Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a buggy, pram or stroller, is the Swiss army knife of infant transport. From navigating through crowded streets to navigating rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.

A good pushchair will offer security and comfort to your baby, convenience to you, and the opportunity for you and your baby to explore and bond. Learn more about what to look for when picking one.

Folding

One of the key features that a lot of parents look for when choosing a pushchair is how easy it folds. The EeZeFold is a standout because it features a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't have to balance the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don't have to be concerned about your child falling out.

Some of the smaller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they can be tucked away into the trunk of your car, so they're perfect if you're a frequent traveller or have a small car boot. Some are compact buggies for use in everyday life that have a smaller footprint than the standard pushchair, but offer decent features such as a good recline or lightweight wheels. They are typically light enough to be able to be carried by hand and so Grandma or Grandad can use them in the event of need.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth, as some have a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They could also be compatible with travel systems which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in just a click.

Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggie, the majority of compact pushchairs take up a tiny space when folded with the seat on, so they're perfect for those who are tight on storage space at their homes or an apartment. They're also lightweight and often have a rain cover to protect them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another extremely popular pushchair in this class it is a great option for traveling as it can be folded one-handed by pressing the button. It's also lightweight, making it easy to use even on rough surfaces. It also comes with a great suspension. The seat can rotate to change between parent-facing and the world, and the hood can be extended for additional protection and protection from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the demands of families that are growing. It can be used as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for children and even a triple stroller with the addition of an additional seat or ride-along board. 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 as well as one or two toddler seats and a third child by the use of adapters.

Apart from changing shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features like reclining and height settings. They should come with large, easy-to-grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads, or grandmas to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs as they have more parts.

Larktale's crossover stroller/wagon, a first of its kind it combines a single stroller with a wagon. Parents do not need to purchase separate products. It can be converted quickly and effortlessly into a single stroller or a double stroller without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle offer ample seating space when being used as wagon. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top convertibles, but it has excellent maneuverability and can easily handle the hills. Its biggest flaw is the lack of storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A quality pushchair will come with numerous safety features, such as a five-point harness that is suitable for the baby. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist as well as between the legs. It is also essential that the harness doesn't come loose and has no areas where a child could get their fingers stuck.

There are a variety of different brakes for pushchairs, so choose the one that best suits your needs. A foot brake is the most common and is ideal if you are likely to stop often like when you go shopping. Hand brakes are found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs and is more useful when you will be changing momentum often such as when using it for running. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a great option for parents who will be stopping and starting their pushchairs more often. It allows you to stay in your position while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

Examine if the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This can be very helpful for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A front wheel that locks can help stop the pushchair from rolling away when you are in a hurry or if there is a lot of baggage in the back.

Although it may seem an unimportant thing to consider, the weight of the pushchair is something to be aware of. Even a small pushchair can become quite heavy when loaded with a growing child and shopping bags. Make sure you know the weight of the item and consider whether you would be able to lift it into your car boot and up flights of stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a coffee from a takeaway.

Buggy or pram are made for babies who can sit up. They are generally used after six months. They come with seats that can face towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs that come with comfort features that parents enjoy. Certain models are better suited for rough terrain or city streets than others and the brake type is also something to take into consideration. For instance, a hand brake is ideal for easy, everyday use, whereas the hand brakes that are active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and easy to use when on adventures.

The capacity of your pushchair to allow infants to lie completely flat is among its most important features. It is crucial to select an infant pushchair with this feature from the beginning. This will allow your baby to develop their spine in a straight position. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or a rest, allowing for longer outdoor excursions and a healthier, happier child.

It is crucial to select a pushchair that is compatible with the infant car seat you've chosen. This will make it easy for you to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep the child calm and less agitated.

Some pushchairs come with a smart adaptor for car seats, which allows you to easily attach your car seat. The seat can be used from birth until toddlerhood and save time and money. Many brands also offer a travel bundles that include the carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and footmuff all in one purchase.

A solid suspension system is also important particularly for the front wheels. This can make all the difference when driving on rough terrain or city roads and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfy.

Other features for comfort that you might want to check out for include a spacious shopping basket (or even an additional bag) and a the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat and a the hood that is ventilated. These features will aid you in your travels across the country or around town and ensure that your child gets the best possible rest for his longest naps.