Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair can also be referred to as a stroller, buggy or pram. It's like the Swiss Army knife of baby transportation. These baby-chariots can handle any surface, from busy streets to rough terrain.
A quality pushchair will provide safety and comfort for your baby, ease for you, and the chance for you both to explore and bond. Find out what to consider when buying one.
Folding
One of the most important aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting a buggy is how easy it is to fold. The EeZeFold is an exceptional model because it comes with a single-hand fold, which enables 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, so you don't need to be concerned about your child slipping out.
Some folding pushchairs are compact enough that they can be tucked away in your car's boot. They're perfect for frequent travel or when you have a smaller vehicle. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for use in everyday life that 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 therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad when needed.
The majority of these pushchairs are targeted at toddlers and older children since they can sit upright, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option to add a carrycot to make them suitable from birth. They might also be compatible with travel systems which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in a single click.
Many compact pushchairs are very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're perfect for those who are limited in storage space at home or live in apartments. They are also lightweight, and they often come with a raincover to protect them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category is foldable with one hand by pressing a button. It's great to travel with because it's easy to fold. It's also lightweight, 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 the parent, and the hood can also be extended to offer additional sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can change form to meet the requirements of families that are growing. It can start as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for siblings, and even a triple stroller through the addition of an additional seat or ride-along boards. Our top choice, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a versatile single-to-double stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for newborns as well as one or two toddler seats and even a third child by the use of adapters.
Convertible strollers should have adjustable features, including the height and recline settings. They should also feature large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers usually contain more components than traditional pushchairs they need to be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying a number of children or loads of gear.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a full-featured single stroller with an incline wagon, removing the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily into one stroller or a double stroller, without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give ample seating space when it is used as a wagon. The Larktale is heavier than our other top convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and is able to handle the hills. Its biggest drawback is limited storage space under the seat. Click here for more info.
Safety
A quality pushchair will come with numerous safety features, such as a five-point harness that is suitable for the baby. This should fit over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist, and between the legs. It is also important that the harness doesn't become loose and has no areas where a child may get their fingers stuck.
Choose the brake that suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most popular and pushchairsandprams - https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/ is ideal if you are likely to stop a lot such as when shopping. A hand brake is seen on a variety of jogger style pushchairs. It is more beneficial if you are going to frequently change your momentum, for instance, when going 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 useful option for parents who are likely to be frequent stop-and-starts as it makes it easier to keep your balance while still applying pressure on the wheels.
It is also important to determine whether the pushchair has an adjustable front wheel that locks. This is a great feature for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable front wheel can help to prevent the pushchair from moving away in a hurry or there is a large amount of baggage in the back.
Although it may seem a minor consideration however, the weight of the pushchair is something you need to bear in mind too. Even a lightweight pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with an ever-growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be capable of lifting it into the car boot and up flights of stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a coffee from a takeaway.
Buggy, pram, or pushchairs are designed for babies that can sit up. They are usually used after six months. The seat can be placed to face you or away from you, depending on whether you want your child to be close to you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable handlebars, seat positions and other accessories.
Comfort
There are many pushchairs that come with features for comfort that parents love. Some are better suited for rough terrain or city streets, while others are not. The brake type is another factor to consider. A foot brake, for instance is the best choice for everyday use. An active hand brake, found on jogger-style pushchairs is more responsive when on an adventure.
One of the most important comfort features is whether or not your pushchair is able to lie completely flat position for infants. Babies must be in a completely flat position to help develop their spine, so it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature from birth. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or time to rest, which will allow more time for outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.
If you're going to be using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, it's essential to choose a car seat that is compatible with the infant car seat. This will make it simple 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 have an adaptor for car seats that allows you to connect your car seat. This means you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, which saves money and hassle. Many brands also offer a travel bundle that includes infant car seat, adaptors and footmuff all in one purchase.
Another important aspect of comfort is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can really make the difference when driving over rough roads or in urban areas that allow you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfortable.
Other practical comfort features that you should look out for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag), adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat position and an air-conditioned hood. Having all of these features will help you to navigate your way to the city or out in the country, and ensure your child gets the best possible sleep for the longest nap possible.