Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair is also referred to as a buggy, stroller or pram. It's the Swiss Army knife of infant transport. From navigating through crowded streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been designed to conquer all kinds of terrain.

A good pushchair offers comfort and safety for your child, ease for you, and an opportunity to spend time together and explore the world together. Learn more about what to look for when selecting one.

Folding

One of the main aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting the best pushchair is how simple it folds. The EeZeFold is a standout because it features a one-handed fold, which enables you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don't need to juggle the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you do not have to worry about your child falling off or being injured during the process.

Some of the smaller folding pushchairs car seats (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they fit into the boot of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveller or have a tiny car boot. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for everyday use, which have smaller footprints than average pushchair, but still offer decent features such as recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They're also generally light enough to carry on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

The majority of these pushchairs are targeted at older babies and toddlers since they can sit upright, but some come with a lie-flat seating option and the option of adding an infant carrycot, making them suitable from birth. Some are travel system compatible so you can attach a car seat for your infant with one click.

Although they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggie, many compact pushchairs still take up a tiny space when folded with the seat on and are ideal for those short of storage space in their home or live in an apartment. They're also light and usually come with a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category is foldable with one hand by pressing a button. It's great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It is also extremely light, making it simple for you to handle even on rough surfaces. It also comes with an excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or towards the parent and the hood can be extended to offer additional sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller compact can change shape to meet the demands of families growing. It can start as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for siblings, and even turn into a triple stroller with the addition of an additional seat or ride-along boards. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a versatile stroller that can be transformed to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for newborns, two toddler seats, or even a third child with adapters.

In addition to changing shape to accommodate different configurations convertible strollers should also have adjustable features, such as height and reclining. They should have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms 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 fall over when carrying several children or loads of gear.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It converts quickly and easily into a single stroller or a double twin stroller, without the need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give ample seating space when being used as wagon. Although the Larktale is a little heavier than our other top-rated convertibles, it is extremely maneuverable and can maneuver well over hills. Its biggest flaw is the small storage space under the seat. Click here for additional information.

Safety

A quality pushchair should include a number of safety features like five-point harnesses for baby. The harness should be able to fit over shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is also essential that the harness doesn't become loose and that it has no areas where a child could get their fingers stuck.

There are a variety of different brakes for pushchairs, so choose the one that is most suitable for your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and ideal for those who are likely to stop frequently such as when shopping. A hand brake is found on many jogger style pushchairs and is more useful if you are going to be able to change momentum frequently, like when you go for running. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a good option for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more often. It helps to stay in your position while applying pressure to the wheels.

Check if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is especially useful for those who live in areas that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A wheel lockable in the front of the pushchair can prevent the pushchair rolling away if you're in a hurry or have lots of baggage in the rear.

While it may appear to be a minor issue, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a light pushchair can be surprisingly heavy when stuffed with an expanding child and shopping bags. Examine the weight of your stroller and see whether you are able to lift it up the stairs and into the trunk of your car, while carrying an infant.

Buggy, pram, or pushchairs are designed for babies that can sit up. They are usually used after six months. They come with seats that can face both towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents appreciate the comfort features of pushchairs - and there are a variety to choose from. Some are more suited to rough terrain or city streets than others and the type of brake is also something to take into consideration. For instance, a foot brake is perfect for simple daily use, while the hand brakes that are active on jogger style pushchairs can be more responsive and easy 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 babies. It is essential to select an infant pushchair with this feature from the beginning. This will let your baby develop their spine into a straight position. This will allow your child to nap or rest in a comfortable position, allowing for longer outdoor adventures and a happier and healthier child.

It is crucial to select a pushchair that is compatible with the infant car seat you have chosen. This makes it fast and easy to move your baby from the car into the pushchair, which reduces fuss and keeping him calm throughout his outings.

Some pushchairs have a smart car seat adaptor that allows you to fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means that you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, reducing costs and time. Many brands offer a travel package that includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, as well as an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

A solid suspension system is also important, especially for 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 with ease while ensuring your baby is comfortable.

Other features for comfort that you may want to look for include a large shopping basket (or even a separate bag) as well as a reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat and a the hood that is ventilated. The combination of these features will allow you navigate through the country or town, and ensure your little one has the best sleep possible for his longest naps.