Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also referred to as a pram bag, buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots can be used on any surface, from busy streets to rough terrain.

A quality pushchair provides safety and comfort for your baby, convenience for you and a chance to explore the world together. Find out what to look for when choosing one.

Folding

One of the most important features that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting the best pushchair is how simple it is to fold. The EeZeFold is unique because it features a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold the baby while folding pushchair the buggy. This means that you do not have to manage the two. The buggy also stays standing when folded, which means you don't have to worry about your child falling off or being injured during the process.

Some of the most compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they can fit into the trunk of your car, which means they're perfect if you're a frequent traveller or have a small car boot. Some are small buggies designed for everyday use that have a smaller footprint than the typical pushchair, yet provide decent features like recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They're also typically lightweight enough to be carried on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, since some come with a lie-flat seats or carrycot option. Some are travel system compatible and allow you to attach an infant car seat to your infant with a click.

While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel strollers buggie, many compact pushchairs take up very little space when they're folded with the seat in which is why they're ideal for those who are tight on storage space in their home or live in an apartment. They're also lightweight and frequently have a rain cover to protect them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very popular pushchair in this category that is an ideal choice for travelling as it can fold one-handed by simply pressing one button. It's also extremely 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 and the hood can be extended to provide extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller transforms its shape to meet the demands of families that are growing. It can be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller in order to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller when you add an additional seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It's a versatile single to double stroller that can be transformed to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for newborns or two toddler seats or even a third child by using adapters.

Aside from transforming shape to adjust for different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features such as recline and height settings. They should also feature large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. Also, since these types of strollers usually contain more components than traditional pushchairs, they should be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of gear.

Larktale's cross-over stroller/wagon, a first of its kind, is a stroller that can be used as a wagon. Parents do not need to purchase separate products. It can be converted quickly and effortlessly into one stroller or a double stroller without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle offer plenty of seating flexibility when used as wagon. While the Larktale is a bit heavier than some of our other top-rated convertibles is extremely maneuverable and can maneuver well over hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A quality pushchair car seat should include several safety features including a five point harness for baby. This should fit over the shoulders, around the waist and between the legs. It is also crucial that the harness doesn't come out of its place and that there are no places where a child could get their fingers stuck.

There are a number of different brakes for pushchairs, so pick the one that is most suitable for your lifestyle. The most popular brake is one that is a foot brake. It's a great option if you frequently stop for example, when you go to the shops. A hand brake is seen on a variety of jogger style pushchairs. It is more beneficial when you will frequently change your momentum, like when you go for a run. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a good option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more frequently since it helps to maintain your balance and apply pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth determining whether the stroller has a lockable front wheel. This is particularly useful for those who live in areas with uneven terrain or steep slopes. A wheel lockable on the front can stop the pushchair from rolling away when you are in a rush or have a lot of baggage in the rear.

Although it may seem like a small consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing infant and shopping bags. Be sure to check the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be able to lift it into your car's boot and up flights of stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a coffee from a takeaway.

Buggy or pram are designed for infants who can sit up. They are usually 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 come with adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents appreciate the comfort features of pushchairs - and there are a variety to pick from. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets than others and the brake type is also a factor to take into consideration. A foot brake, for instance is the best choice for everyday use. A hand brake that is active that is found on pushchairs with joggers is more responsive during an adventure.

The capability of your pushchair to allow infants to lie flat is one of the most important features. Babies must be in a flat position to help them develop their spines, so it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your baby to nap or rest in a comfortable position, allowing for more time outdoors and a more relaxed and healthier child.

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

Some pushchairs have a smart car seat adaptor that allows you to easily attach your car seat to the frame. It is possible to use the seat from birth to toddlerhood and save time and money. Many brands also offer a travel bundles that include the carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.

A well-designed suspension system is also crucial particularly for the front wheels. This can make a big difference when driving through rough roads or urban streets, allowing you to get over bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while keeping the baby in a comfortable position.

Other practical comfort features that you should look for include a spacious shopping basket (or even an additional bag) as well as a reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat and a an air-conditioned hood. All of these features can aid you in your travels across the country or around town and make sure that your child gets the best possible rest for his longest naps.