Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who frequently use public transport or travel via plane, a lightweight and comfortable pushchair is crucial. Find a model that folds flat and compactly and is machine-washable to deal with spilled drinks and leaky diaper staining.

We love strollers which can easily glide across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs with ease. Look for car seat attachments that almost feel like they install themselves and a handlebar that is adjustable to accommodate parents of all sizes.

Easy to Use

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are light and compact, and easy to fold and transport, while others are built with solid frames that are more robust for long walks and use on uneven terrain. Some also have a basket for shopping or a changing bag so you can take everything you require with you. Some are designed to be used in urban areas, whereas others are for travelling or country living.

Strollers are usually suitable from birth, allowing babies to recline flat that is recommended for their health lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with a carrycot or infant seat to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants up to toddlers. Some models have extra design features, like an adjustable handbar that can be adjusted for height with different heights or a spacious basket or rain cover that will help keep your baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs tend to be better suited for urban dwellers because they are lightweight, agile, and easy to move. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and ideal for families living in rural areas, or those who intend to spend most of their time outdoors. When choosing a pushchair deals, look for reviews from other parents that comment on the ease of use for instance, how much it weighs and how easy it is to control. It's also important to consider how big the base is and whether it's sturdy enough for your child, particularly if you're planning to take the stroller off-road or on rough terrain.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs should be safe for infants or toddlers in order to prevent the possibility of entrapment. Make sure the base is sturdy and large enough. You can test it by placing weight on it or hanging bags to see how it feels. Also make sure the leg openings are small enough to keep a baby's legs from slipping through and that the handles are at waist level or slightly lower to allow for a more ergonomic use. A brake that's easy to operate and secures the back wheels is an essential feature. It is recommended to look for a model that has brakes that are integrated into the wheels instead of being on the frame. This will help to prevent pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers come with a seat that can recline into a flat, comfortable position which makes them suitable for infants. For better control of the head and breathing it is recommended that babies lie flat during their first few months. Some pushchairs advertise having a reclining chair, but don't actually provide this make sure you check.

Make sure that the stroller is fitted with an adjustable five-point harness (two straps that go over shoulders, two for the thighs, and one for the crotch), much like those in car seats. This is essential to protect a child from falling out of the pushchair near me and prevents them from being pulled over or pushed out by cars or other pedestrians.

Make sure that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake that's simple to turn on and locks the two front wheels. This will help to stop the stroller from moving when you're loading or unloading your child or when you're taking a break to take a break.

Comfort

You'll want to feel comfortable whether you're pushing your toddler or carrying a bag of nappies and takeaway coffee. Picking a stroller with large sturdy, puncture-proof wheels that glide over rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will allow you to have the ability to do that.

Having a pushchair that folds easily and compactly can also aid. It can be a real struggle to fit the bulky stroller in and out of the car boot or struggle up flights of stairs - especially with a growing toddler in the rear. It's also worth thinking about what you'll be using it for and what the weather forecast will be like - so selecting a stroller with a hood that protects your child from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is a great idea.

The final comfort factor is how easy it is to steer and control the stroller. Be sure to check out our reviewers' comments on maneuverability, which takes into account things like how well a stroller pirouettes across various surfaces and how it is easy to push up hills.

Many pushchairs come with accessories that can aid in keeping your baby warm or cool like fans and footmuffs. Certain brands even have their own nappy bags designed to make travelling easier with baby.

A travel system gives you more flexibility. It comprises a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit that can be placed forward or facing the parent, and a bassinet or carrycot. You can take the car seat out and put it on the chassis when needed without waking your baby. This is the perfect solution for parents who are constantly on the move and need to change their travel plans.

Style

While the jargon around strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are some things that all have in common. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're made to take your baby from A to B. Think about how you'll use it and choose features that suit your lifestyle.

If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, such as sand and muddy fields it is possible to require a stroller with all-terrain tires that are puncture proof. They should also feature suspension systems to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot during long walks, you may think about a parasol that will shade them from the sun's rays or a cooling device to help them stay cool.

Some pushchairs let you choose whether you want your baby facing you for safety, or outwards to explore the world. Some have a carrycot or seat unit that can flip to face you or away from you and some come with the full lie-flat recline, which is ideal for babies. Some models have a car adapter and Isofix compatibility as well as 3 in 1 systems that can be used from birth.

Another alternative is a twin pushchair that allows you to 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, larger canopy sizes, and a moveable wheels. A few of our test participants loved the idea of a dual-pushchair however, they found the handbar adjustments difficult to use using just one hand. Some adjust by rotating on an axis, which led to many pushing their hands close to the frame. Other systems that telescopically move into and out of frame sides were easier to use even for parents who are taller.

Stores

The amount of storage space available in a stroller will affect the decision to purchase it. Examine the space available under the seat, in the footwell, and the huge basket. This will be a big factor if you're planning to purchase additional pushchair accessories such as a tray for parents or the travel changing bag.

A parent tray helps to make it easier to use the stroller by offering additional storage space for snacks and essentials. It can also make the stroller heavier and difficult to fold. It is important to keep in mind that many of the trays for parents have small cup holders. This can cause things to fall from the tray while traveling or strolling.

If you plan to carry your baby until birth, you should consider buying a full-sized stroller that can accommodate a bassinet. These products feature larger storage baskets, canopies that have full coverage, and reclined seats. However, they often have a price tag that's much more expensive than a compact or lightweight stroller.

Maneuverability is one of the most important features of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, and how easily the stroller can be rolled over various surfaces, such as grass or pavements. This quality will diminish as you and your baby grow and the weight of the pushchair grows.

Some pushchairs are designed to work as a complete travel system, which means they can be used with an infant car seat, and converted to a toddler pushchair newborn with adapters. This can make the transition easier from pram to stroller as your child ages, which is particularly helpful in the event that you're lacking storage space at home.