Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also referred to as a buggy, pram and car seat or stroller, is like the Swiss army knife of infant transport. From navigating busy streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots are built to conquer all types of terrain.

A good pushchair will offer comfort and safety to your child, convenience to you, and the opportunity for you and your baby pram to explore and bond. Learn more about what to look for when selecting one.

Folding

One of the main features that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting a pushchair is how easy it is to fold. A true standout is the EeZeFold, which has an amazing one-handed fold that allows you to hold your child while folding the buggy, meaning you don't need to move between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded so you don't need to be concerned about your child slipping out.

Some folding pushchairs are so compact that they fit into the boot of your car. They're great for frequent travelers or those with a small vehicle. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for everyday use, which have a smaller footprint than the average pushchair, but still have features that are good, such as recline that is comfortable or light wheels. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be carried by hand and so Grandma or Grandad can utilize them if they need to.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth, since some come with a lie-flat seats or carrycot option. Some are compatible with travel systems which means you can connect a car seat for your infant with a click.

Many compact pushchairs are very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're ideal for those who have limited storage space at home or live in apartments. They're also light, and many have a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class can be folded with just the press of the button. It's great for travel because it is easy to fold. It's also incredibly light, making it easy to maneuver on rough surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat rotates to change between parent-facing and world-facing. The hood can be extended to provide extra protection and protection from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be modified to meet the demands of families that are growing. It could be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller to accommodate more siblings, or a triple stroller when you add the third seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a flexible stroller that can be transformed to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for newborns as well as two toddler seats or even a third child using adapters.

Apart from changing shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features, such as recline and height settings. They should have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads, or grandmas to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers usually have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they will be more stable and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of equipment.

Larktale's cross-over stroller/wagon, the first of its kind that includes a single stroller and a wagon. Parents do not have to purchase separate items. It can be converted quickly and easily to a double or single stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and offers plenty of seating versatility with its second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top convertibles, but it has excellent maneuverability and is able to handle the hills. Its biggest flaw is the small storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A quality pushchair will come with numerous safety features, such as five-point harnesses for the infant. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist and also between the legs. It is also essential that the harness doesn't come out of its place and that there are no areas where a child could get their fingers stuck.

There are a variety of different brakes for pushchairs, so pick the one that best fits your needs. The most commonly used brake is a foot brake. It's a great option if you have to stop frequently such as when you shop. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature a hand brake. This is helpful when you are changing your speed frequently, for example when running. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake that works by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a useful option for parents who will be stopping and starting more often as it makes it easier to maintain your balance while still applying pressure on the wheels.

It is also important to determine whether the stroller has an adjustable front wheel that locks. This is especially useful for those who live in areas that have steep slopes or uneven terrain. A wheel lockable on the front can prevent the pushchair rolling away if you're in a hurry or have a lot of baggage in the rear.

Although it may seem like a minor consideration, the weight of the pushchair is something you need to be aware of. Even a lightweight pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when loaded with a growing infant and shopping bags. Examine the weight of your stroller and see whether you are able to lift it up stairs and into the trunk of your car while carrying the toddler.

A pram, buggy or pushchair with car seat is designed for babies who can sit up and is generally used from 6 months. They have seats that can be oriented toward you to bond with you and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs that come with features for comfort that parents love. Some are more suitable for urban streets or rough terrain, while others are not. The brake type is a different aspect to consider. For instance, a foot brake is perfect for simple, everyday use, whereas the hand brakes that are active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and simpler to use when on adventures.

One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not your stroller has a full lie flat position for newborns. It's important to choose an infant pushchair with this feature right from birth. This will allow your baby to develop their spine in a straight position. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or time to rest, which will allow for longer outdoor excursions and a happier, healthier child.

It's important to choose the right pushchair with the car seat for infants you've selected. This makes it fast and simple to move your baby from the car to the pushchair, which reduces fuss and ensuring he's calm during his outings.

Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats, which allows you to easily connect your car seat. This means that you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, which saves money and time. Many brands offer a travel package that includes a baby car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, as well as the footmuff in one purchase.

A solid suspension system is also crucial particularly for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving over rough roads or in urban areas, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfy.

Other useful comfort features you may want to look out for include a spacious shopping basket (or even an additional bag) as well as a the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat, and a an air-conditioned hood. All of these features will allow you to navigate your way through the country or town, and ensure your little one has the best travel pushchair sleep possible for the longest nap possible.