Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who frequently use public transport or travel by plane, a lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is essential. Find one that folds into a compact and flat shape and is machine-washable to deal with spilled drinks or leaky nappies staining.

We love strollers that glide easily across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs ease. Look for car seat attachments that almost seem like they are installed and a handlebar that is adjustable to accommodate parents of all heights.

Easy of Use

There are various types of reclining pushchairs that suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles. Some are light and compact which makes them easy to fold and transport, while others have a more substantial frame that's more sturdy for long walks or use on rough terrain. Some also have a basket for shopping, or a changing bag so you can carry everything you require with you. Some are made for city living, while others are made for country life or travelling abroad.

Strollers can be used as early as birth. They allow the baby to recline flat, which is beneficial for developing the spine and lungs. Many strollers can be paired with an infant seat or carrycot to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants to toddlers. Certain models come with extra features that are designed to be attractive, like an adjustable handbar that can be adjusted for height with different heights or a spacious basket or rain cover that will ensure your baby is dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs tend to be more suited to city dwellers as they are lightweight and agile, making them easy to move. Four-wheel pushchairs are generally more durable, which is why they are ideal for families that live in rural areas or are planning on spending a lot of time outdoors. Find reviews from other parents who have commented on how easy the stroller is to use - such as how heavy it is or how easy it will be to navigate. It is also important to consider the dimensions of the base and whether your child feels stable in it, particularly in the event that you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants or toddlers to avoid getting trapped. Make sure the base is stable and wide. You can test it by placing the weight on it or hanging bags to test how it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller aren't enough that children's legs won't slip through. Also, make sure the handlebars are placed at waist level or slightly below to allow for a more ergonomic use. Another essential feature is a brake that locks the rear wheels and is simple to use. You should search for a model with brakes integrated into the wheels, rather than on the frame. This will help prevent pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers have a seat that can recline into a flat position which makes them suitable for babies. It is recommended that babies lay flat for their first few months to allow breathing and head control reasons. Some pushchairs may be described as having a reclined seat, but they don't. Be sure to check.

The stroller should have an adjustable five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one for the crotch) Similar to the straps found in car seats. This is crucial to prevent a child from falling out of the pushchair and also to protect the child from being pushed over or out by vehicles that are passing or other pedestrians.

Make sure that the stroller is equipped with a parking brake that's easy to use and locks the front two wheels. This will stop the stroller from moving away when you are unloading or loading children, or stopping to rest.

Comfort

You'll want to feel comfortable regardless of whether you're pushing a toddler, or carrying a bag of nappies and takeaway coffee. Picking a stroller with large, tough puncture-proof wheels that can glide across rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will help you do just that.

A pushchair that is small and folds easily can help. It can be difficult to squeeze a large pushchair into the boot of your car or climb a flight of stairs, particularly if you have a toddler along with you. Think about what you intend to use it for, and the weather conditions. A stroller that has an hood can shield your child from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams.

The final factor of comfort is how easy it is to control and steer the stroller. Look out for our reviewers' comments on maneuverability, which takes into account things like how well strollers pirouette across different surfaces and how it is easy to push it up hills.

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

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

Style

While the jargon around prams, strollers, 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 designed to take your baby from A to B. Consider the way you'll use it and then look for features that will suit your life style.

If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, like sand and muddy fields it is possible to require a stroller with all-terrain tires that are puncture proof. They should also have a suspension system to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot during long walks, you may want to consider a parasol that will shade them from the sun's rays or a cooling device to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs allow you to choose to have your baby to face you for reassurance or to look outwards to explore the world. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that can be turned to face you, or away from you. Some also have the option of a lie-flat recline for infants. Some also have an adapter for car seats, are Isofix compatible or are 3 in 1 systems so you can use them from birth.

Another alternative is a twin pushchair, which allows you to transport two children at the same at the same time. There are models that have one or two independent seats, which are lightweight compact and have plenty of storage, larger canopy, and a more moveable wheels. A few of our test participants loved the idea of a dual pushchair, but found some handlebar adjustments difficult to operate with one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point and this led to many pushing their hands towards the frame. Some systems that permit parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were simpler to use for parents with larger hands.

Storage

The amount of storage space on a stroller or pushchair deals could influence the choice of buying it. Take a look at the space under the seat, in the footwell and in the basket to determine the amount of space you can squeeze in. This will be a big aspect if you plan to purchase additional pushchair accessories like a parent tray or a travel changing bag.

A tray for parents can make it easier to use the stroller by offering additional storage for snacks and essentials. However, it can also add weight to the stroller as well as its folding size can make it heavy and awkward. It's important to keep in mind that most parent trays come with small cup holders. This could cause items to fall out of the tray when traveling or walking.

You should consider purchasing a large stroller that is bassinet-compatible for if you intend to carry your baby from birth. These products have more spacious storage baskets, fully-covered canopy and reclined seats. However, they often have a price tag that's substantially higher than a lightweight or compact stroller.

The ability to maneuver is an essential aspect of a stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer when empty, and how smoothly it moves across different surfaces, such as grass or pavements. It's important to note that this quality degrades over 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 in conjunction with an infant car seat and transformed into an adult pushchair by using adapters. This makes the transition from stroller to pram easier as your child develops.