Choosing Strollers Pushchairs
A lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is essential to those who frequently use public transport or take flights that are frequently hopping on and off. Look for one that folds flat and compactly, and is machine washable to take care of spilt drinks or leaky diaper staining.
We love strollers which can easily glide across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs with ease. Look for car seat attachements that can be installed by themselves, as well as the handlebar that can be adjusted to suit parents of any height.
Ease of Use
There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit every budget and lifestyle. Some are extremely light and compact, making them easy to fold and carry, while others feature a more substantial frame that’s more sturdy for long walks and use on rough terrain. A lot of them come with a basket for your shopping, or a bag for changing clothes so you’ll have everything you require. Some are designed for use in urban areas, whereas others are intended for traveling or for country living.
Strollers are typically suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline in a flat position that is recommended for healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with an infant seat or carrycot to create travel systems. They are suitable for Strollers pushchairs infants to toddlers. Some models have extra features that are designed to be attractive, like a height-adjustable handbar for parents with different heights or a large basket, or rain cover that will ensure your baby is dry.
Three-wheeled pushchairs are more suitable for city dwellers as they are light and agile. They are also easy to move. Four-wheel pushchairs tend to be more durable, which makes them ideal for families living in rural areas or are planning to spend a lot of time in the outdoors. Check out reviews from parents who express their opinions on how simple the pushchair is to operate, Strollers Pushchairs for example, the weight of the pushchair or how easy it can be to steer. It’s also worth noticing the size of the base and if it’s solid enough for your child to use, particularly if you intend to use the pushchair off-road or on rough terrain.
Safety
Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants or toddlers to prevent the possibility of entrapment. Check for a base that is stable and wide. You can test it by putting the weight on it or hanging bags to check how it feels. Also, make sure that the leg openings aren’t enough to stop the legs of a child from sliding through and that the handlebars are at waist-level or slightly lower for ergonomic use. Another crucial feature is brakes that lock the back wheels and is easy to use. You should look for a model with brakes that are integrated into the wheels instead of on the frame. This will help to prevent pinch points and choking dangers.
Many strollers come with seats that recline to the position of a lie-flat, making them suitable for infants. For better control of the head and breathing it is recommended that newborns lay flat during the first few months. Some pushchairs can be described as having a reclined seat however, they aren’t. Check carefully.
The stroller should have a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs, and one strap around the crotch), similar to those used in car seats. This is vital to protect a child from falling out of the stroller and also to protect them from being pushed over or out by passing vehicles or other pedestrians.
Make sure that the stroller is equipped with an easy parking brake to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will stop the stroller from moving when you’re loading or unloading your child or taking a break to rest.
Comfort
You’ll want to feel at ease, whether you’re pushing your toddler or carrying a backpack full of nappies and coffee to take home. Selecting a stroller that has big sturdy, wheels that are puncture-proof and can easily glide over rough terrain and have a super-smooth suspension will help you get the best results.
A pushchair shops that folds up easily and compactly will help. It can be a hassle to squeeze an enormous pushchair into and out of the car boot or struggle up flights of stairs, especially with a growing toddler in the back. It’s also worth thinking about the purpose for which you’ll use it and what the weather will be like – so selecting a stroller with a hood that protects your child from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is an excellent idea.
The last aspect of comfort is how easy it is to steer and control. Watch out for our reviewers’ comments on maneuverability. This includes things like how the stroller glides across various surfaces and how it is able to be easily pushed up hills.
Many pushchairs include accessories that can aid in keeping your baby cool or warm like fans and footmuffs. Certain brands come with their own nappy bags designed to help you travel with your baby.
For added flexibility, opt for a travel system – an infant stroller frame (called the chassis) with a seat unit that can be parent-facing or front-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. It is easy to remove and put the car seat back on the chassis without waking your baby. This is the perfect solution for those who are constantly moving and have to change their plans for travel.
Style
While the jargon around strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are a few things that they all have in common. Keep in mind that they’re made to transport your child from point A to B. Think about how you will use it and select features that suit your lifestyle.
If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, such as fields that are muddy or sand-covered it is possible to require a stroller with all-terrain wheels that are puncture resistant. They should also come with a suspension system to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot during long walks, you may think about a parasol that can shade them from the sun’s rays or a cooling device for them to stay cool.
Some pushchairs let you choose whether you want your baby facing you to provide reassurance or if they want to go out and explore the world. Some have a carrycot or seat that can flip to face you or away from you, and some offer a full lie-flat recline suitable for babies. Some also come with a car seat adapter and are compatible with Isofix or are 3 in 1 systems so you can use them from the time of birth.
Another option is a twin pushchair which lets you transport two children at the simultaneously. There are models with two or one seat that are independent, which are lightweight, compact, and have plenty of storage space, larger canopies, and more moveable wheels. Several of our testers liked the idea of a double pushchair, but found that some adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to operate with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point and this caused many to push their hands closer to the frame. Other systems that allow telescopically moving in and out of frame sides were easier to use even for parents who are taller.
Storage
The amount of storage space in a stroller can influence your decision to buy it. Take note of the space under the seat, the footwell, as well as the large basket. This is a major aspect if you plan to buy additional pushchair accessories such as a tray for parents or the travel changing bag.
A tray for the parent can enhance the ease of use by offering extra storage for snacks and other necessities. However, it could also add weight to the stroller and its folding dimensions, making it bulky and awkward. It’s also important to keep in mind that most parent trays have shallow cup holders, which can cause things to fall out of the tray during travel or while strolling.
If you intend to carry your baby until birth, you should consider buying a full-sized stroller that can accommodate bassinets. These products have more spacious storage baskets, full-coverage canopies and reclining seats. However, they typically come with a price tag that’s much higher than a compact or lightweight stroller.
The ability to maneuver is an essential aspect of a stroller. It determines the ease of steering when empty, and how well the stroller can be rolled over various surfaces like pavements or grass. It’s important to note that this quality decreases over time as your baby grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.
Some pushchairs are made to function as a complete travel system, which means they can be used with an infant car seat and changed to an adult pushchair by using adapters. This can make it easier to make it easier to transition from pram to stroller as your child ages and more independent, which is especially beneficial in the event that you’re lacking storage space at home.