Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair is also known as a buggy, stroller or pram. It's the Swiss knife of baby transport. From navigating busy streets to traversing rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been built to conquer all types of surfaces.

A quality pushchair provides comfort and safety for your child, ease for you and a chance to explore the world together. Find out what you should consider when purchasing one.

Folding

When choosing a stroller, parents are often concerned about how easy it will be to fold it. The most notable is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold which lets you hold your child while folding the buggy, which means you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy is stable when folded, meaning you don't have to be concerned about your child falling out.

Some folding pushchairs are compact enough that they can be tucked away in your car's boot. They're great for frequent travel or when you have a smaller vehicle. Others are day-to-day buggies that are smaller in size of space than the typical pushchair but still come with decent features such as a great recline and wheels that are lightweight. They are typically light enough to be carried with hand, so Grandma or Grandad can use them in the event of need.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, and some come with a lie-flat seats or carrycot option. Some are travel strollers system compatible which means you can connect a car seat for your baby with just one click.

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

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category, can be folded using just one hand by pressing a button. It's great to travel with because it's easy to fold. It's also lightweight, making it easy to maneuver even on rough surfaces. It also comes with an excellent suspension. The seat can rotate to turn from parent-facing to world-facing, while the hood can be extended to provide extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can change form to meet the requirements of growing families. It could be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller in order to accommodate children, or a triple stroller by adding the third seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a versatile single to double stroller that is able to be transformed to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for infants or two toddler seats or even a third child using adapters.

Apart from changing shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features such as recline and height settings. They should come with large, easy-to-grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms, or grandmas to push chairs and prams. These strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they are made up of more components.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a full-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily to a double or single stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and offers plenty of seating versatility with its second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. While the Larktale is a bit bulkier than some of our other top convertibles, it is extremely maneuverable and can maneuver well over hills. The main drawback is the lack of storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A good pushchair should have several safety features including a five point harness for baby. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is also essential that the harness doesn't become out of its place and that there are no places where a child could get their fingers stuck.

There are many different pushchair brakes available and you should choose one that best suits your needs. A foot brake is the most common and is ideal if you are likely to stop a lot for shopping. Hand brakes are found on a lot of jogger-style pushchairs. It is more beneficial in situations where you'll be changing momentum often for instance, when going for an exercise. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake that you can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a great option for parents who are stopping and beginning their pushchairs more frequently. It helps to stay in your position while applying pressure to the wheels.

Check if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is extremely beneficial for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable wheel in the front of the pushchair can prevent the pushchair from rolling away when you are in a rush or have lots of baggage in the rear.

Even though it may seem like a small consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a small pushchair sale can become quite heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to check the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be capable of lifting it into the car boot and then up a flight of stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.

A buggy, pram or pushchair is designed for babies who are able to sit and can be used until six months. The seat can be set towards you or away from you, depending on how much you want your child to be close to you or explore the world. Many pushchairs come with adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents appreciate the comfort of pushchairs - and there are plenty to choose from. Some are more suitable for rough terrain or city streets but others are not. The type of brake is another factor to consider. A foot brake, for instance, is best suited to everyday use. An active hand brake that is found on pushchairs with joggers, can be more responsive when on an adventure.

The ability of your pushchair to permit newborns to lie completely flat is among the most important characteristics. Babies should be in a flat position to help them develop their spine, and it's important to select a stroller with this feature from birth. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or time to rest, which will allow for longer outdoor excursions and a healthier, happier child.

If you're planning on using a car seat along with your pushchair, it's important to select a model that is compatible with the infant car seat. This will make it simple for you to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep the child calm and less agitated.

Some pushchairs come with an intelligent adaptor for car seats that enables you to easily attach your car seat. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, reducing costs and time. Many brands also offer a travel system bundle that includes a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and footmuff all in one purchase.

A good suspension system is also important particularly for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving through rough roads or city streets, allowing you move over bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfortable.

You may also want to think about other practical comfort features, such as an ample basket (or separate bag) with the ability to recline handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a hood that is ventilated. Having all of these features will help you navigate your way through the country or town and ensure that your child gets the best possible sleep for his longest naps.