Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also referred to as a buggy, pram or stroller, is the Swiss army knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots are able to handle any surface, from crowded streets to rough terrain.

A quality pushchair provides safety and comfort for your child, ease for you and the chance to spend time together and explore the world together. Read on to find out what to look for when picking one.

Folding

One of the main aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting the best pushchair is how simple it is to fold. A standout is the EeZeFold, which has an incredible one-handed fold that lets you hold your baby while folding the buggy, which means you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy also stays standing when folded, so you do not have to worry about the child falling out or being injured during the process.

Some of the smaller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they can be tucked away in the trunk of your car, so they're perfect if you're a frequent traveler or have a tiny car boot. Some are compact buggies for everyday use, which have a smaller footprint than the standard pushchair, but provide decent features like recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They're also generally lightweight enough to be carried on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed.

The majority of these pushchairs are targeted at toddlers and older children because they can sit up, however some offer a lie-flat seat and the option of adding a carrycot to make them suitable from birth. They may also be travel system compatible and allow you to attach an infant car seat to the frame with a single click.

Although they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy, many Compact pushchair pushchairs still require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on, so they're perfect for those who are tight of storage space in their home or in an apartment. They're also light, and many come with a raincover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another extremely popular pushchair in this category that is a great option for traveling as it folds with a simple press of a button. It's also incredibly light, making it simple to maneuver on rough surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can rotate to change between parent-facing and the world, and the hood can be extended for extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can change form to meet the requirements of families that are growing. It can begin as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for children and even become a triple stroller with the addition of a third seat or ride-along board. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a flexible single to double stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for infants, two toddler seats, or even a third child by using adapters.

Apart from changing shape to adjust for different configurations convertible strollers should also have adjustable features like height and reclining. They should also have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads or grandmas to push. And because these types of strollers usually have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they will be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of equipment.

Larktale's new crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind it combines a single stroller with a wagon. Parents no longer need to purchase separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily into a single or double stroller without tools or additional conversion kits. It also offers plenty of seating versatility with the second seat and pull handle when used in wagon mode. While the Larktale is a little heavier than our other top-rated convertibles is extremely maneuverable and can maneuver well over hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A quality pushchair should include many safety features including five-point harnesses for infants. It should be able to fit over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist and between the legs. It is also crucial that the harness doesn't become loose and has no areas where a baby might get their fingers stuck.

There are a number of different brakes for pushchairs, so pick the one that best fits your lifestyle. The most popular brake is one that is a foot brake. It's a great option if you stop a lot such as when you go to the shops. Many jogger-style pushchairs have the option of a hand brake. This is useful in situations where you have to change your momentum frequently, for example when running. Some pushchairs come with an active hand brake that works by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a good option for parents who are stopping and beginning their pushchairs more frequently. It allows you to stay in your position while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

It is also important to determine whether the pushchair comes with a lockable front wheel. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas with uneven terrain or steep slopes. A lockable front wheel can help stop the pushchair from rolling away in a hurry or there is a lot of baggage in the back.

Even though it might seem like a small consideration it is important to consider the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can be quite heavy when it is loaded with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the pushchair and think about whether you'd be capable of lifting it into your car's boot and then up a flight of stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a takeaway coffee.

A buggy, pram shops near me or pushchair is designed for babies who can sit up and is generally used from six months. They come with a seat that can face toward you to bond with you and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents enjoy the comfort features of pushchairs - and there are a variety to choose from. Some are more suitable for rough terrain or city streets and others aren't. The brake type is another aspect to take into consideration. For example, a foot brake is perfect for simple daily use, while 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. It's important to choose a pushchair that has this feature from the moment of birth. This will enable your baby to grow into a straight position. This will allow your child to sleep or relax in a comfortable position, allowing for longer outdoor adventures as well as a happier and healthier child.

It's important to choose a pushchair that's compatible with the infant car seat you've selected. This will make it easy for you to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep him calm and reduce fuss.

Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats that lets you easily attach your car seat to the frame. You can use the seat from birth until toddlerhood and save money and time. Many brands offer a travel package that includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, as well as an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

A solid suspension system is also crucial, especially for the front wheels. This can make all the difference when driving over rough roads or urban terrain and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfy.

Other practical comfort features that you should look for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag) as well as a adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat position and an air-conditioned hood. Having all of these features will help you navigate your way through the country or town and ensure that your little one has the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.