Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

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

A good pushchair will provide safety and comfort for your baby, convenience for you and the chance to bond and explore the world together. Find out what to look for when you are buying a pushchair.

Folding

When it comes to choosing a stroller many parents are concerned with the ease to fold. The EeZeFold is unique because it has a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't need to juggle the two. The buggy is also stable when folded, meaning you don't have to be concerned about the child falling out or being injured during the process.

Some folding pushchairs are so small that they fit in your car's boot. They're great for frequent travelers or those with a small vehicle. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for everyday use that have a smaller footprint than the standard pushchair, but have features that are good, such as a comfortable recline or light wheels. They are typically light enough to be carried by hand, so Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.

The majority of these pushchairs are designed at toddlers and older children because they can sit up, however some have a lie-flat chair and the option of adding a carrycot to make them suitable for babies from the time of birth. Some are travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to your infant with just a click.

Although they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy the majority of compact pushchair pushchairs require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on which is why they're ideal for those who are short on storage space in their homes or an apartment. They are also lightweight, and they often come with a raincover to protect them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very popular pushchair in this category, which is an excellent option for travel because it can fold one-handed with a simple press of one button. It's also incredibly light, making it simple to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can be rotated 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 needs of growing families. It can start as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for siblings, and even turn into a triple stroller with the addition of a third seat or ride-along boards. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It's a versatile stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for newborns, two toddler seats, or even a third child with adapters.

Apart from changing shape to accommodate different configurations convertible strollers should also have adjustable features such as height and reclining. They should also come with large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. These strollers strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they have more parts.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with an incline wagon, removing the need for parents to buy separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits, and offers ample seating options with the second seat and pull handle when used in wagon mode. Although the Larktale is a bit heavier than our other top convertibles, it is extremely maneuverable and can maneuver well over hills. The biggest issue is the lack of storage space underneath the seat. Click here for additional information.

Safety

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

There are a number of different pushchair brakes available so pick the one that best fits your needs. The most common brake is a foot brake. It's great if you have to stop frequently such as when you go to the shops. Many jogger-style pushchairs have a hand brake. This is helpful when you are changing your momentum frequently, such as when running. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a great option for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more frequently. It makes it easier to keep your balance while applying pressure to the wheels.

It is also important to determine whether the pushchair comes with a lockable front wheel. This is extremely beneficial for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A wheel that locks on the front can stop the pushchair from rolling away when you're in a hurry or have a lot of baggage in the rear.

While it might seem like a minor consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a pushchair that is light can be surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Check the weight of your pushchair and see whether you are able to lift it up a flight of stairs and into the boot of your car, while carrying an infant.

Buggy prams, pushchairs, or cheap prams are made for babies who can sit up. They are generally used after the age of six 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 many to pick from. Some are more suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is also a factor to take into consideration. A foot brake, for instance is the best choice for daily use. A hand brake that is active, found on jogger-style pushchairs, can be more responsive when on an adventure.

One of the most important aspects of comfort is whether or not your stroller has a full lie flat position for newborns. Babies should be lying flat in a position to help develop their spines, so it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your child to rest or nap in a comfortable position, allowing for longer outdoor adventures and a more relaxed and healthier child.

It is crucial to select a pushchair that's compatible with the infant car seat you've chosen. This will make it simple for you to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.

Some pushchairs come with a smart adaptor for car seats, which allows you to quickly attach your car seat. You can use the seat from birth until toddlerhood and save money and time. Many brands offer a bundle that includes a car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, as well as an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

A good suspension system is also essential particularly for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving on rough roads or urban streets, allowing you to move over bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfortable.

It is also possible to think about other practical comfort features, like a spacious basket (or separate bag) as well as the ability to recline handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a ventilated hood. The combination of these features will allow you navigate your way around town or country and ensure that your child gets the best quality sleep possible for the longest nap possible.