Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

If you frequently use public transport or travel by plane, a lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is essential. Find one that folds into a compact and flat shape and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilled drinks or leaky nappy stains.

We love strollers which effortlessly glide across the pavement and can be mounted on kerbs with ease. Find car seat attachments that install themselves, and the handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of all heights.

Easy of Use

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Some are light and compact, making them easy to fold and carry, while others have an extra sturdy frame that's more robust for long walks or use on rough terrain. Many also feature a basket for shopping or changing bags so that you can carry everything you require with you. Some are designed for use in the city, while others are designed for travel or for country living.

Strollers are typically suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline in a flat position, which is recommended for their health lung and spinal development. Some can also be connected to a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat which makes them travel systems and suitable from birth to toddlerhood. Some models have extra design features, like a height-adjustable handbar for parents with different heights or a large basket, or rain cover that will help keep your baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs work better for city dwellers, since they're generally light and nimble, making them easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs tend to be more durable, which is why they are perfect for families who live in rural areas or plan to spend a significant amount of time in the open air. When selecting a pushchair, look for reviews from parents who review the ease of using it - for example, how much it weighs and how easy to steer. Also, be aware of the size of the base and whether your child feels stable in it, particularly if you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs must be safe for infants or toddlers in order to prevent entrapment. Check for a base that is stable and large enough. You can test it by putting weight on it or hanging bags to test how it feels. Also, make sure that the leg openings aren't large enough to prevent a baby's legs from slipping through, and ensure that the handlebars are at waist-level or a bit lower for ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and secures the back wheels is another essential feature. Find a model that has the brakes integrated into the wheels instead of only on the frame since this can help keep them away from pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers come with seats that recline to an upright position, which makes them suitable for babies. To control breathing and head movement, it is recommended that newborns lay flat during the first few months. Some pushchairs advertise having a reclining seat but don't actually provide this be sure to check.

Make sure that the stroller is fitted with a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one around the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out or being pulled out by vehicles or pedestrians.

Check that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will stop the stroller from moving away when you are unloading or loading a child or stopping to rest.

Comfort

If you're pushing your toddler around or lugging a shopping bag full of nappies and a takeaway coffee, you need to feel at ease when out and out and about. This can be achieved by selecting a stroller that is sturdy, large and puncture-proof tires that glide over rough terrain. It must also have a smooth and smooth suspension.

A pushchair that folds up easily and compactly can also aid. It can be a pain to squeeze a large newborn pushchair into the boot of your car or climb a flight of stairs, especially if you have a toddler along with you. Consider what you will use it for, and the conditions. A stroller with a hood will protect your child from rain, wind and sunbeams.

The final comfort factor is the ease to steer and control the stroller. Watch out for our reviewers' comments regarding maneuverability. This is a way to gauge how the stroller pirouettes over different surfaces and how it is able to be easily pushed up hills.

Many pushchairs come with handy accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool - from footmuffs to fans. Some brands even have their own nappy bags to make the journey with your baby more convenient.

To increase your flexibility, go for a travel set-up - the frame of a stroller (called the chassis) with an adjustable seat that can be front-facing or rear-forward facing pushchair as well as a bassinet or carrycot. It is easy to remove and put the car seat back on the chassis without waking your baby. This is a great solution if you're frequently on the move and frequently need to change your travel plan.

Style

While the terminology used for prams, strollers, and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that all have in common. The most important thing to remember is that they're designed to get your baby from A to B. Think about how you'll use it and look for features that fit your lifestyle.

If you intend to walk on uneven surfaces, such as sand and muddy fields, you may need a pushchair with all-terrain wheels that are puncture proof. They should also come with suspension to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby becomes hot during long walks, you may want to consider a parasol that will shade them from the sunlight or a fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs let you choose to have your baby to face you for safety or to look outwards to explore the world. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that flips to face you or away from you. Some also have the option of a lie-flat recline for infants. Some also come with an adapter for car seats that is Isofix compatible, or are three-in-one systems so you can use them right from birth.

A twin pushchair enables the transport of both children at once. There are models that have two or more seats, which are lightweight compact and have plenty of storage space, larger canopy, and a more maneuverable wheel. A few of our test participants loved the idea of a dual-pushchair however, they found the handlebar adjustments difficult to operate with one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which led some to push their hands against the frame. Some systems that allow parents to telescopically move into or out of the frame were more convenient to use for parents with larger hands.

Stores

The amount of storage space available on a pushchair or stroller could influence the choice of buying it. Look at the space under the seat, in the footwell and in the basket to determine the amount of space you can squeeze in. This will be a big aspect if you plan to purchase additional accessories for your pushchair like a parent tray or the travel changing bag.

A tray for parents helps to make it easier to use the stroller, as it provides extra storage space for snacks and other necessities. It can also make the stroller heavier and difficult to fold. It's also important to note that the majority of tray for parents come with shallow cup holders which could cause items to fall out of the tray during travel or when strolling.

If you intend to carry your baby from birth, consider purchasing a large-sized stroller that can accommodate bassinets. These models come with larger storage baskets, fully-covered canopy and reclined seats. They tend to be more expensive than a compact stroller or lightweight stroller.

Maneuverability is one of the most important features of any stroller. It determines how easy it is to steer even when empty and how well it rolls over different surfaces like grass or pavements. It is important to note that this quality decreases over time as your baby grows and you increase the weight of the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are made to function as a complete travel system, that is, they can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat and changed to an adult pushchair by using adapters. This can ease the transition from pram to stroller as your child ages, which is particularly helpful when you're running out of storage space at home.