Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

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

A good pushchair newborn will offer safety and comfort for your baby, ease for you, and the opportunity for you and your baby to spend time together and play. Find out what to consider when you are buying a pushchair.

Folding pushchair

One of the key aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when they choose the best pushchair is how simple it is to fold. A standout is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold which lets you hold your child while folding the buggy, meaning that you don't have to switch between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don't have to worry about the child falling out or being injured during the process.

Some of the most compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they fit in the boot of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveller or have a small car boot. Others are day-to-day buggies that take up a smaller amount of space than a standard pushchair but still come with decent features like a good recline and light-weight wheels. They are usually light enough to be carried by hand and so Grandma or Grandad can use them in the event of need.

The majority of these pushchairs are designed at toddlers and older children since they can sit up, however some come with a lie-flat seating option and the option of adding a carrycot to make them suitable for babies from the time of birth. They could also be compatible with travel systems, so you can attach an infant car seat to the frame in one click.

Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggie, many compact pushchairs still take up very little space when they're folded with the seat in which is why they're ideal for those short of storage space in their home or live in an apartment. They're also lightweight and frequently have a rain cover to protect them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category can be folded with one hand by pressing a button. It is great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It is also very light, making it easy to maneuver even on rough surfaces. It also has a great suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the world or towards the parent facing pushchair and the hood can be extended to give you extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the needs of growing families. It could be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller by adding the third seat. Our top pick, 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 even a third child with the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers must have adjustable features, like height and reclining settings. They should have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads or grandmas to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers often contain more components than traditional pushchairs, they will be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying a number of children or loads of gear.

Larktale's cross-over stroller/wagon, a first of its kind that combines a single stroller with a wagon. Parents do not have to purchase separate products. It is able to convert quickly and easily to a single stroller or a double stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle offer the flexibility of seating when it is used as wagon. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top-rated convertibles however it offers excellent maneuverability and is able to easily climb hills. Its biggest flaw is the limited storage underneath the seat. Click here for additional information.

Safety

A good pushchair should have many safety features like the five-point harness for infants. It should be able to fit over the shoulders, around the waist and between the legs. It is crucial that the harness doesn't become loose, and there aren't any areas where fingers of children could get stuck.

There are a variety of different pushchair brakes available so pick the one that is most suitable for your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and great if you are likely to stop often like when you go shopping. A lot of jogger-style pushchairs come with hand brakes. This is useful in situations where you have to change your speed frequently, such as when you run. Some pushchairs come with 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 more frequently since it helps to maintain your balance and apply pressure to the wheels.

Examine if the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is especially useful for those who live in areas that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A lockable front wheel can help to prevent the pushchair from moving away when you are in a hurry or there is a lot of luggage in the back.

While it may seem like a minor consideration it is important to consider the weight of the stroller. Even a pushchair that is light can be surprisingly heavy when stuffed with an expanding child and shopping bags. Check the weight of your stroller and see whether you can carry it up the stairs and into the trunk of your car while carrying a toddler.

A pram, buggy or pushchair is made for babies who are able to sit up and is typically used from 6 months. They come with a seat that can face both 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

Many parents enjoy the convenience features of pushchairs, and there are many to choose from. Some are more suited to rough terrain or city streets than others and the type of brake is also a factor to take into consideration. For example, a foot brake is ideal for easy daily use, whereas the hand brake that is active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and easier to operate on adventures.

The ability of your pushchair to permit newborns to lie completely flat is among its most important characteristics. It is crucial to select a pushchair that has this feature from the moment of birth. This will enable your baby to develop their spine in an upright position. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or time to rest, which will allow more time for outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child.

It is crucial to select a parent facing pushchair that's compatible with the infant car seat you've chosen. This makes it quick and easy to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair, which reduces fuss and ensuring he's calm during his outings.

Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats that allows you to fix your chosen car seat to the frame. The seat can be used from birth until toddlerhood and save money and time. Many brands offer a travel bundle that includes a car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, along with a footmuff, all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is a great suspension - particularly on the front wheels. This can make all the difference when you drive on rough terrain or city roads and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while keeping your baby comfortable.

You may also want to consider other practical comfort features, like the capacity of a large basket (or separate bag) as well as reclining handles as well as an adjustable seat and a ventilated hood. These features will help you navigate across the country or around town and ensure that your child gets the best possible rest for the longest naps.