Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

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

A quality pushchair provides safety and comfort for your baby, convenience for you and a chance to explore the world together. Read on to find out what to look for when choosing one.

Folding

When selecting a stroller, parents are often concerned about how easy it will be to fold. The EeZeFold is a standout because it has a one-handed fold that allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't have to balance the two. The buggy also stays standing when folded, so you do not have to worry about your child falling out or getting harmed during this process.

Some of the most compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they fit in the trunk of your car, so they're ideal for frequent traveler or have a small car boot. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for everyday use, which have smaller footprints than the typical pushchair, yet have features that are good, such as a good recline or lightweight wheels. They're also generally lightweight enough to carry by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad when needed.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth, and they come with a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They could also be travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in a single click.

While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact pushchairs still take up very little 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 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 folds by pressing one button. It's also lightweight, making it easy to maneuver even on rough surfaces. It also has a great suspension. The seat rotates to switch between parent-facing and world-facing, while the hood can be extended to provide additional protection and protection from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be modified to meet the demands of growing families. It could be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller in order to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller with the addition of an additional seat. Our top pick is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a stroller that can be used as a single or double. It 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.

Aside from transforming shape to adjust for different configurations convertible strollers should also have adjustable features such as reclining and height settings. They should also come with large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. These strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they have more parts.

Larktale's new crossover stroller/wagon is a first of its kind, is a stroller that can be used as a wagon. Parents no longer need to purchase separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits. It also offers the flexibility of seating with its second seat as well as a pull handle when used in wagon mode. While the Larktale is a bit heavier than some of our other top-rated convertibles is very maneuverable and can be maneuvered well over hills. The main issue is the lack of storage space underneath the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A good pushchair should have several safety features, including five-point harnesses for infants. The harness should be able to fit over shoulders and around the waist, as well as between the legs. It is also important that the harness doesn't become loose and that it has no areas where a child may get their fingers stuck.

There are a number of different pushchair brakes to choose from, and you should choose one that is most suitable for your needs. A foot brake is the most commonly used and ideal for those who are likely to stop a lot such as when shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs have hand brakes. This is useful if you will be changing your speed frequently, such as when running. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake which you can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a good choice for parents who are stopping and starting their pushchairs more frequently. It helps to keep your balance while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

It is also important to determine whether the stroller has an option to lock the front wheel. This is extremely beneficial for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A wheel that locks on the front can stop the pushchair from slipping away if you are in a rush or have a lot of baggage in the rear.

Although it may seem an unimportant thing to consider but the weight of the pushchair is something you need to be aware of. Even a pushchair that is light can be surprisingly heavy when loaded up with an ever-growing child and shopping bags. Take a look at the weight of your pushchair and see whether you are able to lift it up stairs and into the trunk of your car, while carrying the toddler.

A pram, buggy or pushchair is designed for babies who sit up and is generally used from six months. The seat can be set to face 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 seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

There are a variety of pushchairs with features that are comfortable for parents. Some are better suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the type of brake is also a factor to take into consideration. For instance, a hand brake is perfect for simple daily use, while the hand brake that is active on jogger-style pushchairs may be more responsive and simpler to use when on adventures.

One of the most important aspects of comfort is whether or not your stroller features a fully lie flat position for infants. Babies must be in a completely flat position to help them develop their spine, and it's worth choosing a pushchair with this feature from birth. This will give your baby a relaxing nap or time to rest, which will allow more time for outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child.

It's important to choose a pushchair that's compatible with the car seat for infants you've selected. This makes it fast and simple to move your child from the car into the pushchair, reducing fuss and ensuring he's calm during his excursions.

Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats that allows you to attach your car seat to the frame. It is possible to use the seat from birth to toddlerhood and save money and time. Many brands also offer a travel bundles that include infant car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.

Another crucial comfort feature is a great suspension - particularly on the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when you drive on rough roads or urban terrain and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfortable.

It is also possible to consider other practical comfort features, such as an ample basket (or separate bag), reclined handles with an adjustable seat, as well as an air-conditioned hood. The combination of these features will help you to navigate your way around town or country and ensure that your child gets the best possible sleep for the longest nap possible.