Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a pram pushchair, buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss army knife of infant transport. From navigating crowded streets to navigating rough terrain, these baby-chariots are built to conquer all types of terrain.

A quality pushchair will provide security and comfort for your baby, ease for you, and the possibility for you to explore and bond. Find out what to consider when purchasing one.

Folding

When selecting a stroller, parents are often concerned about how easy it will be to fold it. The most notable is the EeZeFold that has an amazing one-handed fold that allows you to hold your child while folding the buggy, meaning that you don't have to switch between the two. The buggy is stable when folded so you don't have to be concerned about your child getting out.

Some of the really compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they can be tucked away in the boot of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveller or have a smaller car boot. There are also day-today buggies that take up a smaller amount of space than the typical pushchair but still come with decent features such as a great recline and lightweight wheels. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be carried with hand, so Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.

The majority of these pushchairs are designed at toddlers and older children because they can sit upright, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option of adding a carrycot that makes them suitable from the time of birth. Some are travel system compatible so you can attach an infant car seat to your infant with just a click.

While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when they're folded with the seat on, so they're perfect for those who are tight on storage space at their home or in an apartment. They are also lightweight, and they often have a rain cover to protect them against the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category, can be folded using just one hand by pressing a button. It's ideal for travel because it is easy to fold. It is also extremely light, making it simple to maneuver even on rough surfaces. It also has a great suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or the parent and the hood can also be extended to provide extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the demands of growing families. It can begin as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for siblings and even turn into a triple stroller by the addition of a third seat or ride-along board. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet or car seat for infants as well as one or two toddler seats and even a third child by the use of adapters.

Apart from changing shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features like recline and height settings. They should come with large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads or stroller newborn grandmas to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers usually have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more stable and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of gear.

Larktale's new crossover stroller/wagon is a first of its kind, includes a single stroller and a wagon. Parents do not have to buy separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and offers the flexibility of seating with its second seat as well as a pull handle when it is in wagon mode. The Larktale is more bulky than the other convertibles we have rated top-rated however it offers excellent maneuverability and is able to easily climb uphills. The biggest issue is the lack of storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A well-constructed pushchair should have numerous safety features, such as five-point harnesses for the infant. The harness should be able to fit over shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is also essential that the harness isn't loose and has no areas where a child could get their fingers stuck.

There are many different brakes for pushchairs, and you should choose one that best suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most popular and ideal for those who are likely to stop a lot such as when shopping. A hand brake is seen on many jogger style pushchairs and is more useful when you will frequently change your momentum, for instance, when going for running. Some pushchairs have an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a great option for parents who are stopping and starting their pushchairs more often. It helps to keep your balance while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth checking whether the stroller has a lockable front wheel. This is especially useful for those who live in areas that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A wheel lockable on the front can prevent the pushchair from slipping away if you're in a hurry or have a lot of baggage in the rear.

Although it might appear to be a minor issue, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can be surprisingly heavy when loaded up with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to check the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be capable of lifting it into your car's boot and up the stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.

Buggy, pram sale, or pushchairs are designed for babies that can sit up. They are usually used after six months. They have a seat that can face both towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents love the comfort features of pushchairs - and there are plenty to choose from. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets and others aren't. The type of brake is a different aspect to consider. For instance, a foot brake is ideal for easy daily use, whereas an active hand brake found on jogger style pushchairs [helpful resources] can be more responsive and simpler to operate on adventures.

One of the most important aspects of comfort is whether or not your pushchair is able to lie completely flat position for newborns. It is essential to select a pushchair that has this feature right from birth. This will allow your baby to develop their spine in a flat position. This will allow your baby a relaxing nap or a rest, allowing the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child.

If you're planning on using a car seat along with your pushchair, you need to select a model that is compatible with your infant car seat. This will make it easier to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.

Some pushchairs come with a smart car seat adaptor that lets you easily attach your car seat to the frame. 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, Prams Pushchairs Prams as well as an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is a great suspension - particularly on the front wheels. This can make a big difference when driving on rough roads or in urban streets, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surface without difficulty while keeping your baby safe.

Other useful comfort features you should look for include a spacious shopping basket (or even an additional bag) and a adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat position and the hood that is ventilated. All of these features can help you navigate through the city or country and make sure that your child gets the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.