Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A light and easy-to-use pushchair is essential to those who often use public transportation or take flights that are frequently hopping on and off. Look for a model that folds into a compact and flat shape and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilled drinks or leaky diaper stains.

We enjoy strollers that glide easily on pavements and kerbs effortlessly. Look for car seat attachments that appear to be self-installing and a handlebar that adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.

Easy of Use

There are various types of pushchairs for all budgets and lifestyles. Some are lightweight and compact, making them easy to fold and move and store, while others feature 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 you can take everything you need. Some are designed to be used in cities, whereas others are for travelling or country living.

Strollers are typically suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline flat that is recommended for their health 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 until toddlerhood. Some come with additional design features, like a height-adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents of different heights and a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to keep baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs are better suited for urban dwellers because they are lightweight and agile. They are also easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs tend to be more durable, which is why they are ideal for families living in rural areas or who plan to spend a lot of time in the outdoors. Look for reviews by other parents who comment on how easy the pushchair is to use, such as how heavy it is or how easy it can be to steer. It's also worth noticing how large the base and if it's sturdy enough for your child, particularly if you're planning to use the pushchair off-road or on difficult terrain.

Safety

Strollers must be safe for toddlers and infants to avoid entrapment or other injuries. Check for a base that is stable and wide. You can test it by putting the weight on it or hanging bags to test how it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller aren't enough to ensure that a child's legs won't slip through. Also, ensure the handlebars sit at waist level or slightly below for an ergonomic use. Another essential feature is a brake that locks the rear wheels and is easy to use. You should look for a model that has brakes built into the wheels instead of being on the frame. This will help to prevent pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers come with seats that recline into a lie-flat position which makes them suitable for newborns. It is recommended that babies lie flat during the first few months for breathing and head control. However, some pushchairs are advertised as having a reclining seat, but do not actually have this feature make sure you check.

Ensure the stroller has an adjustable five-point harness (two straps that go over shoulders, two for the thighs and one around the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out and being pulled out by pedestrians or vehicles.

Make sure the stroller has an easy parking brake that is easy to activate and that locks the front wheels. This will stop the stroller from rolling away while you're loading or unloading your child or when you're stopping to rest.

Comfort

You want to be comfortable whether you're pushing your toddler or carrying a backpack full of nappies and takeaway coffee. Selecting a stroller that has big sturdy, puncture-proof wheels that glide over rough terrain and a super-smooth suspension will help you have the ability to do that.

A compact pushchair and folds up easily can help. It can be a real pain trying to jam the bulky stroller in and out of the car's boot or struggle up flights of stairs, especially with a toddler growing in the rear. It's also worth thinking about the purpose for which you'll use it and what the weather forecast will be like - so opting for a stroller with a hood that fully protects your child from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is a good idea.

The last factor that affects comfort is the ease to control and steer the pushchair. Watch out for our reviewers' feedback on maneuverability. This includes things like how the stroller glides across various surfaces and how it is easy to push up hills.

Many pushchairs and strollers have accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool - such as footmuffs and fans. Certain brands even have their own nappy bags designed to make travelling easier with baby.

To increase your flexibility, go for a travel set-up - a stroller frame (called the chassis) with a seat unit that can be front-facing or rear-facing as well as a bassinet or carrycot. You can take the car seat out and on the chassis as necessary without having to wake your baby. This is the ideal solution for those who are always on the move and need to change their plans for travel.

Style

There are some commonalities between all the different types of buggies, strollers, prams and pushchairs. Keep in mind that they're designed to get your baby from point A to point B. Think about how you'll use it and select features that are compatible with your lifestyle.

If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, such as fields with muddy soil, you may need a pushchair with all-terrain wheels that are puncture-proof. They should also come with a suspension system to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby is hot during long walks, you may want to consider a parasol to protect them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs let you choose to have your baby to face you to provide reassurance, or outwards to explore the world. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that can be turned to face you or away from you. Others offer an infant recline that is lie-flat. Some come with a car adapter, Isofix compatibility or 3 in 1 systems that you can use as early as.

Another alternative is a twin pushchair which allows you to carry two children at the at the same time. There are models with one or two independent seats, are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies and more movable wheels. Some of our testers loved the idea of a dual-pushchair but found some adjustments to the handlebar difficult where to buy pushchairs control with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which caused many to push their hands against the frame. Some systems that allow parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were easier to use for parents with larger hands.

Stores

The amount of storage space available on a stroller or pushchair will affect the choice of buying it. Look at the space under the seat, in the footwell and in the large basket to see how much you can fit in. This will be a big factor if you're planning to buy additional pushchair accessories such as a parent tray or a travel changing bag.

A tray for parents makes it easier to use the stroller by offering additional storage for snacks and other necessities. However, it can also add weight to the stroller and its folding size can make it awkward and bulky. It's important to keep in mind that the majority of tray for parents come with shallow cup holders. This could cause items to fall out of the tray when you travel or strolling.

If you plan to carry your baby from birth, consider purchasing a large-sized stroller that can accommodate a bassinet. These strollers come with larger storage baskets, canopies with complete coverage and reclining seats. However, they often have prices that are significantly higher than a lightweight or compact stroller.

The ability to maneuver is an essential aspect of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, as well as how smoothly the stroller can be rolled over various surfaces like grass or pavements. It's important to note that this quality diminishes over time as your baby grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are made to function as an entire travel system, that is, they can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat, and converted to a toddler pushchair with adapters. This can help make the transition easier from pram to stroller as your child gets older and more independent, which is especially beneficial when you're running out of storage space at home.