What to Look For in pushchairs from birth

A pushchair is a safe way to transport your child. They are also comfortable and offer an enjoyable ride.

Consider buying a sun shade for your child to protect them from the sun. Most pushchairs have one, but if not, most manufacturers offer them as an accessory.

You should consider a pushchair that can be converted into a double if you are planning to have an additional child. Some travel systems come with the option of a carry cot or a seat unit.

Safety

It's important that your pushchair is safe as it's your baby's safe place when on the road. All coach-built buggies, strollers and prams have to meet the British standard BSEN 1888:2003 or BS7409/1996. A trusted brand must have this certification on their product's specifications.

A five-point harness is vital for the safety of your baby. It should fit securely over their shoulders and around their waist, and also between their legs. Check that the buckles and straps are easily secured and undone.

Check that the brakes on your pushchair are accessible and are working as they should. It is also recommended to invest in a reflective strip to help other road users recognize your child and you in the winter dark.

If your pushchair is able to hold two children, ensure that the footrests run across both seats. This will prevent the child from getting their foot caught between the foot rests of each and slipping out of the stroller.

All pushchairs, prams and buggys have a maximum weight. This limit is important to know before you use the pushchair. A child who is overweight could cause the device to be unstable.

A good pushchair should be able to endure being pushed across a wide variety of surfaces, so pick one with large, sturdy wheels. The tyres ought to be constructed from durable material that will resist puncturing and have good traction to keep you going on slippery roads. Some pushchairs have been designed for off-road usage and feature special suspensions to ensure an easy ride.

Comfort

It is essential to select the best pushchair for your child. This could be as simple as making sure it has enough padding to keep them secure and supported or a footmuff to keep them warm and cozy during the colder months. Many pushchairs have reversible seats that let you decide if you want to face your child for bonding or reassuring, or from them to explore the world.

For new parents, it's also worth looking for a stroller with a lie-flat seat. Experts suggest that newborns lie flat on their backs for their first few months to help in the development of their lungs and breathing. Many pushchairs claim to be able to recline fully but it's important to check whether the seat offers an upright position that is safe for babies.

Some pushchairs are light, making them easy to lift in and out of cars and can be inserted into narrow doorways. They may also be able to fit into overhead luggage racks on trains and planes. These pushchairs are typically equipped with a simple and fast fold mechanism, which allows you to fold it with only one hand. They can also accommodate the car seat for infants making them suitable for use from the time of birth.

Other pushchairs like the Silver Cross Adorra2 offer a luxurious and high-end design that will turn heads. They are also able to be fitted with a variety of accessories for your baby like car seat covers and rain covers. They are designed to be flexible enough to adapt to the family's demands and come with a simple to adjust the five-point safety harness as well as large, puncture-proof wheels.

Style

You will probably use your pushchair the most, therefore, you must choose a model that you and your child both love. Take note of the small details, like the comfortableness of the seat cushion and whether the handlebar is adjusted in the height. There are other small factors that can make a big difference, such as a basket to store things or a front wheel lock.

A pram is designed to transport two children at the same time, typically an infant and a toddler. It's smaller than a pushchair and is easier to maneuver in tight spaces or on public transport. It could be a single-seater, where the baby sits behind the parent, or a tandem, where one child sits behind the other.

Pushchairs and prams can be used as early as birth, although most are aimed at older babies as they're more spacious than buggies, and feature an adjustable seat that can face towards or away from you. There is often the option to add an infant car seat, carry cot or stroller to allow them to be used from birth until your child is a toddler. This is a great value travel system.

Some pushchairs come with one brake pedal, while others have a foot and hand brake that work in tandem to stop your pushchair in a safe and controlled manner. The foot pedal is typically located on the back axle of the pushchair while the hand brake is placed at the top of the frame, right next to the rear wheels. The foot brake is perfect for parents who are on steep slopes or in the countryside as it stops them from losing control of their pushchair.

Size

There are a variety of sizes of pushchairs. Some can be used from birth, as they come with an adjustable seat that can be sat on as well as a bassinet or carrycot attachment. Others can be used when children are able to sit up unaided typically around six months. The seat can be placed either facing the parents to help them bond and comfort them or away from them to allow them to explore their surroundings.

The size of the wheel is also important. Some have larger wheels to improve their maneuverability on rougher surfaces. Some have smaller wheels that make a lighter frame and make it easier to push over paved surfaces.

Some pushchairs come with a single pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is helpful when you want to stop for a coffee break or go shopping. Others have two brake pedals for better control and security. Your pushchair needs to have strong brakes because it will be used in rough terrains. Make sure you check the brakes on a regular basis.

There are many features that can assist you in finding the ideal pushchair for your family and infant. Features that are easy to use like a compact fold that can be accomplished using just one hand, an safety harness that is simple to adjust or adjustable handlebars will simplify the lives of parents of children who are young and newborns.

The best pushchair will guarantee the safety and comfort of your child. You'll likely be using this product for a long time so be sure to consider the features that are important to your family.

A pushchair to buy

Take note of the features you want in your pushchair. It will be with you and your baby for many years, so you should pick wisely. Think about how it fits into your lifestyle. An all-terrain stroller is ideal for walks in the country but not ideal on a shiny shop floor. If you plan to use it with your grandparents, you may require something that is easy to control and steer without feeling like they need an academic degree.

You'll need to get a pushchair that has an infant car seat, or a reclining seat unit. Newborns must be able to lie flat. Some models also come with an adjustable seat so that you can have your baby face you or the world as they become older.

You may also wish to think about accessories such as baskets, shopping trays, and changing bags for the pram to help you to complete errands while your child is with you. Some pushchairs come with hoods that provide extra sun protection and some have rain covers that ensure your baby stays dry when it begins to rain.

Some pushchairs can be made a single or a double and can adapt to your expanding family. This is usually accomplished by adding an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is an option to think about if you are planning to have a child soon after your first or if you are not certain of your future plans.