Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also referred to as a buggy, pram or stroller, is the Swiss knife of infant transport. From navigating crowded streets to navigating rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been built to conquer all types of terrain.

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

folding pushchair

One of the main aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when they choose a pushchair is how easy it folds. A true standout is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy is also stable when folded, so you do not have to worry about the child falling out or causing injury during this process.

Some of the most compact Folding pushchair pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they fit in the trunk of your car, which means they're ideal if you're a frequent traveler or have a tiny car boot. There are also day-today buggies that are smaller in size of space than a standard pushchair but still come with decent features, like a comfortable recline and lightweight wheels. They're also usually lightweight enough to be carried by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

The majority of these pushchairs are targeted towards toddlers and older infants as they can sit up, but some come with a lie-flat seating option and the option to add an infant carrycot, making them suitable for babies from birth. Some are compatible with travel systems and allow you to attach an infant car seat to your infant with just a click.

Although they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy the majority of compact pushchairs take up a tiny space when folded with the seat on which is why they're ideal for those short of storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also lightweight and frequently have a rain cover to protect them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category, can be folded with just the press of a button. It's great for travel because it is easy to fold. It is also very light, making it simple to use even on rough surfaces. It also has 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 changes shape to fit the needs of growing families. It can be used as a single stroller, transform into a double pram and pushchair stroller for siblings and even turn into a triple stroller with the addition of an additional seat or ride-along board. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that can be converted to accommodate a bassinet or car seat for newborns as well as one or two toddler seats and even a third child with the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers must have adjustable features, such as height and reclining settings. They should have 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 equipment.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a unique model that combines a fully-featured single babiie stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the need for parents to invest in separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits. It also offers ample seating options with its second seat as well as a pull handle when it is in wagon mode. The Larktale is heavier than our other top convertibles, but it has excellent maneuverability and is able to handle uphills. The biggest issue is the limited storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A quality pushchair will come with several safety features, including five-point harnesses for the infant. The harness should 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 might get their fingers stuck.

Choose the brake that suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and is ideal if you are likely to stop often like when you go shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs have hand brakes. This is useful when you are changing your speed often, like when you run. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake which you can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a great option for parents who will be stopping and starting more frequently since it helps to maintain your balance while still applying pressure on the wheels.

It is also worth determining whether the pushchair comes with a lockable front wheel. This can be very helpful for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A wheel lockable on the front can prevent the pushchair from rolling away when you are in a rush or have a lot of baggage in the rear.

Even though it may seem like a minor consideration, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can be quite heavy when loaded up with a growing child and shopping bags. Examine the weight of your stroller compact and see whether you are able to lift it up a flight of stairs and into the boot of your car, while carrying a toddler.

A pram, buggy or pushchair is made for babies who are able to sit up and is typically used from 6 months. They come with seats that can face towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents enjoy the convenience 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 brake type is another factor to consider. For instance, a hand brake is perfect for simple daily use, while the hand brakes that are active on jogger style pushchairs can be more responsive and simpler to operate when out on adventures.

One of the most important comfort features is whether or not the pushchair features a fully lie flat position for babies. It's important to choose an infant pushchair with this feature from the moment of birth. This will let your baby develop their spine in a flat position. This will allow your baby to rest or nap comfortably, which will allow for more time outdoors and a more relaxed and healthier child.

It is crucial to select a pushchair that is compatible with the infant car seat you have selected. This will make it easy for you to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep the child calm and less agitated.

Some pushchairs come with a smart car seat adaptor that allows you to attach your car seat to the frame. The seat can be used from birth until toddlerhood and save time and money. Many brands offer a travel bundle which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, as well as an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

A good suspension system is also important, especially for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving over rough terrain or city roads, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfy.

It is also possible to think about other practical comfort features, like an ample basket (or separate bag) with reclined handles, an adjustable seat and a hood that is ventilated. All of these features can help you navigate through the city or country and ensure that your child has the best sleep possible for the longest naps.