Pushchairs – The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair is also known as a buggy, stroller or pram. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of baby transportation. From navigating crowded streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots are built to conquer all types of surfaces.
A good pushchair will offer security and comfort to your baby, convenience to you, and a chance for you both to explore and bond. Find out what to look for when purchasing one.
Folding
When it comes to choosing a stroller many parents are concerned with the ease to fold. The EeZeFold is a standout because it has a one-handed fold, which enables you to hold the baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don’t have to balance the two. The buggy stays upright when folded so you don’t need to be concerned about your child getting out.
Some folding pushchairs are compact enough that they can fit in your car’s boot. They’re ideal for frequent travel or if you have a small vehicle. There are some compact travel pram buggies that are ideal for everyday use, which have a smaller footprint than the typical pushchair, yet provide decent features like a comfortable recline or light wheels. They’re also generally light enough to carry on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.
The majority of these pushchairs are designed towards toddlers and older infants as they can sit upright, but some offer a lie-flat seat and the option of adding a carrycot that makes them suitable for babies from birth. Some are travel system compatible and allow you to attach an automobile seat to your infant with just one click.
While they don’t have the tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact pushchairs require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on which is why they’re ideal for those short on storage space in their home or live in an apartment. They’re also light and usually come with a rain cover to shield them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category, can be folded with one hand by pressing the button. It’s ideal to travel stroller with because it’s easy to fold. It’s also incredibly light, making it simple to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or towards the parent, and the hood can be extended to provide extra sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller transforms its shape to fit the needs of growing families. It can begin as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for siblings, and even turn into a triple stroller through the addition of an additional seat or ride-along board. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that can be converted to accommodate a bassinet or car seat for newborns as well as one or two toddler seats, and even a third child with the use of adapters.
Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, like the height and reclining setting. They should have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads or grandmas to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs because they are made up of more components.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with an incline wagon, removing the need for parents to purchase separate products. It quickly and easily converts into a single or double stroller without tools or additional conversion kits. It also offers plenty of seating versatility with the second seat and pull handle when used in wagon mode. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top-rated convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and is able to easily climb the hills. The main issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more details.
Safety
A good pushchair will have numerous safety features, such as a five-point harness for the infant. It should be able to fit over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist, and between the legs. It is also important that the harness isn’t loose and has no areas where a baby could get their fingers stuck.
There are a number of different pushchair brakes to choose from, so choose the one that is most suitable for your lifestyle. The most common brake is one that is a foot brake. It’s great when you stop a lot such as when you go shopping. A lot of jogger-style pushchairs come with hand brakes. This is helpful if you will be changing your momentum frequently, such as when you run. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake that works by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a useful option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more frequently because it allows you to maintain your balance while still applying pressure to the wheels.
It is also worth checking whether the stroller has an adjustable front wheel that locks. This is extremely beneficial for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A wheel lockable on the front can prevent the pushchair from rolling away when you’re in a hurry or have a lot of luggage in the rear.
While it might seem like a minor consideration but the weight of the pushchair is something you need to keep in mind. Even a pushchair that is light can be quite heavy when loaded up with an expanding child and shopping bags. Check the weight of your pushchair and determine whether you can carry it up the stairs and into the boot of your car while carrying the toddler.
A pram, buggy or pushchair is made for babies who sit and can be used from 6 months. They come with seats that can be oriented towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs have adjustable seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.
Comfort
There are many pushchairs with features for comfort that parents love. Some are better suited for rough terrain or city streets and others aren’t. The brake type is another aspect 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 easy to operate when out on adventures.
One of the most important comfort features is whether or not the pushchair features a fully lie flat position for babies. Babies need to be in a flat position to help them develop their spines, so it’s worth choosing a pushchair with this feature from birth. This will allow your child to nap or rest comfortably, which will allow for more time outdoors and a happier and healthier child.
It’s important to choose the right pushchair with the car seat for infants you’ve selected. This will make it easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.
Some pushchairs come with an intelligent adaptor for car seats that enables you to easily connect your car seat. The seat can be used from birth until toddlerhood and save money and time. Many brands also offer a travel bundles that include a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.
Another important aspect of comfort is a great suspension – particularly on the front wheels. This can really make the difference when driving over rough roads or urban terrain that allow you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while ensuring your baby is comfortable.
You may also want to consider other practical features, such as an ample basket (or triple stroller separate bag) with reclining handles as well as an adjustable seat and an air-conditioned hood. All of these features can help you navigate around town or the country and ensure that your child gets the best sleep possible for his longest naps.