Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair is also known as a stroller, buggy or pram. It's the Swiss Army knife of baby transport. From navigating through crowded streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.

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

Folding

One of the most important aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when they choose a pushchair is how easy it is to fold. The EeZeFold is an exceptional model because it has a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don't need to juggle the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don't need to worry about your child getting out.

Some of the really compact folding Pushchair pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they can be tucked away into the trunk of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveller or have a tiny car boot. Some are compact buggies for use in everyday life that have smaller footprints than typical pushchair, yet provide decent features like a comfortable recline or light wheels. They're also generally lightweight enough to be carried by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed.

The majority of these pushchairs are designed at older babies and toddlers because they can sit upright, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option to add an infant carrycot, making them suitable from the time of birth. Some are compatible with travel systems and allow you to attach a car seat for your infant with just one click.

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

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another extremely popular pushchair in this class that is an ideal option for traveling as it folds with a simple press of a button. It's also incredibly light, making it simple to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and it has 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 can be reshaped to meet the requirements of families that are growing. It could be one stroller that converts into a double stroller to accommodate more siblings, or a triple stroller when you add the third seat. Our top choice, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for newborns and toddlers, as well as two toddler seats and a third child by the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers must have adjustable features, including height and reclining settings. They should come with large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms or grandmas to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers typically contain more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying a number of children or loads of gear.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the necessity for parents to buy separate products. It converts quickly and easily to a single stroller or a double cheap stroller without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give the flexibility of seating when it is used as wagon. The Larktale is heavier than our other top-rated convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and is able to handle the hills. Its biggest flaw is the lack of storage space underneath the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A quality pushchair will come with many safety features, including a five-point harness for the baby. It should be able to fit over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist and between the legs. It is also essential that the harness doesn't come loose and that it has no areas where a child could get their fingers stuck.

Choose the brake that suits your lifestyle. The most popular brake is one that is a foot brake. It's a great option if you have to stop frequently, like when you shop. Many jogger-style pushchairs have a hand brake. This is useful when you are changing your speed often, like when you run. Some pushchairs have an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a good option for parents who will be stopping and starting their pushchairs more often. It helps to maintain your balance while applying pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth determining whether the pushchair comes with a lockable front wheel. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A lockable front wheel can prevent the pushchair from rolling away in a rush or there is a large amount of baggage in the back.

Even though it might seem like a minor consideration it is important to consider the weight of the stroller. Even a light pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing infant and shopping bags. Be sure to check how much it weighs and think about whether you'd be capable of lifting it into the car boot and up the stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a takeaway coffee.

A buggy, pram or pushchair is designed for babies who can sit up and is generally used from 6 months. They come with seats that can be oriented both towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs have adjustable seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents appreciate the convenience features of pushchairs, and there are plenty to pick from. Some are better suited to urban streets or rough terrain, while others are not. The brake type is another factor to consider. A foot brake, for example is ideal for everyday use. A hand brake that is active, found on jogger-style pushchairs can be more responsive on an adventure.

The capability of your pushchair to permit newborns to lie completely flat is among its most crucial features. It is essential to select an infant pushchair with this feature from the moment of birth. This will allow your baby to develop their spine in an upright position. This will give your baby a peaceful nap or a rest, allowing more time for outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat along with your pushchair, it's essential to get a model that is compatible with your chosen infant car seat. This makes it quick and simple to move your child from the car to the pushchair, reducing fuss and ensuring he's calm during his excursions.

Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats that allows you to fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means that you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, reducing costs and hassle. Many brands also offer a travel bundles that include infant car seat, adaptors, and a footmuff all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is good suspension - especially on the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving over rough roads or urban streets, allowing you to get over bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your the baby in a comfortable position.

Other practical comfort features that you may want to look for include a large shopping basket (or even a separate bag), the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat and a an air-conditioned hood. The combination of these features will allow you navigate your way through the country or town, and ensure your little one has the best travel pushchair sleep possible for the longest nap possible.