Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

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

A good pushchair will provide 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

When it comes to choosing a stroller many parents are concerned with the ease to fold. The EeZeFold is a standout because it features a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold the baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don't need to juggle the two. The buggy remains upright when folded, so you don't have to be concerned about your child falling out.

Some folding pushchairs are so compact that they fit in your car's boot. They're ideal for frequent travelers or when you have a smaller vehicle. There are also day-today buggies that take up a smaller amount of space than the average pushchair but still come with decent features, like a comfortable recline and lightweight wheels. They are typically light enough to be carried with hand and so Grandma or Grandad can utilize them if they need to.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, and they come with a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They could also be travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in one click.

While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact travel stroller pushchairs take up very little space when folded with the seat on and are ideal for those short on storage space at their homes or an apartment. They're also light and they often have a rain cover to protect them against the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class is foldable with one hand by pressing a button. It's great to travel with because it's easy to fold. It's also extremely light, making it simple to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or the parent and the hood can also be extended to provide extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller transforms its shape to fit the needs of families that are growing. It could be a single stroller that transforms into a double stroller to accommodate more siblings, or a triple pushchair stroller with the addition of a third seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a flexible stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for newborns or two toddler seats or even a third child by using adapters.

Convertible strollers must have adjustable features, including the height and recline settings. They should also come with large handles that are easy to grip, making it easy for dad, mom or grandma to push. These strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they are made up of more components.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the need for parents to purchase separate products. It converts quickly and effortlessly into a single stroller or a double stroller, without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle provide ample seating space when it is used as a wagon. Although the Larktale is a bit bulkier than the other top convertibles, it has great maneuverability and maneuvers well over hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage space under the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A quality pushchair should include several safety features, including five-point harnesses for infants. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist and also between the legs. It is important that the harness does not come loose, and that there aren't any areas where fingers of children could be stuck.

Choose the brake that suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most commonly used and ideal for those who are likely to stop frequently such as when shopping. A hand brake is found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs and is more useful in situations where you'll be changing momentum often such as when using it for running. Some pushchairs have an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a good choice for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more frequently. It helps to maintain your balance while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

Verify that the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas with 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 large amount of luggage in the back.

While it might seem like a small consideration it is important to consider the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can be surprisingly heavy when loaded up with an expanding child and shopping bags. Make sure you know how much it weighs and consider whether you would be able to lift it into the car boot and up flights of stairs while balancing a toddler and juggling a coffee from a takeaway.

A pram, buggy or pushchair is designed for babies who 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 bond with you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable handlebars, seat positions and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents enjoy the comfort of pushchairs - and there are a variety to pick from. Some are better suited for urban streets or rough terrain, while others are not. The type of brake is another factor to consider. A foot brake, for instance, is best suited to everyday use. An active hand brake that is found on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive on an adventure.

One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not your stroller is able to lie completely flat position for newborns. Babies must be lying flat in a position to help develop their spine, and it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will give your baby a relaxing nap or rest, making for longer outdoor excursions and a happier, healthier child.

If you're planning on using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, it's essential to get a model that is compatible with your chosen infant car seat. This will make it easy for you to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.

Some pushchairs feature an adaptor for car seats that lets you easily attach your car seat to the frame. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, reducing costs and hassle. Many brands offer a travel package which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, along with an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

Another crucial comfort feature is a great suspension - particularly on the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when you drive on rough roads or urban terrain, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfy.

You might also want to think about other practical comfort features, Foldable Stroller like an ample basket (or separate bag) with reclining handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a hood that is ventilated. The combination of these features will help you navigate your way through the country or town and ensure that your little one has the best possible sleep for the longest nap possible.