a minor issue but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a light pushchair can become quite heavy when loaded with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be in a position to lift it into your car boot and then up a flight of stairs while balancing a toddler and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.

A pram, buggy or pushchair is made for babies who sit and can be used until six months. They come with a seat that can face both towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs that come with features for comfort that parents love. Some are more suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the type of brake is another factor to consider. For instance, a foot brake is perfect for simple daily use, whereas the hand brake that is active on jogger-style pushchairs may be more responsive and easy to operate on adventures.

One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not your stroller has a full lie flat position for babies. Babies must be in a flat position to help them develop their spine, so it's worth choosing a pushchair that has this feature from the beginning. This will give your baby a peaceful nap or a rest, allowing the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat with your pushchair, it's essential to get a model that is compatible with your chosen infant car seat. This will make it easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.

Some pushchairs feature an adaptor for car seats that allows you to attach your car seat to the frame. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, which saves money and time. Many brands offer a bundle that includes a car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, double stroller as well as an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is good suspension - especially on the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving on rough roads or in urban areas, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfy.

It is also possible to consider other practical comfort features, like a spacious basket (or separate bag) with reclined handles, an adjustable seat and a hood that is ventilated. All of these features will assist you to navigate your way to the city or out in the country and ensure that your child gets the best quality sleep possible for his longest naps.