Choosing strollers pushchairs (Continued)

A lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is essential to those who regularly take public transportation or hop on and off flights. Find one that folds flat and compactly, and is machine-washable to deal with spilled drinks and leaky diaper stains.

We love strollers that glide effortlessly over pavements and can be mounted easily. Look for car seat attachments that almost seem like they are installed and a handlebar that adjusts to fit parents of all sizes.

Simple to Use

There are a variety of strollers pushchairs to suit every budget and lifestyle. Some are light and compact, making them easy to fold and carry, while others feature larger frames that are more robust for long walks and use on rough terrain. A lot of them also come with a basket for shopping, or a changing bag so you can take everything you need with you. Some are designed to be used in the city, while others are designed for travel or country living.

Strollers are generally suitable from birth, allowing babies to recline flat and is recommended for healthy lung and spinal development. Many can also attach a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat, making them portable systems that can be used from birth to toddlerhood. Some offer extra design elements, like a height-adjustable handlebar for parents with different heights, as well as a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to help keep your baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs work better for city dwellers, as they're usually lightweight and agile, making them easy to maneuver. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and suitable for families who live in rural areas or those who intend to spend most of their time outdoors. When selecting a pushchair, look for reviews from other parents who discuss the ease of using it for instance, how much it weighs and how easy it is to navigate. It's also worth noticing how big the base is and if it's stable enough for your child to use, particularly if you're planning to take the stroller off-road or on rough terrain.

Safety

Strollers must be safe for infants and toddlers to avoid entrapment or other injuries. Find a base that doesn't easily tip and make sure you can test the safety harness by putting weight on it or hanging bags from it, to see how stable it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller are narrow enough that children's legs won't slip through. Also, ensure the handlebars are at waist level or strollers pushchairs just below to allow for a more ergonomic use. A brake that is simple to operate and secures the back wheels is another essential feature. You should search for a model that has brakes that are integrated into the wheels rather than on the frame. This will help stop pinch points and choke dangers.

Many strollers have seats that recline to a lie-flat position which makes them suitable for infants. It is recommended that babies lie down for their first few months for breathing and head control. Some pushchairs may be described as having a reclined seat but they don't. Check carefully.

The stroller should have a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders and two straps for the thighs, and one for the crotch) Similar to the straps found in car seats. This is vital to protect children from falling out of the pushchair and prevents them from being pulled over or pushed out by vehicles that are passing or other pedestrians.

Make sure that the stroller is equipped with a parking brake that is easy to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will help to stop the stroller from rolling away when you're loading or unloading your child or when you're stopping to take a break.

Comfort

You'll want to feel comfortable, whether you're pushing a toddler, or carrying a diaper bag and coffee to take home. Picking a stroller with large, tough wheels that are puncture-proof and can easily glide over rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will allow you to do just that.

A pushchair that folds effortlessly and compactly will also help. It can be a real hassle to squeeze an enormous pushchair into and out of the car's boot, or climb up a flight of stairs - especially with a toddler growing in the rear. It's also worth thinking about what you'll use it for and what the weather forecast will be like - so selecting a stroller with a hood that fully protects your child from wind, rain and sunbeams is a great idea.

The last factor that affects comfort is the ease to control and steer the stroller. Watch out for our reviewers’ comments on maneuverability. This is a way to gauge how the stroller glides across different surfaces, and how easily it can be pushed up hills.

Many pushchairs come with useful accessories that can help keep your baby cool or warm - from footmuffs to fans. Some brands even have their own nappy changing bags to make the journey with your baby easier.

A travel system offers greater flexibility. It consists of a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit which can be positioned either front-facing or parent-facing, and a bassinet or carrycot. You can take the car seat out and on the chassis as required without disturbing your baby. The perfect solution if you're on the go regularly and frequently need to change your travel plan.

Style

While the terminology used for strollers cheap pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that they all have in common. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're made to get your baby from A to B. Consider how you will utilize it and pick features that are compatible with your lifestyle.

For instance, if going to spend lots of time walking on uneven surfaces such as fields that are muddy or sand-covered, you may want an all-terrain pushchair with large, sturdy puncture proof wheels and a suspension to make it more comfortable for your infant. If your baby gets hot on long walks, you might want a parasol to shield them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs can be adjusted in their seats so you can choose whether your baby faces you to reassure them or faces the world to explore it. Some carrycots have a seat unit that can be turned to face you or away from you and some have the full lie-flat recline, which is ideal for infants. Some have an adapter for cars, Isofix compatibility or 3 in 1 systems that can be used as early as.

Another option is a twin pushchair, which lets you transport two children at the time. There are models that have two or one seat that are independent, which are lightweight compact and have plenty of storage space, larger canopies, and more easily maneuverable wheels. Some of our testers loved the concept of a dual pushchair but found some handlebar adjustments difficult to operate with one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which led some to push their hands into the frame. Some systems that allow parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were more convenient to use for taller parents.

Storage

The amount of storage space available in a stroller will affect the decision to purchase it. Examine the space available under the seat, in the footwell, as well as the large basket. This will be a big factor if you're planning to purchase additional pushchair accessories, such as the tray for parents or the travel changing bag.

A tray for parents can improve ease of use by providing extra storage for snacks and other essentials. It can also make the stroller bulky and difficult to fold. It's important to keep it in mind that the majority of tray for parents feature shallow cup holders. This can cause things to fall out of the tray when traveling or walking.

You should consider purchasing a large, bassinet-compatible stroller If you are planning to carry your baby from birth. These models come with bigger storage baskets, canopies with full coverage and reclined seats. They tend to be more expensive than a compact stroller or a lightweight stroller.

Maneuverability is a critical feature of any stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer when empty, and how well it can roll across different surfaces, like grass or pavements. It's worth noting that this quality decreases with time as your child grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are designed to work as a complete travel system, which means they can be used with an infant car seat, and converted to an adult pushchair by using adapters. This can make the transition from stroller into pram easier as your child grows.