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 infant transport. These baby-chariots can handle any terrain, from crowded streets to rough terrain.

A good pushchair will provide security and comfort for your baby, convenience for you, and an opportunity to explore the world together. Read on to find out what to look for when choosing one.

Folding

When choosing a stroller, parents are often concerned about the ease to fold. The EeZeFold is a standout because it comes with a single-hand fold, which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don't have to balance the two. The buggy remains upright when folded so you don't have to worry about your child falling out.

Some of the really compact folding pushchair pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they can be tucked away into the trunk of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveller or have a smaller car boot. Some are day-to-day buggies which are smaller in size of space than a standard pushchair, but have good features like a good recline and lightweight wheels. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be carried by hand which means that Grandma or Grandad can use them in the event of need.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth, and some have a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They could also be travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame with a single click.

Many compact prams pushchairs prams are still very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're great for people who have a limited storage space at home or in apartments. They're also light and they often come with a raincover to protect them against the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category is foldable with just the press of a button. It is great to travel with because it's easy to fold. It's also extremely light, making it simple to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or towards the parent, and the hood can also be extended to provide extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller changes form to meet the requirements of families growing. It can be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller by adding the third seat. Our top choice, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for infants and toddlers, as well as two toddler seats, and even a third child by the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers should have adjustable features, such as the height and reclining setting. They should also feature large handles that are easy to hold, making it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push chairs and prams. 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 buy separate products. It is quick and easy to convert to a double or single stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and provides the flexibility of seating with its second seat and pull handle when used in wagon mode. Although the Larktale is a little heavier than the other top-rated convertibles, it is extremely maneuverable and can maneuver well over hills. The biggest issue is the limited under-seat storage. Click here for more details.

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, as well as 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 become stuck.

There are a variety of different brakes for pushchairs, so pick the one that best fits your lifestyle. The most common brake is a foot brake. It's a great option if you stop a lot for example, when you go shopping. A hand brake is found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs and is more useful if you are going to frequently change your momentum, such as when using it for an exercise. Some pushchairs feature an active handbrake which you can activate by pressing a pedal on the bottom of your foot. This is a great option for parents who will be stopping and starting more often as it makes it easier to maintain your balance while still applying pressure to the wheels.

Examine if the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This can be very helpful for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable wheel in the front of the pushchair can prevent the pushchair from rolling away when you're in a hurry or have lots of baggage in the rear.

Although it may seem a minor consideration however, the weight of the pushchair is something to bear in mind too. Even a light pushchair can become quite heavy when loaded with a growing infant and shopping bags. Make sure you know the weight of the item and think about whether you'd be able to lift it into your car's boot and up the stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a takeaway coffee.

A buggy, pram or pushchair is designed for babies who sit up and is generally used from 6 months. They have a seat that can face towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs have adjustable seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents love the comfort features of pushchairs - and there are many to choose from. Some are more suitable for urban streets or rough terrain, while others are not. The type of brake is another aspect to take into consideration. A foot brake, for example is the best choice for daily use. An active hand brake used on jogger-style pushchairs is more responsive on an adventure.

One of the most important comfort features is whether or not the pushchair has a full lie flat position for babies. Babies should be in a flat position to help develop their spine, so it's worth choosing a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your child to nap or rest in a comfortable position, allowing for longer outdoor excursions and a more relaxed and healthier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat along with your pushchair, it's essential to select a model that is compatible with the infant car seat. This makes it fast and easy to transfer your child from the car into the pushchair, reducing stress and keeping him calm throughout his outings.

Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats, which allows you to quickly connect your car seat. This means that you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, saving money and hassle. Many brands also offer a travel system bundle that includes the carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is a great suspension - particularly on the front wheels. This can really make the difference when driving on rough roads or in urban areas that allow you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while keeping your baby comfy.

It is also possible to consider other practical features, such as a spacious basket (or separate bag) as well as reclining handles, an adjustable seat and an air-conditioned hood. These features will assist you in navigating across the country or around town and ensure that your child gets the best possible rest for his longest naps.