10 Facts About Pushchairs That Insists On Putting You In Good Mood

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a pram, buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss army knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots are able to handle any terrain, from crowded streets to rough terrain.

A good pushchair will provide safety and comfort for your child, ease for you, and an opportunity to explore the world together. Find out what to look for when buying one.

Folding

One of the most important aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting a pushchair is how easy it folds. A standout is the EeZeFold which features an amazing one-handed fold that allows you to hold your child while folding the buggy, meaning you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy is stable when folded so you don't need to be concerned about your child falling out.

Some of the most compact Folding Pushchair pushchairs travel systems (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they can fit into the trunk of your car, which means they're perfect if you're a frequent traveler or have a smaller car boot. There are also day-today buggies that require less of space than the average pushchair, but have good features, like a comfortable recline and light-weight wheels. They're also generally light enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, since they come with a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. Some are prams travel system system compatible and allow you to attach an automobile seat to your infant with one click.

Many compact pushchairs are extremely compact when folded with the seat attached. They're perfect for those who have limited storage space at home, or who live in apartments. They are also lightweight, and many come with a raincover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category can be folded using just one hand by pressing the button. It's great for travel because it is easy to fold. It is also very light, making it easy to use even on rough surfaces. It also has an outstanding suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the outside world or the parent and the hood can be extended to give you extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can change form to meet the requirements of families growing. It can be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller to accommodate children, or a triple stroller when you add a third seat. Our top pick is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a stroller that can be used as a single or double. It can be converted to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for infants as well as one or two toddler seats and even a third child by the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, such as height and reclining settings. They should also feature large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs because 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 an incline wagon, removing the necessity for parents to purchase separate products. It is able to convert quickly and easily to a single stroller or double stroller, without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle offer ample seating space when used as wagon. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and is able to easily climb the hills. The main drawback is the lack of under-seat storage. Click here for more details.

Safety

A great pushchair should come with a number of safety features, including a five point harness for infants. It should be able to fit over the shoulders, around the waist, and between the legs. It is important that the harness does not become loose, and there aren't any places where a child's fingers could get stuck.

Select the brake that best suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and great if you are likely to stop frequently like when you go shopping. Hand brakes are found on a lot of jogger-style pushchairs, and is more appropriate when you will be able to change momentum frequently, like when you go for running. Some pushchairs feature an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a pedal on the bottom of your foot. This is a good choice for parents who are stopping and starting their pushchairs more frequently. It makes it easier to maintain your balance while applying pressure to the wheels.

Verify that the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is especially useful for those who live in areas that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A front wheel that locks can prevent the pushchair from moving away when you are in a hurry or there is a lot of baggage in the back.

Although it might seem like a minor consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can be surprisingly heavy when loaded up with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the item and think about whether you'd be able to lift it into your car boot and up the stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a takeaway coffee.

Buggy, pram, or pushchairs are designed for infants who can sit up. They are usually used after six months. The seat can be placed to face you or away from you depending on the preference of your child to be close to you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs that come with features that are comfortable for parents. Some are more suitable for urban streets or rough terrain but others are not. The type of brake is another aspect to take into consideration. For instance, a foot brake is ideal for easy daily use, while the hand brake that is active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and easy to operate on adventures.

One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not your stroller features a fully lie flat position for babies. Babies need to be in a flat position to help develop their spine, so it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your baby a comfortable nap or time to rest, which will allow for longer outdoor excursions and a happier, healthier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat along with your pushchair, you need to select a model that is compatible with your infant car seat. 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 have an intelligent adaptor for car seats, which allows you to easily connect your car seat. You can use the seat from birth until toddlerhood, and save time and money. Many brands offer a travel bundle which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, along with an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is good suspension - especially on the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving on rough terrain or urban streets, allowing you to move over bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfortable.

You might also want to consider other practical comfort features, like a spacious basket (or separate bag), reclined handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a ventilated hood. All of these features will help you navigate to the city or out in the country, and ensure your little one has the best possible sleep for his longest naps.