Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who frequently take public transport or travel by plane, a light and user-friendly pushchair is essential. Find a model that folds into a compact and flat shape and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilt drinks or leaky diaper staining.

We love strollers that glide smoothly over pavements and can be mounted easily. Look for car seat attachments that feel like they install themselves and a handlebar that is adjustable to accommodate parents of all heights.

Ease of Use

There are different types of pushchairs that suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles. Some are light and compact and easy to fold and move some are built with a sturdy frame that is more robust for long walks and use on rough terrain. A lot of them come with a basket that can carry your shopping or bags to change your clothes in so that you'll have everything you need. Some are designed for use in cities, whereas others are designed for travel or for country living.

Strollers are generally suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline in a flat posture that is recommended for healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be paired with a carrycot or infant seat to create travel systems. They are suitable for babies up to toddlers. Some of them have additional design elements like a handlebar that can be adjusted in height for parents of varying heights, as well as a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to keep your baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs work ideal for urban dwellers, because they're typically light and nimble, making them easy to manoeuvre. Four-wheel pushchairs are generally more durable, which makes them perfect for families who live in rural areas or who plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. Look for reviews by other parents who comment on how easy the stroller is to use - for example, how much it weighs or how easy it can be to navigate. You should also be aware of the size of the base as well as whether your child feels stable in it, especially if you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs must be safe for infants and toddlers to avoid getting trapped. Check for a base that is sturdy and large enough. You can test it by placing the weight on it or hanging bags to check how it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller are narrow enough to ensure that a child's legs aren't slipping through. Also, ensure that the handlebars sit at waist level or a little below for an ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and secures the back wheels is another essential feature. Choose one that has brakes built into the wheels instead of just on the frame, since this can help keep them away from pinch points and choke dangers.

Many strollers come with a seat that reclines into the position of a lie-flat, making them suitable for newborns. To control breathing and head movement, it is recommended that infants lie flat during their first few months. Some pushchairs may be described as having a reclined seating position, however, they aren't. Make sure you check.

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

Make sure that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake that's easy to activate and that locks the front wheels. This will stop the stroller from rolling away when you are unloading or loading a child, or stopping to rest.

Comfort

When you're pushing your toddler around, or carrying a shopping bag filled with nappies and takeaway coffee, you need to feel secure when you're out and about. Selecting a stroller that has big, tough puncture-proof wheels that glide over rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will allow you to do just that.

Having a pushchair sale that folds easily and compactly will help. It can be a real pain trying to jam a bulky pushchair in and out of the car's boot or climb a flight of stairs - especially with a toddler growing in the rear. It's also worth considering what you'll be using it for and what the weather is likely to be like - so selecting a stroller with a hood that fully protects your child from rain, wind and sunbeams is a great idea.

The last aspect of comfort is how easy it is to control and steer. Keep an eye out for our reviewers' feedback on maneuverability. This includes things like how the stroller pirouettes over various surfaces and how it is able to be easily pushed up hills.

Many pushchairs have handy accessories that can help keep your baby cool or warm from fans to footmuffs. Some brands have their own nappy bags that aid in travel pushchair with baby.

For greater flexibility, opt for a travel set-up - a stroller frame (called the chassis) with the seat unit which can be parent-facing or front-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. It is easy to remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without disturbing your baby. This is the perfect solution for parents who are always in motion and require to change their plans for travel.

Style

There are a few commonalities among the various types of strollers, buggies, pushchairs and prams. Remember that they are designed to take your baby from point A to point B. Consider how you'll be using it and search for features that will suit your lifestyle.

For example, if you're going to spend lots of time on uneven surfaces like sand or muddy fields you might consider an all-terrain pushchair that has big, tough puncture-proof wheels and suspension to ensure it is more comfortable for your baby. If your baby is hot during 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 can be adjusted in their seat positions so you can decide if your baby is facing you to give them a sense of security or the world to discover it. Some have a carrycot or seat unit that can be turned to face you or away from you. Additionally, some have an all-flat recline that is suitable for babies. Some come with an adapter for cars and Isofix compatibility, or 3 in 1 systems that can be used from the time of birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair which allows you to carry two children at the same time. You can find models that have one or two independent seat units, are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, bigger canopies, and more maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants liked the idea of a double pushchair, but discovered that some adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to operate with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which led some to push their hands into the frame. Other systems that allow telescopically moving in and out of frame sides were easier to use, even for taller parents.

Stores

The amount of storage space in a stroller can influence your decision to purchase it. Examine the space available under the seat, in the footwell, and the large basket. This is a major aspect if you plan to purchase additional accessories for your pushchair like a parent tray or a travel changing bag.

A tray for parents can improve ease of use by providing additional storage space for snacks and other essentials. It can also make the stroller heavier and difficult to fold. It's important to keep in mind that most parent trays come with small cup holders. This can cause items to fall from the tray when you travel or strolling.

You should consider purchasing a large, bassinet-compatible stroller if you plan to carry your baby from birth. These models come with bigger storage baskets, canopies that have full coverage and reclined seats. They are often more expensive than a compact or lightweight stroller.

The ability to maneuver is an important characteristic of any stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer even when empty and how smoothly it moves across different surfaces like pavements or grass. It's worth noting that this quality degrades over time as your baby grows and you increase the weight of the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are designed as an entire travel system which means they can be used with an infant car seat and changed to a toddler pushchair using adapters. This makes the transition from stroller into pram easier as your child grows.