Pushchairs – The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair can also be referred to as a buggy, stroller or pram. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of infant transportation. These baby-chariots are able to handle any surface, from crowded streets to rough terrain.
A good pushchair will provide comfort and safety for your baby, convenience for you and a chance to bond and explore the world together. Find out what you should consider when purchasing one.
Folding
One of the main aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting a pushchair is how easy it folds. The EeZeFold is an exceptional model because it has a one-handed fold, which enables you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you do not have to manage the two. The buggy is also stable when folded, which means you do not have to worry about the child falling out or causing injury during this process.
Some of the smaller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they fit in the trunk of your car, so they’re perfect if you’re a frequent traveller or have a small car boot. Some are compact buggies for everyday use that have smaller footprints than the standard pushchair, but offer decent features such as a good recline or lightweight wheels. They’re also typically light enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed.
The majority of these pushchairs are aimed towards toddlers and older infants as they can sit up, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option to add a carrycot that makes them suitable from birth. Some are travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to your baby with just a click.
While they don’t have the tiny fold of a travel buggy the majority of compact pushchairs require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on which is why they’re ideal for those who are short of storage space in their homes or an apartment. They’re also lightweight and frequently have a rain cover to protect them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very popular pushchair in this class, which is a great option for traveling as it can be folded one-handed by pressing one button. It is also extremely light, making it easy for you to handle even on rough surfaces. It also comes with a great suspension. The seat can rotate to turn from parent-facing to the world, and the hood can be extended to provide extra protection and coverage from the sun.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the demands of growing families. It can be a single stroller that transforms into a double stroller in order to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller with the addition of an additional seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It’s a multi-purpose stroller that is able to be transformed to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for newborns, two toddler seats, or even a third child using adapters.
Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, such as the height and recline settings. They should also feature large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers typically contain more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more stable and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of equipment.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a full-featured single stroller with an incline wagon, removing the need for parents to invest in separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits. It also offers plenty of seating versatility with the second seat and pull handle when in wagon mode. The Larktale is bulkier than the other convertibles we have rated top-rated, but it has excellent maneuverability and can easily handle uphills. The main drawback is the lack of storage under the seat. Click here for more info.
Safety
A quality pushchair will come with many safety features, including a five-point harness for the baby. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is important that the harness doesn’t become loose, and there are no areas where fingers of children could get stuck.
There are a number of different pushchair brakes to choose from, and you should choose one that is most suitable for your lifestyle. The most common brake is a foot brake. It’s great if you stop a lot for example, when you go to the shops. Many jogger-style pushchairs have a hand brake. This is helpful if you will be changing your momentum frequently, such as when you run. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a great option for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more frequently. It allows you to stay in your position while still applying the pressure to the wheels.
It is also important to determine whether the stroller has an option to lock the front wheel. This is a great feature for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A front wheel that locks can help to prevent the pushchair from moving away in a rush or there is a large amount of luggage in the back.
While it might seem like something of a minor issue, the weight of the pushchair is something you need to bear in mind too. Even a light pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Make sure you know how much it weighs and think about whether you’d be able to lift it into the car boot and up flights of stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a takeaway coffee.
Buggy, pram, or pushchairs are made for babies who can sit up. They are usually used after the age of six months. The seat can be placed to face you or away from you depending on whether you want your child to be close to you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.
Comfort
There are many pushchairs that come with features that are comfortable for parents. Some are better suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the type of brake is also something to consider. A foot brake, for instance is ideal for daily use. An active hand brake that is found on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive on an adventure.
The capacity of your pushchair to allow infants to lie completely flat is among the most crucial features. It’s important to choose the pushchair with this feature right from birth. This will let your baby grow into a straight position. This will allow your child to nap or rest comfortably, allowing for longer outdoor excursions as well as a happier and healthier child.
It is essential to select the right pushchair with the infant car seat you’ve chosen. This makes it fast and simple to move your child from the car to the pushchair, reducing fuss and keeping him calm throughout his outings.
Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats that lets you easily fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, saving money and time. Many brands also offer a travel bundles that include a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and footmuff all in one purchase.
A solid suspension system is also essential, especially for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving on rough terrain or urban streets, allowing you to move over bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while keeping baby comfortable.
Other practical comfort features that you may want to look for include a large shopping basket (or even an additional bag) as well as a the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat position and ventilated hood. The combination of these features will assist you to navigate your way through the country or town and ensure that your little one has the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.
