Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A lightweight and comfortable pushchair is essential for those who often use public transportation or take flights that are frequently hopping on and off. Pick a model that can be folded flat and compactly and machine washable to clean stains from spilt beverages or leaking diapers.

We love strollers that can easily glide across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs with ease. Find car seat attachments that install themselves, and the handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of any height.

Simple to Use

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Some are light and compact, and easy to fold and transport and store, while others are built with solid frames that are more robust for long walks and use on uneven terrain. Many also feature a basket for shopping or changing bags so that you can carry everything you require with you. Some are designed for use in cities, whereas others are designed for travel or country living.

Strollers are usually suitable from birth, allowing babies to recline in a flat posture that is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with an infant seat or carrycot to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants to toddlers. Some of them have additional design elements such as a height-adjustable handlebar for parents with different heights, as well as a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to help you keep baby dry.

Generally speaking, three-wheel pushchairs are ideal for urban dwellers, because they're typically light, agile and easy to manoeuvre. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and perfect for families who live in rural areas, or who plan to spend a lot of their time outdoors. Check out reviews from other parents who have commented on how easy the stroller is to use - like the weight of the pushchair or how easy it can be to navigate. It's also worth noticing the size of the base and whether it's sturdy enough for your child to use, particularly if you're planning to use the pushchair off-road or on rough terrain.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants and toddlers to prevent entrapment. Make sure you choose a sturdy base that won't tip easily and be sure to test the safety harness by putting weight on it, or hanging bags from it, to determine how stable it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller are small enough to ensure that a child's legs aren't slipping through. Also, make sure the handlebars sit at waist level or a little below to allow for a more ergonomic use. Another important feature is brakes that lock the rear wheels and is simple to use. Choose models that have brakes built into the wheels instead of only on the frame as this can help to keep them free from pinch points and choke dangers.

Many strollers have a seat that can recline to a flat position which is ideal for babies. It is recommended that babies lie flat for the first few months for breathing and head control. However, some pushchairs are advertised as having a reclining chair, but they don't actually offer this make sure you check.

The stroller should be equipped with a five-point adjustable harness (two straps for the shoulders and two straps for the thighs, and one for the crotch) Similar to the ones found in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out and being pulled away by pedestrians or vehicles.

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

Comfort

You want to be comfortable, whether you're pushing your toddler or carrying a diaper bag and takeaway coffee. You can achieve this by selecting a stroller with is large, sturdy, puncture-proof tires that are able to glide over rough terrain. It should also have a super-smooth and smooth suspension.

A compact pushchair and folds easily can be useful. It can be a real pain trying to jam a bulky pushchair in and out of the car boot or struggle up flights of stairs, especially with a growing toddler in the back. It's also worth thinking about the purpose for which you'll use it and what the weather is likely to be like. Hence, opting for a stroller with an hood that completely shields your child from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is an excellent idea.

The final factor of comfort is the ease to control and steer the stroller. Be sure to check out our reviewers' comments on maneuverability, which takes into account things like how well a stroller pirouettes across different surfaces, and how it is easy to push it up hills.

Many pushchairs include accessories that can help keep your baby cool or warm - such as fans and footmuffs. Some brands have their own nappy bags that help you travel with your baby.

A travel system offers greater flexibility. It is comprised of a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit that can be placed parent-facing or forward-facing and a bassinet as well as a carrycot. You can easily remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without waking your baby. The perfect solution if you're constantly on the move and often have to alter your travel plan.

Style

There are a few commonalities among all the different kinds of strollers, buggies, pushchairs and prams. The most important thing to remember is that they're made to get your baby from A to B. Consider how you'll use it and then look for features that are appropriate to your life style.

If you plan to walk on uneven surfaces, like sand and muddy fields it is possible to require a stroller with all-terrain wheels that are puncture proof. They should also feature a suspension system to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your child gets hot during long walks, you might want a parasol to shade them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs have adjustable seat positions so you can decide if your baby is facing you for reassurance or the world to discover it. Some pushchairs have a carrycot that can be flipped to face you or away from you. Others offer an infant recline that is lie-flat. Some also have a car seat adapter, are Isofix compatible or are three-in-one systems, which means you can use them from birth.

Another option is a twin jogging pushchair that allows you to transport two children at the simultaneously. You can find models with one or two separate seat units, are lightweight and compact with plenty of storage space, larger canopies and more maneuverable wheels. Some of our testers loved the idea of a dual-Pushchair for twins however, they found the handlebar adjustments difficult to operate using just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point and this caused many to push their hands close to the frame. Other systems that allow telescopically moving in and out of the frames' sides were more convenient to use even for parents with larger hands.

Storage

The amount of storage available on a stroller or pushchair will affect your decision to purchase it. Examine the space underneath the seat or pushchair for Twins in the footwell, and in the large basket to determine the amount of space you can squeeze in. This is a crucial factor if you're planning to purchase additional pushchair accessories like a parent tray or an extra travel bag for changing.

A tray for parents can improve ease of use by providing extra storage for snacks and other necessities. It can also make the stroller bulky and difficult to fold. It is important to keep in mind that many of the trays for parents come with shallow cup holders. This can cause items to fall out of the tray when traveling or strolling.

If you plan to carry your baby from birth, consider purchasing a large-sized stroller that can accommodate bassinets. These products have more spacious storage baskets, fully-covered canopy and reclined seats. However, they typically come with a price tag that's significantly higher than a lightweight or compact stroller.

The ability to maneuver is an essential characteristic of any stroller. It determines how easy it is to steer when empty, and how smoothly it moves over different surfaces, such as grass or pavements. This quality will decrease over time as you and your baby grow, and the weight of the stroller increases.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted into a toddler pushchair suitable from birth making use of adapters. They are designed to fit an infant car seats. This can make it easier to transition from pram to stroller as your child gets older and is particularly beneficial in the event that you're lacking storage space at home.