Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

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

A quality pushchair will provide comfort and safety to your child, convenience to you, and a chance for you both to spend time together and play. Find out what you should consider when purchasing one.

Folding

One of the main characteristics that many parents are looking for when they choose the best pushchair is how simple it folds. A true standout is the EeZeFold, which has an incredible one-handed fold that allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy, which means that you don't have to switch between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, so you do not have to worry about your child falling off or getting harmed during this process.

Some of the really compact travel stroller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they can be tucked away into the trunk of your car, so they're perfect if you're a frequent traveler or have a small car boot. Some are compact buggies for use in everyday life that have smaller footprints than the average pushchair, but still provide decent features like a good recline or lightweight wheels. They are usually light enough to be carried with hand, so Grandma or Grandad can utilize them if they need to.

The majority of these pushchairs are aimed at older babies and toddlers as they can sit upright, but some offer a lie-flat seat and the option of adding a carrycot that makes them suitable for babies from the time of birth. Some are travel system compatible so you can attach a car seat for your baby with just one click.

A lot of compact pushchairs are very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're ideal for those who have limited storage space at home or live in apartments. They are also lightweight, and many have a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another really popular pushchair in this category, which is an excellent option for traveling as it folds with a simple press of the button. It's also light, making it simple to use even on rough surfaces. It also comes with an excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or towards the parent, and the hood can also be extended to provide extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller transforms its shape to meet the demands of families that are growing. It can be used as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for siblings and even a triple stroller by the addition of an additional seat or ride-along board. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a versatile stroller that is able to be transformed to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for infants as well as two toddler seats or even a third child with adapters.

Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, such as height and reclining settings. They should also have large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. And because these types of strollers often have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they will be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of equipment.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It converts quickly and easily into a single stroller or a double stroller without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle offer the flexibility of seating when being used as an actual wagon. The Larktale is bulkier than our other top convertibles, but it has excellent maneuverability and is able to easily climb uphills. The main drawback is the lack of under-seat storage. Click here for more details.

Safety

A good pushchair will have many safety features, including five-point harnesses for the baby. This should fit over the shoulders, around the waist, and between the legs. It is crucial that the harness does not become loose, and there aren't any places where a child's fingers could become stuck.

There are many different pushchair brakes to choose from, and you should choose one that is most suitable for your needs. A foot brake is the most popular and is ideal if you are likely to stop often like when you go shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature the option of a hand brake. This is helpful in situations where you have to change your speed frequently, such as when you run. Some pushchairs feature an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a useful option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more often since it helps to keep your balance and apply pressure on 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 steep slopes or uneven terrain. A lockable front wheel can help stop the pushchair from moving away when you are in a hurry or if there is a lot of luggage in the back.

While it may seem like a small consideration, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a small pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when it is loaded with a growing infant and shopping bags. Check the weight of your stroller and see if you can lift it up the stairs and into the boot of your car, while carrying a toddler.

A pram, buggy or pushchair is designed for babies who are able to sit up and is typically used until six months. They have a seat that can face both towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs with features for comfort that parents love. Some are more suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others, and the brake type is also a factor to consider. A foot brake, for instance is ideal for everyday use. An active hand brake, found on jogger-style pushchairs can be more responsive during an adventure.

One of the most important aspects of comfort is whether or not the pushchair is able to lie completely flat position for babies. Babies must be lying flat in a position to develop their spine, so it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your baby a comfortable nap or time to rest, which will allow the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.

It is essential to select a pushchair that is compatible with the car seat for infants you've chosen. 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 have an intelligent adaptor for car seats that allows you to easily attach your car seat. It is possible to use the seat from birth to toddlerhood and save money and time. Many brands offer a bundle that includes a car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, along with an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is a great suspension - particularly on the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving through rough terrain or urban streets, allowing you to move over bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while keeping the baby in a comfortable position.

You may also want to consider other practical features, like an ample basket (or separate bag) as well as reclining handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a ventilated hood. These features will aid you in your travels through the city or country and ensure that your child gets the best possible rest for the longest naps.