Choosing a pushchair stroller (recommended)
A pushchair or pram is an essential part of every baby's set. The best prams choice for you depends on your child's age and lifestyle requirements.
Some pushchairs have a fully reclined seat that is suitable for newborns and can be used as early as birth, whereas others are only recommended for use after six months. It's crucial to confirm.
Comfort
A great pushchair must be comfortable for both the baby and parent. This is where the suspension system comes in. If you intend to use your pushchair just for short-distance excursions, a less expensive suspension might suffice. However should you intend to take a stroll in the country or other adventures an upgraded suspension will be required. The design of the seat and the padding are also important in this aspect.
Another important factor is the recline mechanism. The backrest needs to be able to recline flat so that your child can sleep in a flat position. It is also important to think about the ease of use. Some systems come with an elastic strap or drawstring that is difficult to operate with one hand. Other systems are more user-friendly using levered mechanisms.
Many pushchairs have storage facilities to store all those important baby items, such as diapers, snacks and wipes. When choosing a pushchair you should think about this feature as it can make your life much easier and more organized. It is essential to make sure that the storage area is accessible and can be opened and closed with just one hand - especially when you're holding children or trying to manage shopping bags!
The size and type wheels of your pushchair could be crucial, based on how you plan to use it. Larger wheels give you a more stable ride, while smaller wheels are lighter and more maneuverable. Test the maneuverability of a pushchair by adding some weight on its seat and moving it around. Check the brakes and swivel locks, to see whether they work. These features are often not considered, but they can make a huge difference to the usability of your pushchair. Make sure that the pushchair is easily foldable, especially when it is used for transportation and getting off and on trains and buses. Many manufacturers make lightweight pushchairs that can be folded in a matter of seconds. They are also easy to carry around. These are a real bonus for parents who are busy!
Safety
A good pushchair has numerous safety features to guarantee your child's safety in the seat. A five-point safety harness is essential. It has two straps around the shoulders, and two straps around the hips, and one between the legs. This is the most effective way to stop your child from being able to slide out of the seat, however it is crucial to secure it properly.
Flexible tyres: Depending upon your lifestyle your pushchair will need to be able handle various surfaces and terrains. Certain tyres are best suited for city and town life while others are more robust, and you might even choose all-terrain wheels that give the same performance in urban areas as they offer off-road.
Easy-to-use breaks A pushchair must have brakes that are reliable and easy to operate. Look for brakes that can be activated with the press of a single pedal, and check that they're not sagging or dangling in ways that could get stuck on clothing or other objects. Avoid those that require you press both brakes at the same time, since this is dangerous and difficult for newly-born mothers.
Sun canopy - A sun canopy is an essential addition to any pushchair, because it protects your child from the elements and keep them cool. Some models have transparent sections that let parents observe their child without removing it.
Handles - The design of the handle is also crucial, as it determines how it is easy to use your pushchair. Look for handles with ergonomic designs, a grip that feels comfortable in your hand and is at the right height for your age. Choose an unlinked or single handle, and consider whether you'd prefer an umbrella fold for easier storage.
A good pushchair should also come with a basket for storing items, and some even include rain covers. But it is important to keep in mind that a stroller should never be overloaded in order to prevent it to tip over and harm your child. Always read the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the amount of capacity the basket can handle. Also, do not hang bags from the handles.
Design
There are many types of pushchairs ranging from strollers to buggies and prams - so choosing the one that fits your lifestyle is vital. Consider whether you would like it to to fit into the car boot, or to be able to be able to take it off and on public transport. This will affect the ease with which you can use on a regular basis.
If you are planning to go off-road, then consider a bike with suspension that offers the most comfortable ride for your child. Also, consider the style of handlebars. They that can be adjusted to suit individuals of all heights tend to be more comfortable for pushing, especially if you spend long periods of time in the same position. It is also beneficial to have the ability to lock the swivel wheels, which can improve the maneuverability on uneven surfaces.
Similarly, think about the size of the storage basket, as this will have an impact on the amount of stuff you can carry. You might want to consider an extra large basket if you plan on shopping or carrying other baby items, such as bottles or a changing pad. Leg rests that can be adjusted are another useful feature that can help you place your child in the most comfortable position. A majority of pushchairs have the sunshade to shield your child from the sun. If not, you can purchase an extendable parasol with SPF 50+ to attach to the frame.
A pram is designed to fit infants and newborns in a position that allows them to lie down and a pushchair is designed to be used by toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some models are a mix of the two. For instance 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 models have a seat that can face either away from you or towards you.
If you're looking to be able take your stroller to and from public transport, it should be easy to move it up and down the stairs or escalators aswell as fitting through doorways. It can be difficult for some pushchairs to fit through doors. Test it beforehand.
Folding
A pushchair is a child car seat that can accommodate infants, older babies, and children up to age three or four. Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by allowing them to lay flat and facing upwards, or they may come with an adapter for infant car seats to allow you to connect an infant car seat or carrycot which is useful to travel stroller with and parents who would prefer their child to be facing rear all the time.
A good quality pushchair is simple to maneuver and folds flat when not in use. It should also come with a brake system that is responsive for security and comfort as well as an hood to shield the child from wind and sun. Remember that a pushchair needs to be maintained regularly to ensure that it functions effectively.
It should be simple to clean the fabric and any removable parts, such as the hood. The hood can be cleaned by using the attachment of a vacuum cleaner and you can soak the fabric in soapy water and then scrub off any mildew or dirt with a soft brush (do this outdoors to avoid spreading mould). The pushchair should be allowed to completely dry before being used again.
The cheapest and most popular pushchairs are made of aluminum, which is a light frame and hard rubber tires. They are suitable for most surfaces such as urban streets and countryside trails. Some pushchairs are specifically designed for different terrains and come with features like swivel or lockable wheels to tackle tricky turns or rough terrain.
When not in use, a compact and easy-to-fold pushchair can be folded away to save space. It can be tucked away in your living room or tucked away in a trunk to transport. Certain models can be folded with one hand, turning them from a baby chariot to luggage in just a few seconds.
The Cybex Priam pushchair is one of the models, and it's also compatible with the UPPAbaby Piggyback ride-along boards for siblings to join in on the fun. This double stroller is perfect for those looking for a compact, practical pushchair. It has a huge basket and is built to last.