Choosing Strollers Pushchairs
For those who frequently take public transport or travel by plane, a lightweight and comfortable pushchair is crucial. Look for models that fold flat and compactly, and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilt drinks or leaky diaper staining.
We love strollers which glide easily across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs with ease. Look for car seat attachements that are self-installing, and the handlebar that can be adjusted to fit parents of all heights.
Ease of Use
There are a variety of pushchairs for strollers that can be adapted to every budget and lifestyle. Some are very lightweight and compact which makes them easy to fold and carry, while others have an extra sturdy frame that’s more sturdy for long walks and use on rough terrain. Some also have shopping baskets or changing bags so that you can carry everything you need with you. Some are designed for city living, while others are made for rural living or traveling across the globe.
Strollers are suitable from the time of birth. They allow the baby to lie flat, which is beneficial for lung and spinal development. A lot of strollers can be equipped with a carrycot or infant seat to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants to toddlers. Some models have extra design features, such as an adjustable handbar that can be adjusted for height with various heights, or a spacious basket or rain cover to ensure your baby is dry.
Three-wheeled pushchairs tend to be better suited for city dwellers as they are light and agile. They are also easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, which makes them perfect for families who live in rural areas or who plan on spending a lot of time in the open air. Look for reviews by other parents who comment on how easy the stroller is to use, like the weight of the pushchair or how easy it will be to steer. It’s also important to consider how large the base and if it’s stable enough for your child to use, particularly if you intend to take the pushchair off-road or over rough terrain.
Safety
Strollers and pushchairs from birth need to be safe for infants or toddlers to avoid getting trapped. 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 aren’t large enough to prevent a baby’s legs from slipping through and that the handlebars are at waist-level or a bit lower for ergonomic use. Another essential feature is brakes that lock the rear wheels and is easy to use. Choose a model that has the brakes integrated into the wheels, rather than only on the frame because this will help keep them away from pinch points and choking hazards.
A majority of strollers have seats that can recline into a flat, comfortable position, making them ideal for newborns. It is recommended that babies lie flat during the first few months to allow breathing and head control reasons. However, some pushchairs are described as having a reclining seat but they don’t actually offer this make sure you check.
The stroller should have a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders and two straps for the thighs, and one around the crotch), similar to those found in car seats. This is crucial to protect the child from falling out or being pulled out by pedestrians or vehicles.
Check that the stroller comes with a parking brake that is easy to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will stop the stroller from slipping away when you are unloading or loading your child or stopping to rest.
Comfort
You’ll want to feel at ease whether you’re pushing a toddler or carrying a backpack full of nappies and coffee to take home. This can be achieved by choosing a stroller that is large, sturdy, puncture-proof tires that can glide across rough terrain. It must also have a super-smooth and smooth suspension.
A pushchair that folds up easily and compactly will also help. It can be difficult to squeeze a large pushchair into the boot of your car or struggle up a flight of stairs, especially if you have a child with you. Be aware of what you will use it for and the conditions. A stroller with a hood will protect your child from the elements of wind, rain, and sunbeams.
The final aspect to consider is how easy it is to control and steer. Look out for our reviewers’ opinions on maneuverability, which takes into account factors like how well a stroller pirouettes across different surfaces and how it is easy to push up hills.
Many pushchairs include accessories that can help keep your baby cool or warm – such as fans and footmuffs. Some brands even have their own nappy bags to make travelling with baby even easier.
For greater flexibility, opt for a travel system that includes a stroller frame (called the chassis) with an adjustable seat that can be parent-facing or front-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. You can easily remove and put the car seat back on the chassis without disturbing your baby. This is the perfect solution for those who are always moving and have to alter their journey plans.
Style
There are a few commonalities among all the different kinds of buggies, strollers, pushchairs and prams. The most important thing to remember is that they’re made to take your baby from A to B. Think about how you’ll use it and choose features that are compatible with your lifestyle.
If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, like sand and muddy fields, you may need a pushchair with all-terrain wheels that are puncture proof. They should also feature suspension systems to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot after long walks, you might want to consider a parasol which will block the sun’s rays or a cooling device for them to stay cool.
Some pushchairs can be adjusted in their seats so you can decide if your baby is facing you to give them a sense of security or the world to discover it. Others have a carrycot or seat unit that can flip to face you or away from you, and some come with an all-flat recline that is suitable for infants. Some come with an adapter for cars and Isofix compatibility, or 3 in 1 systems that can be used from the time of birth.
Another alternative is a twin pushchair, which allows you to carry two children at the same simultaneously. There are models with two or more independent seat units, are lightweight and compact with plenty of storage space, larger canopies, and more maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants liked the idea of a Cosatto Supa Dupa Double Stroller: Lightweight And Compact pushchair but they found that certain adjustable handlebars were difficult to operate with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating on the pivot point, which led to many pushing their hands closer to the frame. Some systems that permit parents to telescopically move into or out of the frame were more convenient to use for taller parents.
Storage
The amount of storage space in a stroller could affect the decision to purchase it. Take a look at the space under the seat as well as in the footwell and in the basket to see how much you can fit in. This is a major factor if you’re planning on purchase additional pushchair accessories, such as a tray for parents or a travel changing bag.
A parent tray can increase user comfort by providing additional storage space for snacks as well as other necessities. It can make the stroller heavy and difficult to fold. It’s also important to keep in mind that most parent trays have shallow cup holders, which could cause items to fall out of the tray during travel or when strolling.
Think about purchasing a larger, bassinet-compatible stroller if you plan to carry your baby’s stroller from birth. These strollers come with larger storage baskets, canopies with full coverage, and reclining seats. However, they often have the price of a stroller that is significantly higher than a smaller or lighter stroller.
The ability to maneuver is an essential feature of a stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, and how well the stroller rolls over different surfaces such as grass or pavements. This quality will diminish as you and your child grow and the weight of the stroller increases.
Some pushchairs are designed to work as an entire travel system, which means they can be paired with an infant car seat, and changed to a toddler pushchair with adapters. This makes the transition from stroller to pram easier as your child develops.
