Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

If you frequently take public transport or travel by plane, a light and comfortable pushchair is essential. Select a model that is able to be folded flat and compactly and is machine washable to remove the stains of spilled drinks or leaky diapers.

We enjoy strollers that glide easily over pavements and can be mounted effortlessly. Look for car seat attachments that appear to be self-installing and a handlebar that is adjustable to accommodate parents of all sizes.

Easy to Use

There are a variety of strollers pushchairs to suit every budget and lifestyle. Some are lightweight and compact, and easy to fold and transport some have solid frames that are more durable for long walks and use on uneven terrain. Many come with a basket for your shopping items or bags for changing clothes so you'll have everything that you need. Some are designed to be used in the city, while others are designed for travel or for country living.

Strollers are suitable from the moment of birth. They allow babies to lie flat, which is beneficial for spinal and lung development. Some can also be connected to an infant carrycot or car seat which makes them portable systems that can be used from birth until toddlerhood. Some models have extra design features, like the ability to adjust the height of the handbar for parents with various heights, or a large basket or rain cover that can keep your baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs tend to be more suited to city dwellers as they are light and agile, making them easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs tend to be more durable, which is why they are ideal for families living in rural areas or plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. When you're choosing a new pushchair, look for reviews from other parents that discuss the ease of using it - for example, the weight of the pushchair and how easy to steer. It's also important to consider the size of the base and whether it feels stable enough for your child to use, especially if you plan to take the pushchair off-road or on rough terrain.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs should be safe for toddlers and infants to avoid entrapment and other injuries. Look for a base that is sturdy and wide. You can test it by placing the weight on it or hanging bags to see how it feels. Make sure that the leg openings on the stroller are small enough to ensure that a child's legs don't slide through. Also, ensure the handlebars are placed at waist level or just below for ergonomic use. A brake that's easy to operate and locks the back wheels is an essential feature. It is recommended to look for a model that has brakes integrated into the wheels, rather than on the frame. This will help to prevent pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers come with seats that can recline into a flat, comfortable position, making them ideal for babies. For better control of the head and breathing, it is recommended that newborns lay flat for the first few months. Some pushchairs are advertised as having a reclining chair, but don't actually provide this be sure to check.

The stroller and pushchair should be equipped with a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders and two straps for the thighs and one for the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is essential to protect children from falling out of the stroller and also to protect them from being pushed over or out by vehicles that are passing or other pedestrians.

Make sure the stroller has a convenient parking brake that's easy to activate and that locks the front wheels. This will stop the stroller from slipping away when you are unloading or loading your child or stopping to rest.

Comfort

You want to be comfortable regardless of whether you're pushing a toddler or carrying a backpack full of nappies and coffee to take home. You can do this by selecting a stroller that has large, tough, puncture-proof tires that can glide across rough terrain. It must also have a smooth and smooth suspension.

A pushchair that is compact and folds easily can help. It can be a real pain trying to jam the bulky stroller in and out of the car's boot, or climb up a flight of stairs, especially with a growing toddler in the back. Be aware of what you will use it for and the conditions. A stroller with a hood can protect your child from wind, rain and sunbeams.

The final comfort factor is the ease to control and steer the stroller. Be sure to check out our reviewers' opinions regarding maneuverability, taking into account factors like the ease with which strollers pirouette across different surfaces, and how easy it is to push up hills.

Many pushchairs include accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool like fans and footmuffs. Certain brands come with their own nappy bags designed to help you travel with your baby.

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

Style

While the terminology used for strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that all of them have in common. The most important thing to remember is that they're designed to transport your child from A to B. Think about how you'll use it and select features that fit your needs.

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

Some pushchairs can be adjusted in their seat positions so you can choose whether your baby faces you to give them a sense of security or the world to see it. Some have a carrycot or seat that can flip to face you or away from you. Additionally, some have an all-flat recline that is suitable for babies. Some models have a car adapter and Isofix compatibility, or 3 in 1 systems that you can use from the time of birth.

A twin pushchair lets you to carry two children at once. There are models that have one or two independent seat units, which are light and compact, with plenty of storage space, bigger canopies, and more maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants loved the idea of a dual-pushchair, but found some adjustments to the handlebar difficult to control with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating on a pivot point and this resulted in many pushing their hands close to the frame. Some systems that permit parents to telescopically move into or out of the frame were simpler to use for taller parents.

Storage

The amount of storage available on a stroller or a pushchair can impact the decision to buy it. Take a look at the space under the seat or in the footwell, and in the basket to determine how much you can fit. If you intend to purchase any additional accessories for your pushchair, such as the tray for parents or a travel changing bag, this will be a major consideration.

A tray for parents can improve ease of use by providing extra storage for snacks and other essentials. It can also make the stroller bulky and difficult to fold. It's important to keep in mind that the majority of tray for parents feature small cup holders. This could cause items to fall out of the tray while traveling or strolling.

Consider buying a full-sized stroller that is bassinet-compatible if you plan to carry your baby from birth. These models come with bigger 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.

The ability to maneuver is an important feature of a stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, and how well the stroller glides over various surfaces like grass or pavements. It is important to note that this quality diminishes with time as your child grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.

Some pushchairs can be converted into a toddler pushchair using adapters. They are specifically designed to work with an infant car seats. This can make the transition from stroller into pram easier as your child grows.