Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair can also be referred to as a buggy, stroller or pram. It's the Swiss knife of baby transport. These baby-chariots are able to handle any surface, from busy streets to rough terrain.

A good pushchair will offer security and comfort for your baby, ease to you, and the chance for you both to spend time together and play. Find out what to consider when purchasing one.

Folding

When it comes to choosing a stroller parents are often concerned about the ease to fold. A standout is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold that allows you to hold your child while folding the buggy. This means you don't need to move between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, which means you don't have to worry about your child falling off or causing injury during this process.

Some folding pushchairs are so small that they can be tucked away into the boot of your car. They're ideal for frequent travelers or when you have a smaller vehicle. There are some compact pushchair buggies that are ideal for everyday use that have smaller footprints than typical pushchair, yet offer decent features such as recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They're also usually lightweight enough to be carried on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

The majority of these pushchairs are designed at older babies and toddlers since they can sit upright, but some offer a lie-flat seat and the option of adding a carrycot to make them suitable from birth. Some are travel system compatible which means you can connect an automobile seat to your baby with just a click.

While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact pushchairs still take up very little space when they're folded with the seat on which is why they're ideal for those who are tight of storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also light and they often come with a raincover to protect them against the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class, can be folded with one hand by pressing a button. It's great for travel system prams because it is easy to fold. It's also lightweight, making it easy to use even on rough surfaces. It also has a great suspension. The seat can rotate to turn from parent-facing to world-facing. The hood can be extended to provide extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller transforms its form to meet the requirements of families that are growing. It could be one stroller that converts into a double stroller to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller by adding an additional seat. Our top choice is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that converts 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 must have adjustable features, such as the height and recline settings. They should also feature large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. These strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they are made up of more components.

Larktale's cross-over stroller/wagon, the first of its kind, combines a single stroller with a wagon. Parents no longer need to buy separate products. It is able to convert quickly and effortlessly into one stroller or a double pram pushchair stroller, with no need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle provide ample seating space when used as a wagon. The Larktale is heavier than the other convertibles we have rated top-rated, but it has excellent maneuverability and can easily handle the hills. The biggest issue is the small storage space underneath the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A good pushchair should have several safety features like a five point harness for baby. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist, as well as between the legs. It is crucial that the harness does not fall off, and that there are no areas where fingers of children could get stuck.

Choose the brake that suits your lifestyle. The most popular brake is a foot brake. It's a great option if you frequently stop, like when you go to the shops. Hand brakes are found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs, and is more appropriate if you are going to be able to change momentum frequently, such as when using it for a run. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a good option for parents who will be stopping and starting more frequently as it makes it easier to maintain your balance while still applying pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth checking whether the pushchair comes with an adjustable front wheel that locks. This is a great feature for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable wheel on the front can prevent the pushchair rolling away if you are in a rush or have lots of luggage in the rear.

While it may appear to be a minor issue but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a light pushchair can be quite heavy when loaded up with an expanding child and shopping bags. Check the weight of your stroller and see if you can lift it up a flight of stairs and into the boot of your car, while carrying a toddler.

Buggy or pram are designed for babies that can sit up. They are generally used after the age of six months. The seat can be placed towards you or away from you depending on how much you want your child to bond with you or explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents enjoy the comfort features of pushchairs - and there are many to choose from. Certain models are better suited for rough terrain or city streets than others and the brake type is another factor to consider. A foot brake, for instance, is best suited to everyday use. A hand brake that is active used on jogger-style pushchairs can be more responsive during an adventure.

The capacity of your pushchair to allow newborns to lie flat is one of the most important characteristics. It is crucial to select an infant pushchair with this feature from the moment of birth. This will enable your baby to grow into a straight position. This will allow your baby a relaxing nap or time to rest, which will allow the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child.

It's important to choose a pushchair that's compatible with the infant car seat you've selected. This makes it fast and easy to transfer your baby from the car into the pushchair, reducing stress and ensuring he's calm during his excursions.

Some pushchairs have a smart adaptor for car seats that allows you to connect your car seat. This means that you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, saving money and hassle. Many brands offer a travel bundle which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, as well as the footmuff in one purchase.

A well-designed suspension system is also crucial particularly for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving on rough terrain or city roads and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfy.

Other useful comfort features you may want to look out for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag), reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat position and ventilated hood. The combination of these features will help you navigate your way to the city or out in the country and ensure that your child gets the best possible sleep for the longest nap possible.