Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is essential for those who frequently use public transportation or take flights that are frequently hopping on and off. Pick a model that can be folded flat and compact, and is machine washable to get rid of stains from spilt beverages or leaking nappy.

We love strollers that glide smoothly across pavements and mount kerbs effortlessly. Look for car seat attachments that almost feel like they install themselves and a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit parents of all heights.

Simple to Use

There are various types of pushchairs to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are extremely light and compact and easy to fold and transport, while others feature an extra sturdy frame that's more robust for long walks or on rough terrain. Many come with a basket to carry your shopping or bags to change your clothes in so that you'll have everything that you require. Some are designed for use in urban areas, whereas others are designed for travel or country living.

Strollers are suitable from the moment of birth. They allow the baby to recline flat, which is good for spinal and lung development. They can also be attached to a compatible carrycot or infant car seat and are therefore transport systems that are suitable from birth until toddlerhood. Some of them have additional design elements, like a height-adjustable handlebar for parents of varying heights, as well as a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to help you keep your baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs tend to be more suited to urban dwellers because they are lightweight and agile, making them easy to move around. Four-wheel pushchairs tend to be more durable, making them ideal for families that live in rural areas or plan to spend a lot of time in the outdoors. Check out reviews from other parents who comment on how easy the stroller is to operate, such as how heavy it is or how easy it will be to steer. It's also important to consider how big the base is and whether it's stable enough for your child, particularly if you intend to take the stroller off-road or on difficult terrain.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs should be safe for infants and toddlers to prevent the possibility of entrapment. Check for a base that is sturdy and large enough. You can test it by placing weight on it or hanging bags to see how it feels. Check that the leg openings on the stroller are narrow enough to ensure that a child's legs don't slide through. Also, make sure the handlebars are placed at waist level or slightly below to allow for a more ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and locks the back wheels is an important feature. Look for a model that has the brakes integrated into the wheels instead of only on the frame, because this will help keep them safe from pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers come with seats that recline into a lie-flat position which makes them suitable for infants. It is recommended that babies lie down for the first few months to allow breathing and head control reasons. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclined seat but they don't. Make sure you check.

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

Check that the stroller comes with a parking brake that is easy to use and locks the front two wheels. This will stop the stroller rolling away while you're unloading or loading your child or taking a break to rest.

Comfort

You'll want to feel comfortable regardless of whether you're pushing a toddler, or carrying a diaper bag and coffee for takeaway. You can do this by selecting a stroller that has large, tough, puncture-proof tires that glide over rough terrain. It must also have a super-smooth and smooth suspension.

A pushchair that is small and folds up easily can help. It can be a hassle to squeeze an enormous pushchair into and out of the car's boot, or climb a flight of stairs, especially with a toddler growing in the back. It's also worth considering 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 rain, wind and sunbeams is a great idea.

The last aspect of comfort is how easy it is to steer and control. Check out our reviewers' comments on maneuverability, which take into account factors like how well a stroller pirouettes across various surfaces and how easy it is to push it up hills.

Many pushchairs include accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool - such as fans and footmuffs. Some brands even have their own nappy changing bags to make traveling with your baby simpler.

For greater flexibility, opt for a travel system that includes an infant stroller frame (called the chassis) with the seat unit which can be front-facing or rear-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. You can easily remove and put the car seat back on the chassis without disturbing your baby. The ideal solution for parents who are on the go regularly and often need to alter your plan of travel.

Style

Although the jargon surrounding prams, strollers, pushchairs and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that all of them have in common. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're designed to get your baby from A to B. Think about how you'll be using it and then look for features that fit your life style.

If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, like fields with muddy soil, you may need a stroller with all-terrain tires that are puncture resistant. They should also come with suspension systems to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your child gets hot during long walks, you may need to think about a shade that will shade them from the sun's rays or a cooling device to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs have adjustable seat positions, so you can choose whether your baby is facing you for reassurance or the world to see it. Others have a carrycot or seat unit that can flip to face you or away from you, and some come with a full lie-flat recline suitable for infants. Some have an adapter for car seats that is Isofix compatible, or are 3 in 1 systems that allow you to use them right from birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair, which lets you transport two children at the same at the same time. There are models that have two or one seat that are independent that are light, compact, and have plenty of storage space, larger canopy, and a more maneuverable wheel. Several of our testers liked the idea of a double pushchair, but discovered that some adjustable handlebars were difficult to use with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around the pivot point, which caused many to push their hands towards the frame. Some systems that allow parents to telescopically enter and out of the frame were easier to use by taller parents.

Storage

The amount of storage space available in a stroller can influence the decision to purchase it. Check the space available under the seat, the footwell, and the huge basket. This is a major factor if you're planning to buy additional pushchair accessories like a parent facing pushchair tray or a travel changing bag.

A tray for parents can improve user comfort 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 have shallow cup holders. This can cause items to fall from the tray when you travel or walking.

Think about purchasing a larger stroller that can be used with a bassinet if you plan to carry your baby's stroller from birth. These strollers come with more space for storage baskets, canopies that cover the entire area and reclined seats. However, they often have the price of a stroller that is much higher than a compact or lightweight stroller.

The ability to maneuver is an important characteristic of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering when empty, as well as how smoothly the stroller can be rolled over various surfaces such as pavements or grass. It's worth noting that this quality decreases over time as your child grows and you add more weight to the pushchair suitable From birth.

Some pushchairs are designed to work as a complete travel system, meaning they can be used with an infant car seat and transformed into a toddler pushchair with adapters. This can help make it easier to transition from stroller to pram as your child grows older and is particularly beneficial in the event that you're lacking storage space at home.