Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

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

A good pushchair offers comfort and safety for your child, ease for you and the chance to bond and explore the world together. Find out what to look for when buying one.

Folding

One of the main features that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting a buggy is how easy it is to fold. The EeZeFold is a standout because it features a one-handed fold that allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you do not have to manage the two. The buggy is stable when folded so you don't have to worry about your child falling out.

Some folding pushchairs are compact enough that they can be tucked away in your car's boot. They're great for frequent travel or when you have a smaller vehicle. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for everyday use, which have smaller footprints than standard pushchair, but provide decent features like a good recline or lightweight wheels. They're also generally lightweight enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

The majority of these pushchairs are designed at toddlers and older children since they can sit up, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option of adding a carrycot to make them suitable for babies from birth. They could also be travel system compatible, so you can attach an infant car seat to the frame in just a click.

A lot of compact pushchairs are extremely compact when folded with the seat attached. They're perfect for those who have a limited storage space at home, or who live in apartments. They are also lightweight, and they often have a rain cover to protect them against the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very popular pushchair in this class, which is a great option for traveling as it can be folded one-handed by pressing the button. It is also extremely light, making it simple to maneuver even on rough surfaces. It also has a great suspension. The seat rotates to change between parent-facing and world-facing, while the hood can be extended to provide extra protection and protection from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller changes shape to fit the needs of growing families. It could be a single stroller that transforms into a double stroller to accommodate children, or a triple stroller by adding an additional seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a versatile stroller that can be transformed to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for newborns, two toddler seats, or even a third child by using adapters.

Apart from changing shape to adjust for different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features, such as recline and height settings. They should also feature large handles that are easy to grip, making it easy for dad, mom or grandma to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs as they are made up of more components.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a unique model that combines a fully-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It is able to convert quickly and easily into a single stroller or a double stroller, with no need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle provide the flexibility of seating when being used as an actual wagon. The Larktale is heavier than our other top-rated convertibles however it offers excellent maneuverability and can easily handle the hills. Its biggest flaw is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for additional information.

Safety

A quality pushchair will come with numerous safety features, such as a five-point harness for the baby. The harness should fit over the shoulders and around the waist and also between the legs. It is important that the harness doesn't fall off, and that there aren't any areas where fingers of children could get stuck.

There are many different pushchair brakes available so pick the one that best suits your lifestyle. The most commonly used brake is one that is a foot brake. It's great when you frequently stop such as when you go shopping. A hand brake is seen on many jogger style pushchairs travel systems, and is more appropriate when you will be changing momentum often such as when using it for a run. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake that works by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a great option for parents who will be stopping and starting their pushchairs more often. It helps to maintain your balance while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth checking whether the stroller has an option to lock the front wheel. This can be very helpful for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable wheel on the front can prevent the pushchair rolling away if you're in a hurry or have a lot of luggage in the rear.

While it may appear to be a minor issue it is important to consider the weight of the stroller. Even a light pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Make sure you know the weight of the item and consider whether you would be in a position to lift it into your car boot and up flights of stairs while balancing a toddler and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.

Buggy prams, pushchairs, or prams are designed for infants who can sit up. They are generally used after six months. They have seats that can be oriented toward you to bond with you and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable handlebars, seat positions and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents enjoy the comfort features of pushchairs - and there are many to choose from. Certain models are better suited for urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is also something to take into consideration. For instance, a foot brake is great for daily use, while the hand brake that is active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and easy to operate when out on adventures.

The capacity of your pushchair to allow newborns to lie flat is among its most important characteristics. Babies need to be in a flat position to help them develop their spines, so it's worth choosing a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your child to rest or nap in a comfortable position, allowing for more time outdoors and a happier and healthier child.

If you're planning on using a car seat with your pushchair, it's important 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 stress and ensuring he's calm during his outings.

Some pushchairs have an intelligent adaptor for car seats that enables you to easily connect 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 crucial comfort feature is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can make a big difference when driving over rough roads or in city streets, allowing you move over bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfortable.

Other useful comfort features you may want to look for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag) and a the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat, and a ventilated hood. All of these features will help you to navigate your way through the country or town, and ensure your child gets the best quality sleep possible for his longest naps.