Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

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

A quality pushchair provides security and comfort for your child, ease for you and a chance to bond and explore the world together. Find out what to look for when choosing one.

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. This means you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy remains upright when folded, meaning you don't need to be concerned about your child slipping out.

Some of the smaller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they can fit into the boot of your car, which means they're perfect if you're a frequent traveler or have a smaller car boot. Some are day-to-day buggies which take up a smaller amount of space than the average pushchair but still have decent features, like a comfortable recline and light-weight wheels. They're also generally light enough to carry on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed.

The majority of these pushchairs are targeted at older babies and toddlers since they can sit upright, but some offer a lie-flat seat and the option of adding a carrycot that makes them suitable from the time of birth. Some are compatible with travel systems so you can attach a car seat for your baby with just one click.

Although they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggie, many Compact pushchair pushchairs still take up very little space when they're folded with the seat on which is why they're ideal for those who are tight on storage space at their home or in an apartment. They're also lightweight and often come with an umbrella to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very popular pushchair in this class that is a great option for travel because it can be folded one-handed by simply pressing one button. It is also extremely lightweight stroller, making it easy to maneuver even on rough surfaces. It also comes with an outstanding suspension. The seat can rotate to change between parent-facing and world-facing, while the hood can be extended to provide extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller changes form to meet the requirements of families growing. It could be one stroller that converts into a double stroller to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller with the addition of the third seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It's a flexible single to double stroller that is able to be transformed to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for newborns or two toddler seats or even a third child with adapters.

Aside from transforming shape to adjust for different configurations convertible strollers must also offer adjustable features, such as height and reclining. They should come with large, easy-to-grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms or grandmas 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 first-of-its-kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with an incline wagon, removing the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It can be converted quickly and effortlessly into a single stroller or double stroller, without the need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle offer plenty of seating flexibility when being used as a wagon. The Larktale is bulkier than our other top convertibles, but it has excellent maneuverability and is able to easily climb uphills. The biggest issue is the limited under-seat storage. Click here for more information.

Safety

A great pushchair should come with many safety features, including five-point harnesses for babies. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist and also between the legs. It is essential that the harness does not fall off, and that there aren't any places where fingers of children could get stuck.

There are a number of different pushchair brakes to choose from, so pick the one that is most suitable for your lifestyle. The most commonly used brake is a foot brake. It's great if you have to stop frequently such as when you go to the shops. A hand brake is seen on a lot of jogger-style pushchairs and is more useful in situations where you'll be changing momentum often for instance, when going for a run. Some pushchairs have an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a great option for parents who are likely to be frequent stop-and-starts as it makes it easier to keep your balance while still applying pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth determining whether the pushchair has an adjustable front wheel that locks. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas that have steep slopes or uneven terrain. A wheel that locks on the front can prevent the pushchair from slipping away if you are in a rush or have lots of luggage in the rear.

Even though it may appear to be a minor issue, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a small pushchair can become quite heavy when it is loaded with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the pushchair and think about whether you'd be able to lift it into your car boot and then up a flight of stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a takeaway coffee.

A buggy, running pram or pushchair is made for babies who can sit and can be used from 6 months. They come with 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

There are many pushchairs that come with features that are comfortable for parents. Some are better suited to urban streets or rough terrain and others aren't. The type of brake is a different aspect to consider. For example, a foot brake is ideal for easy, everyday use, whereas the hand brakes that are active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and easy to operate when out on adventures.

The capability of your pushchair to allow infants to lie completely flat is among the most important characteristics. Babies should be lying flat in a position to help develop their spine, and it's worth choosing a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your baby a comfortable nap or rest, making more time for outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat along with your pushchair, it's important to get a model that is compatible with your chosen infant car seat. This will make it simple for you to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep the child calm and less agitated.

Some pushchairs have a smart car seat adaptor that allows you to attach your car seat to the frame. The seat can be used from birth to toddlerhood and save money and time. Many brands also offer a travel bundle that includes the carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is good suspension - especially on the front wheels. This can make all the difference when driving on rough terrain or city roads and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while ensuring your baby is comfortable.

Other useful comfort features you may want to look out for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag) and a reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat position and an air-conditioned hood. Having all of these features will assist you navigate to the city or out in the country and ensure that your child has the best quality sleep possible for the longest nap possible.