Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also referred to as a buggy, pram or stroller, is the Swiss knife of infant transport. From navigating crowded streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been built to conquer all types of surfaces.

A good pushchair will offer security and comfort to your child, convenience to you, and a chance for you both to bond and explore together. Find out what to consider when you are buying a pushchair.

Folding

When choosing a stroller, many parents are concerned with the ease to fold it. A true standout is the EeZeFold, which has an amazing one-handed fold that allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy, meaning you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don't need to be concerned about your child getting out.

Some folding pushchairs are compact enough that they can be tucked away in your car's boot. They're perfect for frequent travel or those with a small vehicle. Some are day-to-day buggies which are smaller in size of space than a standard pushchair but still come with decent features like a good recline and wheels that are lightweight. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be able to be carried by hand which means that Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.

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

Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact stroller pushchairs still take up a tiny space when folded with the seat in which is why they're ideal for those short on storage space at their home or in an apartment. They're also lightweight and often have an umbrella to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another extremely popular pushchair in this category that is a great option for travel because it can fold one-handed by pressing a button. It's also incredibly light, making it easy to handle on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can rotate to turn from parent-facing to the world, and the hood can be extended to provide extra protection and protection from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the needs of growing families. It can be used as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for children and even turn into a triple stroller by the addition of a third seat or ride-along board. 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 newborns, one or two toddler seats and a third child by the use of adapters.

Apart from changing shape to accommodate different configurations convertible strollers must also offer adjustable features like height and reclining. They should also have large, easy-to-grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads or grandmas to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs because they are made up of more components.

Larktale's cross-over stroller/wagon, the first of its kind it is a stroller that can be used as a wagon. Parents do not have to buy separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and offers the flexibility of seating with its second seat as well as a pull handle when used in wagon mode. While the Larktale is a bit bulkier than some of our other top-rated convertibles, it is very maneuverable and can be maneuvered well over hills. The main issue is the limited storage underneath the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A good pushchair will have many safety features, including a five-point harness for the baby. This should fit over the shoulders, around the waist and between the legs. It is important that the harness doesn't fall off, and that there aren't any areas that children's fingers might be stuck.

There are a variety of different pushchair brakes to choose from, and you should choose one that best suits your needs. A foot brake is the most common and pram with car seat is ideal if you are likely to stop often such as when shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature hand brakes. This is useful in situations where you have to change your speed often, like when you run. Some pushchairs come with an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a good option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more frequently because it allows you to maintain your balance and apply pressure to the wheels.

Verify that the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is extremely beneficial for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A front wheel that locks can help to prevent the pushchair from moving away in a rush or there is a large amount of baggage in the back.

Although it may seem a minor consideration however, the weight of the pushchair is something you need to bear in mind too. Even a light pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Examine the weight of your pushchair and determine whether you can carry it up a flight of stairs and into the trunk of your car, while carrying the toddler.

A buggy, pram or pushchair is designed for babies who sit up and is typically used from six months. They come with seats that can be oriented towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.

Comfort

There are a variety of pushchairs with features for comfort that parents love. Certain models are better suited for rough terrain or city streets than others and the type of brake is another factor to take into consideration. 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.

One of the most important aspects of comfort is whether or not your pushchair has a full lie flat position for infants. It's important to choose the pushchair with this feature from the beginning. This will allow your baby to develop their spine into a flat position. This will allow your child to sleep or relax comfortably, which will allow for more time outdoors as well as a happier and healthier child.

It is essential to select a pushchair that is compatible with the infant car seat you have chosen. This will make it simple for you to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep the child calm and less agitated.

Some pushchairs prams have an intelligent adaptor for car seats that enables you to quickly attach your car seat. It is possible to use the seat from birth until toddlerhood and save time and money. Many brands offer a bundle that includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, along with a footmuff, all in one purchase.

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

Other practical comfort features that you may want to look for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag) and a reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat position and the hood that is ventilated. Having all of these features will allow you navigate your way through the country or town and ensure that your child has the best sleep possible for his longest naps.