Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

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

A quality pushchair will provide safety and comfort to your baby, convenience for you, and the opportunity for you and your baby to explore and bond. Read on to find out what to look for when selecting one.

Folding

One of the key aspects that a lot of parents look for when choosing a buggy is how easy it folds. A true standout is the EeZeFold, which has an amazing one-handed fold that allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't need to move between the two. The buggy is also stable when folded, meaning you don't have to be concerned about your child falling off or causing injury during this process.

Some folding pushchairs are so small that they fit into the boot of your car. They're perfect for frequent travel or those with a small vehicle. There are also day-today buggies that take up a smaller amount of space than the average pushchair, but have good features such as a great recline and light-weight wheels. They're also generally lightweight enough to carry on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed.

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

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

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category, can be folded with just the press of the button. It's great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver on rough surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or the parent and the hood can be extended to offer additional sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the needs of families that are growing. It can start as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for siblings, and even a triple stroller, recommended, by the addition of an additional seat or ride-along boards. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a multi-purpose stroller that is able to be transformed to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for newborns as well as two toddler seats or even a third child by using adapters.

Convertible strollers should have adjustable features, such as height and reclining settings. They should come with large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads or grandmas to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs as they are made up of more components.

Larktale's crossover stroller/wagon, the first of its kind that includes a single stroller and a wagon. Parents no longer need to purchase separate items. It can be converted quickly and easily to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits, and provides the flexibility of seating with the second seat and pull handle when in wagon mode. Although the Larktale is a bit bulkier than some of our other top convertibles, it has great maneuverability and maneuvers well over hills. The main issue is the small storage space under the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A good pushchair should have a number of safety features, including the five-point harness for baby. The harness should be able to fit over shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is also important that the harness isn't loose and that it has no areas where a baby might get their fingers stuck.

There are a number of different brakes for pushchairs, so choose the one that best travel stroller suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most commonly used and ideal for those who are likely to stop frequently like when you go shopping. A hand brake is found on a lot of jogger-style pushchairs. It is more beneficial if you are going to be able to change momentum frequently, for instance, when going for a run. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake that you can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a good choice for parents who will be stopping and starting their pushchairs more frequently. It helps to keep your balance while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

Check if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas that have steep slopes or uneven terrain. A lockable front wheel can help stop the pushchair from moving away when you are in a hurry or there is a large amount of baggage in the back.

While it may seem like a minor consideration it is important to consider the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can be surprisingly heavy when stuffed with an ever-growing child and shopping bags. Make sure you know the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be able to lift it into the car boot and then up a flight of stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a coffee from a takeaway.

A running pram, buggy or pushchair is designed for babies who can sit up and is typically 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. Many pushchairs come with adjustable handles, seat positions, and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents appreciate the convenience features of pushchairs, and there are plenty to choose from. Some are more suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is also a factor to take into consideration. For example, a foot brake is perfect for simple daily use, while the hand brake that is active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and easier to operate on adventures.

One of the most important comfort features is whether or not your stroller is able to lie completely flat position for babies. It's important to choose a pushchair that has this feature from the beginning. This will allow your baby to develop their spine into a flat position. This will allow your child to sleep or relax in a comfortable position, allowing for longer outdoor adventures and a happier and healthier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, it's essential to choose a car seat that is compatible with the infant car seat. This makes it fast and easy to transfer your child from the car into the pushchair, which reduces fuss and keeping him calm throughout his outings.

Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats that allows you to easily attach your car seat to the frame. This means that you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, saving money and time. Many brands also offer a travel bundle that includes infant car seat, adaptors and Travel Pushchair footmuff all in one purchase.

A good suspension system is also crucial particularly for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving over rough terrain or urban streets, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surface with ease while keeping baby safe.

It is also possible to consider other practical features, such as a spacious basket (or separate bag) with the ability to recline handles with an adjustable seat, as well as an air-conditioned hood. These features will assist you in navigating around town or the country and ensure that your child has the best possible rest for his longest naps.