Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a pram, buggy or stroller, is the Swiss army knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots can handle any surface, from busy streets to rough terrain.

A good pushchair offers safety and comfort for your child, ease for you and the chance to spend time together and explore the world together. Read on to find out what to look for when choosing one.

Folding

One of the key features that a lot of parents are looking for when they choose the best pushchair is how simple it folds. The EeZeFold is unique because it features a one-handed fold that allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't have to balance the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don't have to be concerned about your child falling out or being injured during the process.

Some of the most compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they fit in the trunk of your car, which means they're perfect if you're a frequent traveller or have a tiny car boot. Others are day-to-day buggies that are smaller in size of space than a standard pushchair but still have decent features, like a comfortable recline and wheels that are lightweight. They're also typically light enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad when needed.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth, since some have a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They might also be travel system compatible, so you can attach an infant car seat to the frame in a single click.

While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on, so they're perfect for those who are short on storage space at their home or in an apartment. They're also light and they often come with a raincover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category is foldable pram using just one hand by pressing the button. It's ideal for traveling as it is easy to fold. It is also extremely light, making it easy for you to handle even on rough surfaces. It also comes with an excellent suspension. The seat rotates to turn from parent facing pushchair-facing to world-facing, while the hood can be extended for additional protection and protection from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be altered to meet the requirements of families that are growing. It can be used as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for siblings and even turn into a triple pushchair stroller through the addition of a third seat or ride-along boards. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a multi-purpose stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for infants as well as two toddler seats or even a third child with adapters.

Convertible strollers must have adjustable features, like the height and reclining setting. They should also come with large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs as they have more parts.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a unique model that combines a full-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily to a double pram and pushchair or single stroller without tools or additional conversion kits. It also offers the flexibility of seating with its second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. While the Larktale is a bit bulkier than the other top-rated convertibles, it is extremely maneuverable and can maneuver well over hills. The main issue is the limited storage underneath the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A great pushchair should come with several safety features like five-point harnesses for baby. The harness should be able to fit over the shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is also important that the harness doesn't come out of its place and that there are no areas where a child might get their fingers stuck.

There are a number of different pushchair brakes to choose from, so pick the one that best fits your needs. The most common brake is one that is a foot brake. It's great when you have to stop frequently, like when you go to the shops. A hand brake is seen on a variety of jogger style pushchairs, and is more appropriate in situations where you'll be able to change momentum frequently, such as when using it for an exercise. Some pushchairs come with an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a good choice for parents who need to stop and beginning their pushchairs more frequently. It helps to stay in your position while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth checking whether the stroller has an option to lock the front wheel. This is especially useful for those who live in areas with steep slopes or uneven terrain. A lockable front wheel can help to prevent the pushchair from rolling away in a rush or there is a large amount of luggage in the back.

Even though it may seem like a small consideration, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a small pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with a growing baby and shopping bags. Make sure you know the weight of the pushchair and think about whether you'd be in a position to lift it into your car boot and up the stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a coffee from a takeaway.

A pram, buggy or pushchair is designed for babies who sit and can be used from 6 months. They have a seat that can face toward you to bond with you and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable handles, seat positions, and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs with features that are comfortable for parents. Some are better suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is also something to take into consideration. A foot brake, for example, is best suited to daily use. An active hand brake, found on jogger-style pushchairs can be more responsive during an adventure.

The capability of your pushchair to allow infants to lie flat is among the most crucial features. It's important to choose an infant pushchair with this feature right from birth. This will allow your baby to grow into a straight position. This will allow your baby to nap or rest comfortably, which will allow for longer outdoor adventures and a happier and healthier child.

It is crucial to select the right pushchair with the infant car seat you have chosen. This makes it fast and easy to move your child from the car into the pushchair, reducing fuss and ensuring he's calm during his excursions.

Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats that allows you to easily fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means that you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, reducing costs and time. Many brands also offer a travel system bundles that include a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.

A solid suspension system is also crucial, especially 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 with ease while keeping your baby comfortable.

You may also want to consider other practical comfort features, like the capacity of a large basket (or separate bag), the ability to recline handles, an adjustable seat and an air-conditioned hood. The combination of these features will help you navigate to the city or out in the country, and ensure your little one has the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.