Pushchairs – The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair, also known as a buggy, pram or stroller, is the Swiss army knife of baby transport. From navigating busy streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots are built to conquer all types of surfaces.
A quality pushchair pram will provide security and comfort to your child, convenience for you, and the chance for you both to explore and bond. Find out what to look for when picking one.
Folding
One of the most important characteristics that many parents are looking for when selecting a buggy is how easy it is to fold. A standout is the EeZeFold which features an incredible one-handed fold which lets you hold your child while folding the buggy. This means you don’t have to juggle between the two. The buggy remains upright when folded, meaning you don’t need to worry about your child getting out.
Some folding pushchairs are compact enough that they fit in your car’s boot. They’re ideal for frequent travelers or when you have a smaller vehicle. Some are small buggies designed for use in everyday life that have a smaller footprint than the typical pushchair, yet provide decent features like a good recline or lightweight wheels. They’re also generally lightweight enough to carry on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed.
The majority of these pushchairs are aimed at toddlers and older children because they can sit upright, but some offer a lie-flat seat and the option to add an infant carrycot, making them suitable for babies from birth. They could also be compatible with travel systems which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame with one click.
Many compact pushchairs are extremely compact when folded with the seat attached. They’re great for people who have a limited storage space at home or in apartments. They’re also light and many come with a raincover to shield them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category is foldable with just the press of a button. It’s ideal for traveling as it is easy to fold. It’s also extremely light, making it simple to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the world or the parent and the hood can also be extended to provide extra sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can be modified to meet the requirements of growing families. It can start as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for siblings and even become a triple stroller by the addition of a third seat or ride-along boards. Our top pick is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a versatile single-to-double stroller that can be converted to accommodate a bassinet or car seat for infants and toddlers, as well as two toddler seats and even a third child by the use of adapters.
Aside from transforming shape to accommodate different configurations convertible strollers should also have adjustable features such as reclining 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 contain more parts than traditional pushchairs they need to be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying a number of children or loads of gear.
Larktale’s crossover stroller/wagon, a first of its kind it includes a single stroller and a wagon. Parents do not need to purchase separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily into a single or double stroller without tools or additional conversion kits, and provides plenty of seating versatility with its second seat as well as a pull handle when used in wagon mode. The Larktale is bulkier than the other convertibles we have rated top-rated however it offers excellent maneuverability and is able to handle the hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more information.
Safety
A great pushchair should come with several safety features like the five-point harness for infants. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist and also between the legs. It is crucial that the harness does not fall off, and that there aren’t any places where a child’s fingers could be stuck.
Choose the brake that suits your lifestyle. The most commonly used brake is one that is a foot brake. It’s a great option if you have to stop frequently such as when you shop. A hand brake is found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs, and is more appropriate in situations where you’ll be changing momentum often such as when using it for an exercise. Some pushchairs feature an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a pedal on the bottom of your foot. This is a great option for parents who will be frequent stop-and-starts because it allows you to maintain your balance while still applying pressure to the wheels.
Check if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is a great feature for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A wheel lockable in the front of the pushchair can prevent the pushchair rolling away if you’re in a hurry or have lots of luggage in the rear.
Although it may seem something of a minor issue, the weight of the pushchair is something to be aware of. Even a light pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Take a look at the weight of your stroller and see if you can lift it up a flight of stairs and into the trunk of your car while carrying the toddler.
Buggy or pram are designed for infants who can sit up. They are usually used after the age of six months. They have seats that can be oriented towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs feature adjustable handles, seat positions, and other accessories.
Comfort
There are a variety of pushchairs with features for comfort that parents love. Some are more suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is another factor to take into consideration. A foot brake, for instance is the best choice for everyday use. A hand brake that is active, found on jogger-style pushchairs, can be more responsive during an adventure.
The ability of your pushchair to permit newborns to lie flat is among its most crucial features. Babies must be in a completely flat position to help develop their spine, so it’s important to select a stroller that has this feature from the beginning. This will allow your baby to rest or nap comfortably, allowing for longer outdoor adventures and a more relaxed and healthier child.
If you’re going to be using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, it’s essential to get a model that is compatible with the infant car seat. This will make it easier for you to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep him calm and reduce fuss.
Some pushchairs come with a smart adaptor for car seats, which allows you to attach your car seat. The seat can be used from birth until toddlerhood, and save time and money. Many brands offer a travel bundle which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, along with a footmuff, all in one purchase.
Another important aspect of comfort is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can really make the difference when you drive on rough roads or in urban areas and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while ensuring your baby is comfortable.
Other useful comfort features you should look for include a large shopping basket (or even an additional bag), adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat, and a ventilated hood. The combination of these features will help you navigate your way through the country or town and ensure that your child has the best sleep possible for his longest naps.