Choosing strollers pushchairs (next)

If you frequently use public transport or travel via plane, a light and comfortable pushchair is essential. Choose a model that folds into a compact and flat shape and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilled drinks or leaky nappy stains.

We enjoy strollers that glide easily on pavements and kerbs effortlessly. Look for car seat attachments that almost appear to be self-installing and a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit parents of all heights.

User-Friendliness

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are extremely light and compact which makes them easy to fold and transport, while others have larger frames that are more sturdy for long walks or on rough terrain. Some also have a basket for shopping, or changing bags so that you can carry everything you need with you. Some are designed for urban living, whereas others are made for the country or across the globe.

Strollers are generally suitable from birth, allowing babies to recline in a flat position that is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. Many can also attach a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat and are therefore travel systems and suitable from birth to toddlerhood. Some offer extra design elements like a handlebar that can be adjusted in height to accommodate parents of different heights, and a large shopping basket or rain cover to keep your baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs are more suitable for city dwellers as they are light and agile, making them easy to move around. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and ideal for families who live in rural areas or those who intend to spend most of their time outdoors. Check out reviews from other parents who have commented on how easy the stroller is to use, for example, how much it weighs or how easy it will be to steer. It's also important to consider how big the base is and whether it feels stable enough for your child, particularly if you intend to take the pushchair off-road or on rough terrain.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants and toddlers to prevent getting trapped. Find a base that won't tip easily and be sure to test the safety harness by placing weight on it or hanging bags over it, to determine how stable it is. Also check the leg openings aren't large enough to prevent a baby's legs from slipping through, and ensure that the handlebars are at waist-level or a bit lower for more comfortable use. Another crucial feature is a brake that locks the back wheels and is easy to use. It is recommended to look for a model that has brakes built into the wheels instead of being on the frame. This will help to avoid pinch points and choking dangers.

A majority of strollers have a seat that can recline into a flat position which makes them suitable for newborns. It is recommended that babies lie down for their first few months for breathing and head control reasons. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclined seat however, they aren't. Make sure you check.

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

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

Comfort

You want to be comfortable regardless of whether you're pushing your toddler or carrying a backpack full of nappies and coffee for takeaway. You can achieve this by selecting a stroller with is large, sturdy, puncture-proof tires that are able to glide over rough terrain. It should also have a super-smooth and smooth suspension.

A pushchair that is compact and folds easily will also help. It can be a hassle to fit a big pushchair in the trunk of your car or to struggle up a flight of stairs, especially if you have a toddler along with you. Consider what you will use it for and the weather conditions. A stroller that has an hood can shield your child from rain, wind and sunbeams.

The last factor that affects comfort is the ease to steer and control the pushchair. Be sure to check out our reviewers' comments on maneuverability, which takes into consideration things like how well a stroller pirouettes across different surfaces and how easy it is to push it up hills.

Many pushchairs come with accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool like footmuffs and fans. Certain brands even have their own nappy bags to aid in travel with baby.

A travel system provides greater flexibility. It consists of a stroller chassis (called the chassis) and a seat unit which can be positioned either parent-facing or forward-facing and a bassinet as well as a carrycot. You can pop the car seat off and on the chassis as needed without disturbing your baby. The perfect solution if you're on the go regularly and often need to alter your travel plan.

Style

Although the jargon surrounding strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are some things that all have in common. Keep in mind that they're designed to get your baby from one point to B. Think about how you will utilize it and pick features that suit your lifestyle.

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 come with a suspension system to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot during long walks, you might think about a parasol that will shade them from the sunlight or a fan to help them stay cool.

Some pushchairs and buggies can be adjusted in their seats so you can choose whether your baby is facing you for reassurance or the world to explore it. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that flips to face you or away from you. Others have a lie-flat recline for newborns. Some models have a car adapter and Isofix compatibility as well as 3 in 1 systems that you can use from birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair which lets you transport two children at the same simultaneously. There are models that have one or two independent seats, which are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies, and more easily maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants liked the idea of a double pushchair but discovered that some handlebar adjustment systems were difficult to operate with one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which caused some to put their hands into the frame. Some systems that permit parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were more convenient to use by taller parents.

Stores

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

A tray for the parent can make it easier to use the stroller by offering additional storage space for snacks and other essentials. It can make the stroller heavy and difficult to fold. It's also important to keep in mind that most trays for parents include shallow cup holders, which could cause items to fall out of the tray while traveling or when walking.

If you plan to carry your baby until birth, you should consider buying a large-sized stroller that can accommodate bassinets. These models come with bigger storage baskets, canopies with full coverage and reclined seats. They can be more expensive than a compact or a stroller that is lightweight.

The ability to maneuver is a crucial feature of a stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer even when empty and how well it rolls over different surfaces, like pavements or grass. This quality will decrease as you and your baby increase in size, and the weight of the stroller increases.

Some pushchairs are designed as an entire travel system which means they can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat, and converted to a toddler pushchair with adapters. This can ease the transition from stroller to pram as your child ages and more independent, which is especially beneficial if you're short on storage space at home.