Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who regularly use public transport or travel by plane, a light and user-friendly pushchair suitable from birth is crucial. Choose a model which can be folded flat and compact, and machine washable to clean staining from spilled drinks or leaking nappy.

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

Easy of Use

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are very lightweight and compact and easy to fold and carry, while others feature a more substantial frame that's more durable for long walks or on rough terrain. Many come with a basket to carry your shopping, or a bag to change your clothes in so that you can have everything you need. Some are designed to be used in urban areas, whereas others are designed for travel or for country living.

Strollers are typically suitable for babies from birth, allowing them to recline in a flat posture, which is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with a carrycot or infant seat to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants to toddlers. Some offer extra design elements, like a height-adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents of different heights, and a large shopping basket or rain cover to help keep baby dry.

Three-wheeled cheap pushchairs tend to be more suited to city dwellers since they are lightweight and agile. They are also easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs are generally more durable, which is why they are ideal for families living in rural areas or plan on spending a lot of time in the outdoors. Check out reviews from other parents who comment on how easy the stroller is to use, like how heavy it is or how easy it will be to navigate. You should also take into consideration the size of the base and whether your child feels stable in it, especially in the event that you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers must be safe for toddlers and infants to avoid entrapment or other injuries. Make sure you choose a sturdy base that isn't likely to tip and make sure you can test the safety harness by putting weight on it or hanging bags from it, to test how stable it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller aren't enough to ensure that a child's legs don't slide through. Also, make sure the handlebars sit at waist level or a little below to allow for a more ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and locks the back wheels is another important feature. Look for one that has brakes built into the wheels instead of only on the frame since this can help keep them safe from choking and pinch point dangers.

Many strollers come with a seat that can recline into a flat, comfortable position which is ideal for newborns. To control breathing and head movement it is recommended that newborns lay flat during the first few months. Some pushchairs may be described as having a reclined seat, however, they aren't. Make sure you check.

Make sure that the stroller is fitted with an adjustable five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders, two for the thighs and one for the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is crucial to protect the child from falling out and being pulled out by vehicles or pedestrians.

Check that the stroller comes with a parking brake that is easy to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will stop the stroller from moving while you're unloading or loading your child, or while you're stopping to rest.

Comfort

You'll want to feel at ease whether you're pushing a toddler, or carrying a bag of nappies and coffee to take home. You can achieve this by selecting a stroller that has large, tough, puncture-proof tires that are able to glide over rough terrain. It must also have a super-smooth and smooth suspension.

A pushchair that folds easily and compactly can also aid. It can be a pain to cram a large pushchair into the boot of your car or to struggle up a flight of stairs, especially when you have a toddler along with you. It's also important to consider the purpose for which you'll use it and what the weather forecast will be like. Hence, choosing a stroller that has a hood that protects your little one from rain, wind and sunbeams is a good idea.

The final comfort consideration is how easy it is to steer and control. Keep an eye out for our reviewers' comments on maneuverability. This includes things like how the stroller pirouettes over various surfaces and how it is easy to push up hills.

Many pushchairs come with handy accessories to keep your baby cool or warm from fans to footmuffs. Some brands have their own nappy bags that help you travel with your baby.

A travel system provides greater flexibility. It is comprised of a stroller chassis (called the chassis) as well as a seat that can be placed front-facing or parent-facing and a bassinet as well as a carrycot. You can easily remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without disturbing your baby. The ideal solution for parents who are frequently on the move and often need to alter your journey plan.

Style

While the jargon around strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are some things that they all have in common. Remember that they are designed to transport your child from one point to B. Consider how you will use it and select features that are compatible with your lifestyle.

If you intend to walk on uneven surfaces, like sand and muddy fields, you may need a stroller with all-terrain tires that are puncture proof. They should also have suspension to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your child gets hot after long walks, you might think about a parasol that will shade them from the sun or a fan for them to stay cool.

Some pushchairs come with adjustable seat positions, so you can choose whether your baby faces you for reassurance or the world to discover it. Some pushchairs have a carrycot that can be flipped to face you or away from you. Others have the option of a lie-flat recline for infants. Some also have an adapter for car seats and are compatible with Isofix or are 3 in 1 systems that allow you to use them right from birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair that allows you to transport two children at the time. There are models with one or two independent seat units, which are light and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies and more maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants loved the idea of a dual-pushchair however, they found the handbar adjustments difficult to use with one hand. Some adjust by rotating on an axis, which led to many pushing their hands close to the frame. Some systems that allow parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were simpler to use for taller parents.

Storage

The amount of storage space in a stroller could affect your decision to purchase it. Examine the space available under the seat, the footwell, and the huge basket. If you plan to purchase additional accessories for your pushchair suitable from birth, such as a parent's tray or a travel changing pouch it will be an important factor.

A parent tray can increase user comfort by providing additional storage space for snacks and other essentials. It can make the stroller heavy and difficult to fold. It's important to keep it in mind that many of the trays for parents feature shallow cup holders. This can cause things to fall off the tray when traveling or strolling.

Think about purchasing a larger stroller that can be used with a bassinet If you are planning to carry your baby's stroller from birth. These models come with bigger storage baskets, canopy with full coverage and reclining seats. They tend to be more expensive than a compact or a lightweight stroller.

Maneuverability is a critical feature of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering when empty, and how easily the stroller glides over various surfaces like grass or pavements. This quality will degrade over time as you and your baby increase in size, and the weight of the pushchair grows.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted to a toddler pushchair using adapters. They are specifically designed to work with car seats for infants. This can ease the transition from stroller to pram as your child gets older, which is particularly helpful in the event that you're lacking storage space at home.