Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who frequently take public transport or travel by plane, a lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is crucial. Find one that folds flat and compactly and is machine washable to take care of spilt drinks or leaky nappies staining.

We love strollers which effortlessly glide across the pavement and can be mounted on kerbs ease. Look for car seat attachements that are self-installing, and a handlebar which can be adjusted to suit parents of any height.

Easy of Use

There are many different types of strollers and pushchairs that will suit all lifestyles and budgets. Some are light and compact and easy to fold and carry, while others have a more substantial frame that's more sturdy for long walks or on rough terrain. Some also have a basket for shopping, or changing bags so you can take everything you need with you. Some are made for Ickle Bubba Stomp Urban Travel System - Galaxy Palette living, whereas others are designed for the country or abroad.

Strollers can be used as early as birth. They allow the baby to recline flat, which is good for developing the spine and lungs. Some can also be connected to a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat and are therefore transport systems that are suitable from birth to toddlerhood. Certain models come with extra design features, such as a height-adjustable handbar for parents with various heights, or a spacious basket or rain cover to help keep your baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs tend to be more suited to city dwellers since they are light and agile, making them easy to move around. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and perfect for families who live in rural areas, or those who intend to spend much of their time in the outdoors. Look for reviews by other parents who have commented on how simple the pushchair is to operate, for example, the weight of the pushchair or how easy it will be to steer. Also, consider the dimensions of the base and whether your child is stable in it, especially in the event that you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers Mamas And Papas Airo Stroller - Lightweight Compact Eucalyptus pushchairs should be safe for infants and toddlers to avoid getting trapped. Make sure you choose a sturdy base that doesn't easily tip and ensure you test the safety harness by placing weight on it or hanging bags over it, to see how stable it is. Also, make sure that the leg openings aren't large enough to prevent the legs of a baby from sliding through, and ensure that the handlebars are at waist level or slightly lower for ergonomic use. Another essential feature is a brake that locks the back wheels and is simple to use. You should search for a model that has brakes integrated into the wheels, instead of on the frame. This will help to prevent pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers have seats that recline into an upright position, which makes them suitable for babies. For head control and breathing, it is recommended that infants lay flat for the first few months. Some pushchairs can be described as having a reclined seat however, they aren't. Make sure you check.

The stroller should have an adjustable five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders and two straps for the thighs, and one for the crotch) Similar to the straps found in car seats. This is essential to protect the child from falling out of the stroller and helps to prevent the child from being pushed over or pushed away by cars or other pedestrians.

Make sure the stroller has a parking brake that's simple to activate and that locks the two front wheels. This will stop the Kinderkraft GRANDE PLUS Stroller - Gray - Toddlers from rolling away while you're unloading or loading your child, or while you're stopping to take a break.

Comfort

Whether you're pushing your toddler around or carrying a shopping cart full of nappies and a takeaway coffee, you want to feel comfortable when out and about. You can achieve this by choosing a stroller that is large, sturdy, puncture-proof tires that can glide across rough terrain. It must also have a smooth and smooth suspension.

Having a pushchair that folds up easily and compactly will help. It can be a struggle to fit the bulky stroller in and out of the car boot or struggle up flights of stairs, especially with a growing toddler in tow. Be aware of what you will use it for, and the conditions. A stroller that has a hood will protect your child from the elements of wind, rain, and sunbeams.

The last factor that affects comfort is the ease to steer and control the pushchair. Keep an eye out for our reviewers’ comments regarding maneuverability. This includes things like how well the stroller pirouettes over different surfaces and how it is able to be easily pushed up hills.

Many pushchairs come with accessories that can aid in keeping your baby cool or warm like fans and footmuffs. Certain brands even have their own nappy bags that make travelling easier with baby.

To increase your flexibility, go for a travel system that includes a stroller frame (called the chassis) with an adjustable seat that can be front-facing or parent-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. It is simple to remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without disturbing your baby. This is the ideal solution for those who are always on the move and need to alter their journey plans.

Style

While the jargon around prams, strollers, and buggies can be confusing, there are a few things that all have in common. Remember that they are designed to transport your child from point A to point B. Think about how you will use it and choose features that suit your lifestyle.

For example, if you're likely to spend a lot of time walking on uneven surfaces, such as sandy fields or muddy fields, you may want an all-terrain stroller with big, tough puncture-proof wheels and a suspension to ensure it is more comfortable for your infant. If your baby gets hot on long walks, you may want to consider a parasol to shade them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs can be adjusted in their seats so you can decide if your baby faces you to give them a sense of security or the world to see it. Others 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 infants. Some have an adapter for cars and Isofix compatibility as well as 3 in 1 systems that you can use from birth.

Another alternative is a twin pushchair, which allows you to transport two children at the simultaneously. There are models with two or more independent seats, are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, bigger canopies and more maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants loved the concept of a dual pushchair, but found some adjustments to the handlebar difficult to control with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which led some to push their hands into the frame. Other systems that telescopically move in and out of the frame sides were easier to use even for parents with larger hands.

Storage

The amount of storage space on a stroller or a pushchair will affect the decision to buy it. Check the space available under the seat, the footwell, and the large basket. If you are planning to purchase any additional accessories for your pushchair, such as the tray for parents or a travel changing pouch it will be a major consideration.

A parent tray makes it easier to use the stroller, as it provides extra storage space for snacks and essentials. It can also make the stroller heavier and difficult to fold. It's important to keep it in mind that the majority of tray for parents feature small cup holders. This can cause items to fall out of the tray while traveling or strolling.

Consider buying a full-sized, bassinet-compatible stroller If you are planning to carry your baby's stroller from birth. These products feature larger storage baskets, canopies that have full coverage and reclined seats. However, they usually come with the price of a stroller that is much more expensive than a smaller or lighter stroller.

Maneuverability is a critical feature of any stroller. It determines how easy it is to steer when empty, and how smoothly it moves over different surfaces, like pavements or grass. It's worth noting that this quality diminishes with time as your child grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are designed to work as an entire travel system, that is, they can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat, and transformed into a toddler pushchair using adapters. This can ease the transition from stroller to pram as your child gets older, which is particularly helpful when you're running out of storage space at home.