12 Companies Leading The Way In Pushchairs

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a pram and car seat, buggy or stroller, is the Swiss army knife of infant transport. From navigating through crowded streets to navigating rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.

A good pushchair will offer safety and comfort to your child, convenience for you, and the chance for you both to spend time together and play. Find out what to look for when choosing one.

Folding

When choosing a stroller, many parents are concerned with how easy it will be to fold it. The EeZeFold is a standout because it features a one-handed fold, which enables you to hold the 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 falling out.

Some of the really compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they can fit in the boot of your car, so they're perfect if you're a frequent traveller or have a tiny car boot. Some are day-to-day buggies which take up a smaller amount of space than the typical pushchair but still come with decent features like a good recline and light-weight wheels. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be carried with hand, so Grandma or Grandad can utilize them if they need to.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth, as some have a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They may also be compatible with travel systems which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in a single click.

Although they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy, many compact pushchairs take up a tiny space when they're folded with the seat on and are ideal for those who are short of storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also light and they often come with a raincover to protect them against the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class, can be folded with just the press of a button. It's great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also incredibly light, making it easy to handle on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or towards the parent facing pram and the hood can also be extended to offer additional sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible babiie stroller can be reshaped to meet the demands of growing families. It can begin as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for siblings, and even a triple stroller with the addition of a third seat or ride-along board. Our top choice, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that can be converted to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for infants, one or two toddler seats and an additional child through the use of adapters.

Aside from transforming shape to adjust for different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features like reclining and height settings. They should come with large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms or grandmas to push. Also, since these types of strollers usually have more parts than traditional pushchairs they need to be more stable and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of gear.

Larktale's crossover stroller/wagon, a first of its kind, includes a single stroller and a wagon. Parents do not need to purchase separate products. It converts quickly and easily into one stroller or a double stroller without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle offer ample seating space when it is used as wagon. Although the Larktale is a little heavier than some of our other top-rated convertibles, it is extremely maneuverable and can maneuver well over hills. Its biggest drawback is limited under-seat storage. Click here for additional information.

Safety

A quality pushchair should include a number of safety features like the five-point harness for 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 become loose, and there aren't any areas where a child's fingers could be stuck.

Pick the brake that is best suited to your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and ideal for those who are likely to stop frequently like when you go shopping. A hand brake is found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs, and is more appropriate when you will be changing momentum often such as when using it for a run. Some pushchairs come with an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a good choice for parents who need to stop and beginning their pushchairs more frequently. It allows you to maintain your balance while applying pressure to the wheels.

It is also important to determine whether the pushchair comes with an adjustable front wheel that locks. This is particularly useful for those who live 3 in 1 pram areas that have steep slopes or uneven terrain. A lockable wheel on the front can prevent the pushchair from slipping away if you are in a rush or have a lot of luggage in the rear.

Although it may seem a minor consideration however, the weight of the pushchair is something to bear in mind too. Even a lightweight pushchair can be quite heavy when it is loaded with a growing baby and shopping bags. Examine the weight of your pushchair and see whether you can carry it up stairs and into the trunk of your car while carrying the toddler.

A buggy, pram bag or pushchair is designed for babies who are able to sit up and is generally used from six months. The seat can be positioned towards you or away from you depending on how much you want your child to connect with you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs with features for comfort that parents love. Some are better suited for urban streets or rough terrain but others are not. The brake type is another factor to consider. A foot brake, for instance is ideal for daily use. An active hand brake that is found on pushchairs with joggers, can be more responsive during an adventure.

One of the most important comfort features is whether or not your stroller features a fully lie flat position for infants. It is essential to select a pushchair that has this feature right from birth. This will allow your baby to develop their spine into a straight position. This will give your baby a peaceful nap or a rest, allowing the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child.

It's important to choose the right pushchair with the car seat for infants you've chosen. This makes it quick and simple to move your baby from the car to the pushchair, which reduces fuss and keeping him calm throughout his excursions.

Some pushchairs have an intelligent adaptor for car seats that enables you to quickly connect your car seat. This means that you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, which saves money and time. Many brands also offer a travel system bundle that includes infant car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is good suspension - especially on the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving on rough terrain or urban streets, allowing you to move over bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your the baby in a comfortable position.

You might also want to consider other practical features, such as the capacity of a large basket (or separate bag) with reclining handles, an adjustable seat and a ventilated hood. All of these features will help you navigate around town or country and ensure that your child has the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.