Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also referred to as a buggy, pram or stroller, is the Swiss knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots are able to handle any surface, from crowded streets to rough terrain.

A quality pushchair will provide security and comfort to your baby, convenience for you, and the chance for you both to bond and explore together. Learn more about what to look for when selecting one.

Folding

When selecting a stroller, parents are often concerned about how easy it is to fold it. The EeZeFold is an exceptional model because it features a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don't need to juggle the two. The buggy is stable when folded, meaning you don't need to be concerned about your child falling out.

Some folding pushchairs are so compact that they can be tucked away into the boot of your car. They're perfect for frequent travelers or when you have a smaller vehicle. There are some Compact Pushchair buggies that are ideal for everyday use, which have a smaller footprint than the standard pushchair, but have features that are good, such as recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They're also typically lightweight enough to be carried by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

The majority of these pushchairs are designed at toddlers and older children since they can sit up, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option to add a carrycot that makes them suitable from the time of birth. Some are compatible with travel systems which means you can connect a car seat for your infant with just a click.

Although they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy, many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when they're folded with the seat on, so they're perfect for those who are tight on storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also lightweight and often come with a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very popular pushchair in this category that is a great choice for travelling as it can fold one-handed by pressing the button. It's also extremely light, making it easy to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or towards the parent and the hood can also be extended to provide extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be modified to meet the needs of families that are growing. It could be one stroller that converts into a double stroller in order to accommodate more siblings, or a triple stroller with the addition of an additional seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It's a multi-purpose single to double stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for newborns as well as two toddler seats or even a third child with adapters.

Apart from changing shape to adjust for different configurations convertible strollers must also offer adjustable features like height and reclining. They should also have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms, or grandmas to push. And because these types of strollers usually contain more components than traditional pushchairs, they will be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of equipment.

Larktale's crossover my babiie stroller/wagon, a first of its kind it includes a single stroller and a wagon. Parents do not need to purchase separate products. It is able to convert quickly and easily into one stroller or a double stroller, without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle provide plenty of seating flexibility when used as a wagon. Although the Larktale is a bit bulkier than some of our other top-rated convertibles, it is very maneuverable and can be maneuvered well over hills. Its biggest flaw is the small storage space underneath the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A well-constructed pushchair should have numerous safety features, such as a five-point harness that is suitable for the baby. It should be placed over the shoulders as well as around the waist and between the legs. It is crucial that the harness doesn't become loose, and there are no areas where fingers of children could become stuck.

Choose the brake that suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most popular and ideal for those who are likely to stop frequently such as when shopping. Hand brakes are found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs and is more useful if you are going to frequently change your momentum, such as when using it for an exercise. 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 their pushchairs more often. It helps to stay in your position while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth determining whether the pushchair 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 prevent the pushchair from slipping away if you're in a hurry or have a lot of baggage in the rear.

Although it may seem like a minor consideration however, the weight of the pushchair is something to bear in mind too. Even a light pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with a growing infant and shopping bags. Take a look at the weight of your pushchair and see whether you can carry it up a flight of stairs and into the trunk of your car while carrying an infant.

A buggy, pram or pushchair is made for babies who are able to sit up and is typically used from 6 months. The seat can be placed towards you or away from you depending on whether you want your child to connect with you or explore the world. Many pushchairs have adjustable seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.

Comfort

There are a variety of pushchairs with comfort features that parents enjoy. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets than others, and the brake type is also something to take into consideration. A foot brake, for instance, is best suited to daily use. A hand brake that is active used on jogger-style pushchairs, can be more responsive when on an adventure.

One of the most important comfort features is whether or not your pushchair features a fully lie flat position for compact pushchair babies. Babies must be in a flat position to help them develop their spine, and it's important to select a stroller with this feature right from the start. This will allow your child to rest or nap comfortably, allowing for longer outdoor adventures as well as a happier and healthier child.

It's important to choose the right pushchair with the infant car seat you've chosen. This will make it easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.

Some twin pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats that lets you easily fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, which saves money and time. Many brands offer a travel package that includes a car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, along with the footmuff in one purchase.

A good suspension system is also crucial, especially for the front wheels. This can make all the difference when driving over rough roads or urban terrain, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfortable.

You may also want to consider other practical comfort features, such as a spacious basket (or separate bag) with the ability to recline handles with an adjustable seat, as well as an air-conditioned hood. All of these features can assist you in navigating across the country or around town and ensure that your child gets the best sleep possible for the longest naps.