9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Pushchairs

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair can also be referred to as a buggy, stroller or pram. It's like the Swiss Army knife of baby transport. From navigating crowded streets to traversing rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.

A quality pushchair provides comfort and safety for your child, ease for you and the chance to bond and explore the world together. Read on to find out what to look for when picking one.

Folding

One of the most important features that a lot of parents are looking for when they choose a pushchair is how easy it is to fold. A standout is the EeZeFold that has an amazing one-handed fold that allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy, meaning you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy remains upright when folded, meaning you don't have to worry about your child slipping out.

Some of the really compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they can be tucked away into the boot of your car, which means they're ideal for frequent traveller or have a smaller car boot. Some are small buggies designed for use in everyday life that have smaller footprints than typical pushchair, yet provide decent features like recline that is comfortable or light wheels. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be able to be carried by hand, so Grandma or Grandad can use them in the event of need.

The majority of these pushchairs are aimed at toddlers and older children since they can sit upright, 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 travel system compatible so you can attach an automobile seat to your infant with a click.

Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggie, many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when they're folded with the seat in which is why they're ideal for those short on storage space in their home or in an apartment. They're also light and many have a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very well-known pushchair in this category it is an excellent option for traveling as it can fold one-handed with a simple press of a button. It's also light, making it simple for you to handle even on rough surfaces. It also comes with a great suspension. The seat can rotate to switch between parent-facing and world-facing, while the hood can be extended for extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller transforms its shape to fit the needs of growing families. It can start as a single stroller, transform into a double pram stroller for children and even a triple stroller through the addition of an additional seat or ride-along board. Our top pick is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a versatile single-to-double stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet or car seat for newborns and toddlers, as well as two toddler seats and an additional child through the use of adapters.

In addition to changing shape to adjust for different configurations convertible strollers should also have adjustable features like recline and height settings. They should also come with large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. Also, since these types of strollers typically contain more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying a number of children or loads of equipment.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to purchase separate products. It is quick and easy to convert to a double or single stroller without tools or additional conversion kits, and offers ample seating options with the second seat and pull handle when used in wagon mode. The Larktale is bulkier than the other convertibles we have rated top-rated, but it has excellent maneuverability and is able to handle the hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A good pushchair will have many safety features, including a five-point harness that is suitable for the baby. The harness should be able to fit over the shoulders and around the waist and also between the legs. It is important that the harness doesn't come loose, and that there are no areas that children's fingers might be stuck.

There are many different brakes for pushchairs, so pick the one that best fits your lifestyle. The most popular brake is a foot brake. It's great if you stop a lot, like when you go to the shops. Hand brakes are found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs and is more useful in situations where you'll frequently change your momentum, for instance, when going for running. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a great option for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more often. It makes it easier to stay in your position while applying pressure to the wheels.

Check if the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is extremely beneficial for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A front wheel that locks can help to prevent the pushchair from moving away when you are in a hurry or if there is a lot of baggage in the back.

Although it may seem like a small consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can be quite heavy when it is loaded with a growing baby and shopping bags. Check the weight of your pushchair and see whether you are able to lift it up the stairs and into the trunk of your car while carrying a toddler.

Buggy, pram shops near me, or pushchairs are designed for infants who can sit up. They are typically used after the age of six months. They come with seats that can be oriented 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 many to pick from. Some are more suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the type of brake is also something to take into consideration. For instance, a foot brake is perfect for simple, everyday use, whereas an active hand brake found on jogger style pushchairs can be more responsive and easier to operate on adventures.

One of the most important comfort features is whether or not your stroller has a full lie flat position for babies. Babies must be in a completely flat position to develop their spine, so it's worth choosing a pushchair stroller that has this feature from the beginning. This will allow your baby a peaceful nap or time to rest, which will allow the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat along with your pushchair, you need to choose a car seat that is compatible with your infant car seat. This makes it quick and easy to transfer your child from the car into the pushchair, which reduces fuss and ensuring he's calm during his excursions.

Some pushchairs feature an adaptor for car seats 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, saving money and hassle. Many brands also offer a travel bundles that include infant car seat, adaptors and footmuff all in one purchase.

A well-designed suspension system is also important, especially for the front wheels. This can really make the difference when you drive on rough terrain or city roads, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfy.

You may also want to think about other practical comfort features, like an ample basket (or separate bag), reclining handles, an adjustable seat and an air-conditioned hood. Having all of these features will allow you to navigate your way around town or country, and ensure your child gets the best quality sleep possible for the longest nap possible.