Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

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

A good pushchair will offer safety and comfort for your baby, ease for you, and the chance for you both to explore and bond. Read on to find out what to look for when picking one.

Folding

One of the main characteristics that many parents look for when choosing a buggy is how easy it is to fold. A true standout is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold which allows you to hold your child while folding the buggy. This means you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don't have to be concerned about your child falling off or getting harmed during this process.

Some folding pushchairs are so small that they fit into the boot of your car. They're ideal for frequent travelers or if you have a small vehicle. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for everyday use, which have smaller footprints than the average pushchair, but still provide decent features like recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They're also generally light enough to carry by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

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

Many compact pushchairs are extremely compact when folded with the seat attached. They're ideal for those who have a limited storage space at home or live in apartments. They're also lightweight and frequently come with a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class can be folded with just the press of the button. It's ideal to travel with because it's easy to fold. It's also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to handle on rough surfaces, and it has excellent suspension. The seat rotates to switch between parent-facing and the world, and the hood can be extended to provide extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can change shape to meet the demands of families that are growing. It could be a single stroller that transforms into a double stroller in order to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller with the addition of a third seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a flexible 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 with adapters.

Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, like height and reclining settings. They should also come with large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. And because these types of strollers usually contain more components than traditional pushchairs, they should be more sturdy and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of gear.

Larktale's new crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a single stroller with a wagon. Parents do not need to purchase separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits. It also offers the flexibility of seating with the second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. While the Larktale is a bit heavier than the other top-rated convertibles, it is very maneuverable and can be maneuvered well over hills. The main drawback is the lack of under-seat storage. Click here for more information.

Safety

A quality pushchair will come with several safety features, including five-point harnesses for the infant. It should be able to fit over the shoulders as well as around the waist, and between the legs. It is also essential 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 choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and great if you are likely to stop frequently for shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature a hand brake. This is helpful if you will be changing your speed often, like when you run. Some pushchairs feature an active handbrake which you can activate by pressing a pedal on the bottom of your foot. This is a great option for parents who will be frequent stop-and-starts as it makes it easier to keep your balance and apply pressure on the wheels.

It is also important to determine whether the pushchair has an option to lock the front wheel. This is a great feature for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A wheel lockable on the front can prevent the pushchair from slipping away if you are in a rush or have lots of luggage in the rear.

While it may appear to be a minor issue but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a small pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing infant and shopping bags. Make sure you know how much it weighs and consider whether you would be in a position to lift it into the car boot and then up a flight of stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.

Buggy or pram shops near me are designed for babies that can sit up. They are usually used after 6 months. The seat can be set to face you or away from you, depending on the preference of your child to connect with you or explore the world. Many pushchairs feature adjustable handlebars, seat positions and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs with comfort features that parents enjoy. Some are more suitable for rough terrain or city streets but others are not. The brake type is another aspect to take into consideration. A foot brake, for instance is ideal for everyday use. A hand brake that is active 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 pushchair is able to lie completely flat position for newborns. It's important to choose the pushchair with this feature right from birth. This will enable your baby to grow into an upright position. This will allow your baby to sleep or relax comfortably, allowing for more time outdoors and a more relaxed and healthier child.

It is crucial to select the right pushchair with the infant car seat you've selected. This will make it simple to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep the child calm and less agitated.

Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats that enables you to easily connect your car seat. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, reducing costs and hassle. Many brands offer a travel bundle that includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, as well as a footmuff, all in one purchase.

A well-designed suspension system is also essential, especially 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 easily while keeping your baby safe.

You may also want to consider other practical comfort features, such as an ample basket (or separate bag), reclined handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a hood that is ventilated. These features will help you navigate through the city or country and make sure that your child gets the best possible rest for the longest nap possible.