Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

If you frequently take public transport or travel by plane, a light and easy-touse pushchair is crucial. Choose a model which can be folded flat and compactly, and is machine washable to remove stains from spilt beverages or leaky nappy.

We love strollers that glide smoothly across pavements and mount kerbs easily. Look for car seat attachments that almost feel like they install themselves and a handlebar that adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.

Easy of Use

There are a variety of strollers pushchairs to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are light and compact which makes them easy to fold and carry, while others feature a more substantial frame that's more durable for long walks and use on rough terrain. A lot of them come with a basket to carry your shopping items or a bag for changing clothes so you'll have everything that you need. Some are designed to be used in urban areas, whereas others are intended for traveling or for country living.

Strollers are suitable from birth. They allow the baby to recline flat, which is beneficial for developing the spine and lungs. A lot of strollers can be equipped with a carrycot or infant seat to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants up to toddlers. Certain models come with extra design features, such as a height-adjustable handbar for parents with various heights, or a large basket or rain cover to help keep your baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs tend to be better suited for city dwellers as they are light and agile, making them easy to move. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and ideal for families who live in rural areas, or who plan to spend a lot of their time in the outdoors. When you're choosing a new pushchair, look for reviews from other parents that comment on the ease of use - for example, the weight of the newborn pushchair and how easy to navigate. It's also important to consider how big the base is and whether it's sturdy enough for your child to use, particularly if you're planning to use the pushchair off-road or on difficult terrain.

Safety

Strollers pushchairs must be safe for toddlers and infants to prevent entrapment or other injuries. Make sure the base is stable and large enough. You can test it by putting the weight on it or hanging bags to test how it feels. Also make sure the leg openings aren't enough to keep a baby's legs from slipping through and that the handlebars are at waist-level or slightly lower for ergonomic use. A brake that is simple to operate and locks the back wheels is an important feature. Choose a model that has the brakes built into the wheels rather than only on the frame as this can help to keep them away from pinch points and choke hazards.

Many strollers come with seats that recline to a flat position, making them ideal for babies. To control breathing and head movement, it is recommended that babies lay flat for the first few months. However, some pushchairs are described as having a reclining seat, but don't actually provide this be sure to check.

Make sure that the stroller is fitted with a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps over the shoulders, two straps for the thighs, and one for the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out and being pulled out by vehicles or pedestrians.

Make sure the stroller has a convenient parking brake that is easy to activate and that locks the front wheels. This will stop the stroller from moving when you're loading or unloading your child or when you're taking a break to rest.

Comfort

You'll want to feel comfortable regardless of whether you're pushing your toddler or carrying a backpack full of nappies and coffee to take home. Choosing a stroller with big robust, wheels that are puncture-proof and can easily glide over rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will allow you to have the ability to do that.

A pushchair that folds up easily and compactly will also help. It can be a hassle to squeeze an enormous pushchair into and out of the car's boot or climb up a flight of stairs - especially with a growing toddler in tow. Consider what you will use it for and the weather conditions. A stroller that has an hood can shield your child from rain, wind and sunbeams.

The final factor of comfort is how easy it is to steer and control the pushchair. Check out our reviewers' feedback on maneuverability, which takes into consideration things like how well a stroller pirouettes across different surfaces and how it is easy to push it up hills.

Many pushchairs come with accessories that can help keep your baby cool or warm - such as footmuffs and fans. Some brands even have their own nappy bags to make traveling with your baby easier.

To increase your flexibility, go for a travel system that includes an infant stroller frame (called the chassis) with the seat unit which can be front-facing or rear-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. You can pop the car seat out and put it on the chassis when required without disturbing your baby. The perfect solution if you're constantly on the move and often have to alter your plan of travel.

Style

While the jargon around strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that all have in common. Keep in mind that they're made to transport your child from one point to B. Think about how you will utilize it and pick features that suit your lifestyle.

For instance, if you're likely to spend a lot of time on uneven surfaces like fields that are muddy or sand-covered, you might consider an all-terrain pushchair that has big, tough puncture-proof wheels and suspension to ensure it is more comfortable for your baby. If your baby gets hot during long walks, you might want a parasol to shield them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs let you select whether you would like your baby to face you to provide reassurance or to look outwards to explore the world. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that flips to face you or away from you. Some also have a lie-flat recline for newborns. Some also come with a car seat adapter that is Isofix compatible, or are 3 in 1 systems that allow you to use them from birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair that allows you to carry two children at the at the same time. You can find models with one or two independent seats, are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies and more maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants liked the idea of a double pushchair, but discovered that some adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to use with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which caused many to push their hands against the frame. Certain systems that allow parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were simpler to use for parents with larger hands.

Stores

The amount of storage space available in a stroller will affect your decision to buy it. Check the space available under the seat, in the footwell, as well as the large basket. This is a major factor if you're planning on purchase additional pushchair accessories like the tray for parents or an extra travel bag for changing.

A tray for parents makes it easier to use the stroller, as it provides additional storage for snacks and essentials. However, it can add weight to the stroller and its folding size, making it awkward and bulky. It's important to keep it in mind that the majority of tray for parents feature small cup holders. This can cause items to fall out of the tray when traveling or strolling.

If you intend to carry your baby from birth, you should consider buying a stroller that is large enough to accommodate a bassinet. These strollers come with more space for storage baskets, full-coverage canopies and reclined seats. However, they usually come with prices that are substantially more expensive than a smaller or lighter stroller.

Maneuverability is one of the most important features of any stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer when empty and how smoothly it moves over different surfaces like pavements or grass. This quality will diminish as you and your baby grow, and the weight of the pushchair sale increases.

Some pushchairs can be converted to a toddler pushchair making use of adapters. They are specifically designed to work with an infant car seats. This makes the transition from stroller to pram easier as your child grows.