Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A lightweight and comfortable pushchair is essential for people who often use public transportation or take a flight and hop off and on. Select a model that is able to be folded flat and compactly, and machine washable to remove the stains of spilled drinks or leaking nappy.

We love strollers that glide effortlessly across pavements and mount kerbs effortlessly. Look for car seat attachements that can be installed by themselves, as well as the handlebar that can be adjusted to fit parents of any height.

Easy of Use

There are a variety of strollers and pushchairs that will suit every budget and lifestyle. Some are light and compact, making them easy to fold and transport and store, while others have solid frames that are more durable for long walks and use on uneven terrain. Many also feature a basket for shopping, or changing bags so that you can carry everything you need. Some are made to be used in urban areas, whereas others are for travelling or country living.

Strollers are generally suitable for babies from birth, allowing them to recline in a flat position that is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. They can also be attached to a compatible carrycot or infant car seat and are therefore portable systems that can be used from birth to toddlerhood. Certain models come with additional features that are designed to be attractive, like a height-adjustable handbar for parents with various heights, or a large basket, or rain cover that will help keep your baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs are better for city dwellers, since they're generally light and nimble, making them easy to manoeuvre. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and perfect for families living in rural areas or those who intend to spend most of their time outdoors. Look for reviews by other parents who comment on how simple the pushchair is to use - like how much it weighs or how easy it can be to navigate. Also, consider the size of the base as well as whether your child is stable in it, especially in the event that you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs from birth should be safe for toddlers and infants to prevent entrapment or other injuries. Make sure you choose a sturdy base that doesn't easily tip and ensure you test the safety harness by placing weight on it, or hanging bags over it, to determine how stable it feels. Make sure that the leg openings on the stroller are narrow enough to ensure that a child's legs won't slip through. Also, ensure that the handlebars are placed at waist level or a little below for ergonomic use. Another crucial feature is brakes that lock the rear wheels and is easy to use. You should search for a brake that is integrated into the wheels, instead of being on the frame. This will help to prevent pinch points and choking dangers.

A majority of strollers have seats that recline to a flat position which is ideal for babies. It is recommended that babies lay flat during the first few months to allow breathing and head control. Some pushchairs may be described as having a reclined seat however, they aren't. Make sure you check.

Make sure the stroller is equipped with a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps that go over shoulders, two for the thighs and one around the crotch), much like those in car seats. This is vital to protect children from falling out of the pushchair and also to protect the child from being pushed over or out by passing vehicles or other pedestrians.

Check that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake to use and locks the front two wheels. This will stop the stroller from slipping away when you are loading or unloading your child, or stopping to rest.

Comfort

When you're pushing your child around or carrying a shopping cart filled with nappies and takeaway coffee, you'll want to feel comfortable when out and out and about. Choosing a stroller with big sturdy, puncture-proof wheels that can glide across rough terrain and have a super-smooth suspension will help you have the ability to do that.

A pushchair that is compact and folds up easily can help. It can be a real struggle to fit a bulky pushchair in and out of the car's boot, or climb up a flight of stairs - especially with a growing toddler in tow. It's also worth thinking about what you'll use it for and what the weather is likely to be like. Hence, opting for a stroller with a hood that fully protects your little one from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is a great idea.

The last aspect of comfort is how easy the pushchair is to steer and control. Look out for our reviewers' feedback regarding maneuverability, taking into consideration things like how well a stroller pirouettes across different surfaces, and how it is easy to push up hills.

Many pushchairs include accessories that can help keep your baby cool or warm like fans and footmuffs. Some brands even come with their own nappy changing bags that make travelling with baby even easier.

For greater flexibility, opt for a travel set-up - a stroller frame (called the chassis) with the seat unit which can be front-facing or parent-facing and a bassinet or carrycot. It is simple to remove and put the car seat back on the chassis without waking your baby. The ideal solution for parents who are frequently on the move and frequently need to change your travel plan.

Style

There are a few commonalities among all the different kinds of strollers, buggies pushchairs and prams. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're designed to transport your child from A to B. Consider how you will utilize it and pick features that suit your lifestyle.

For example, if you're likely to spend a lot of time on uneven surfaces like fields that are muddy or sand-covered, you may want an all-terrain pushchair that has large, sturdy puncture proof wheels and suspension to make it more comfortable for your baby. If your baby gets hot after long walks, you might want to consider a parasol that can shade them from the sun's rays or a cooling device to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs let you select whether you would like your baby facing you for reassurance, or outwards to explore the world. Some pushchairs have a carrycot that can be turned to face you or away from you. Others offer an infant recline that is lie-flat. Some also come with an adapter for car seats and are compatible with Isofix or are three-in-one systems that allow you to use them from the time of birth.

A twin pushchair enables the transport of two children at once. There are models that have one or two independent seats that are light compact and have plenty of storage, larger canopies, and more moveable wheels. Several of our testers liked the idea of a double pushchair however found that some adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to operate using just one hand. Some adjust by rotating on an axis, which caused many to push their hands closer to the frame. Other systems that allow telescopically moving in and out of the frame sides were easier to use even for parents who are taller.

Stores

The amount of storage space available in a stroller could affect the decision to purchase it. Take a look at the space under the seat as well as in the footwell and in the large basket to determine how much you can fit. This is a crucial factor if you're planning to purchase additional pushchair accessories, such as the tray for parents or a travel changing bag.

A parent tray helps to make it easier to use the stroller by providing additional storage space for snacks and other essentials. It can also make the stroller heavier and difficult to fold. It's also important to remember that the majority of tray for parents have shallow cup holders, which can cause things to fall out of the tray during travel or when strolling.

If you plan to carry your baby until birth, you should consider buying a large-sized stroller that can accommodate the bassinet. These strollers come with larger storage baskets, canopies that have full coverage and reclining seats. However, they usually come with a price tag that's substantially higher than a Lightweight Cosatto Supa 3 Stroller with Footmuff or compact stroller.

The ability to maneuver is a crucial aspect of any stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer when empty and how smoothly it moves across different surfaces, like pavements or grass. It's important to note that this quality diminishes over time as your baby grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted to a toddler pushchair using adapters. They are designed to fit infant car seats. This can help make the transition easier from pram to stroller as your child ages and is particularly beneficial in the event that you're lacking storage space at home.