Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

If you frequently use public transport or travel by plane, a lightweight and comfortable pushchair is essential. Pick a model that can be folded flat and compactly and machine washable to clean stains from spilt beverages or leaky nappies.

We love strollers that glide easily across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs ease. Look for car seat attachments that install themselves, and the handlebar that can be adjusted to suit parents of all heights.

Easy of Use

There are a variety of strollers and pushchairs that will suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are lightweight and compact pushchair and easy to fold and transport some have strong frames that are more durable for long walks as well as use on uneven terrain. Some also have a basket for shopping, or changing bags so that you can take everything you need. Some are made to be used in urban areas, whereas others are designed for travel or for country living.

Strollers are typically suitable from birth, allowing babies to recline flat, which is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. Some can also be connected to an infant carrycot or car seat and are therefore portable systems that can be used from birth to toddlerhood. Some offer extra 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 keep baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs are better suited for urban dwellers because they are light and agile, making them easy to move around. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, which is why they are perfect for families who live in rural areas or who plan to spend a significant amount of time in the outdoors. Check out reviews from parents who express their opinions on how easy the stroller is to operate, such as how heavy it is or how easy it will be to navigate. Also, consider the dimensions of the base and whether your child is stable in it, especially when you intend to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants or toddlers to prevent entrapment. Make sure you choose a sturdy base that isn't likely to tip and ensure you test the safety harness by placing weight on it, or hanging bags from it to test how stable it feels. Also check the leg openings aren't large enough to keep a baby's legs from slipping through and that the handles are at waist-level or slightly lower for more comfortable use. A brake that's easy to operate and secures the back wheels is an important feature. It is recommended to look for a model with brakes integrated into the wheels, rather than on the frame. This will help avoid pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers come with a seat that can recline to a flat position, making them ideal for newborns. It is recommended that babies lie flat for the first few months for breathing and head control. Some pushchairs advertise having a reclining chair, but do not actually have this feature, so check carefully.

The stroller should be equipped with a five-point adjustable harness (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs, and one around the crotch), similar to those used in car seats. This is vital to protect children from falling out of the stroller and helps to prevent the child from being pushed over or pushed out by passing vehicles or other pedestrians.

Check that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake to use and locks the front two wheels. This will stop the stroller rolling away when you're loading or unloading your child or stopping to rest.

Comfort

Whether you're pushing your child around or lugging a shopping bag packed with nappies and a takeaway coffee, you'll want to feel secure when you're out and about. Picking a stroller with large, tough puncture-proof wheels that glide over rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will ensure you have the ability to do that.

Having a pushchair that folds easily and compactly will help. It can be a hassle to squeeze an enormous pushchair into and out of the car's boot or struggle up flights of stairs, especially with a growing toddler in the rear. Think about what you intend to use it for, as well as the conditions. A stroller with an hood can shield your child from rain, wind and sunbeams.

The final comfort consideration is how easy it is to steer and control. Check out our reviewers' comments on maneuverability, which take into account things like the ease with which strollers pirouette across different surfaces, and how it is easy to push it up hills.

Many pushchairs include accessories that can aid in keeping your baby cool or warm - such as fans and footmuffs. Some brands even come with their own nappy changing bags that make the journey with your baby simpler.

For added flexibility, opt for a travel system that includes the frame of a stroller (called the chassis) with the seat unit which can be parent-facing or front-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. You can pop the car seat off and put it back on the chassis as necessary without disturbing your baby. This is a great solution if you're constantly on the move and frequently need to change your journey plan.

Style

There are some commonalities among the various types of buggies, strollers, 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 be using it and search for features that are appropriate to your life style.

For instance, if you're going to spend lots of time on uneven surfaces, such as sand or muddy fields you may want an all-terrain stroller with big, tough puncture-proof wheels and a suspension to make it more comfortable for your baby. If your baby is hot on long walks you may want to consider a parasol to shield them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs allow you to choose whether you want your baby facing you for safety, or outwards to explore the world. Some carrycots have a seat unit that can flip to face you or away from you and some offer an all-flat recline that is suitable for babies. Some also come with a car seat adapter that is Isofix compatible, or are three-in-one systems that allow you to use them right from birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair that allows you to transport two children at the time. There are models that have two or more independent seat units, which are light and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies and more movable wheels. Several of our testers liked the idea of a double pushchair however they found that certain handlebar adjustment systems were difficult to operate with one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which caused some to put their hands against the frame. Other systems that allow telescopically moving in and out of the frame's sides were simpler to use even for parents who are taller.

Stores

The amount of storage available on a pushchair or stroller can impact the choice of buying it. Examine the space underneath the seat, in the footwell and in the large basket to determine how much you can fit. This is a major factor if you're planning on buy additional pushchair accessories like the tray for parents or the travel changing bag.

A tray for the parent can make it easier to use the stroller by providing extra storage space for snacks and essentials. However, it can add weight to the stroller and increase its folding size can make it heavy and awkward. It's important to keep it in mind that many of the trays for parents have small cup holders. This can cause things to fall out of the tray while traveling or strolling.

If you intend to carry your baby until birth, consider purchasing a full-sized stroller that can accommodate a bassinet. These products feature larger storage baskets, canopies with full coverage, and reclining seats. However, they usually come with prices that are much higher than a smaller or lighter stroller.

Maneuverability is an essential feature of any stroller. It determines how easy it is to steer when empty and how smoothly it moves across different surfaces, like pavements or grass. This quality will diminish as you and your baby increase in size, and the weight of the pushchair grows.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted into a toddler pushchair by making use of adapters. They are designed to fit an infant car seats. This can ease the transition from stroller to pram as your child grows older, which is particularly helpful if you're short on storage space at home.