Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a buggy, pram or stroller, is the Swiss knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots are able to handle any terrain, from crowded streets to rough terrain.

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

Folding

When selecting a stroller, many parents are concerned with the ease to fold. The EeZeFold is a standout because it comes with a single-hand fold, which allows you to hold the baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't have to balance the two. The buggy also stays standing when folded, meaning you do not have to worry about the child falling out or being injured during the process.

Some folding pushchairs are so small that they can fit in your car's boot. They're perfect for frequent travel or when you have a smaller vehicle. Some are day-to-day buggies which require less of space than the typical pushchair but still come with decent features, like a comfortable recline and light-weight wheels. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be carried by hand, so Grandma or Grandad can utilize them if they need to.

The majority of these pushchairs are aimed at older babies and toddlers as they can sit up, however some offer a lie-flat seat and the option of adding a carrycot to make them suitable from the time of birth. Some are travel system compatible and allow you to attach an automobile seat to your baby with just a click.

Many compact pushchairs are still very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're perfect for those who have limited storage space at home or live in apartments. They're also light and usually 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 great to travel with because it's easy to fold. It's also extremely light, making it easy to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can rotate to turn from parent-facing to world-facing. The hood can be extended to provide extra protection and protection from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can change shape to fit the needs of growing families. It can begin as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for siblings and even turn into a triple stroller with the addition of an additional seat or ride-along boards. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It's a versatile stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for infants or two toddler seats or even a third child with adapters.

In addition to changing shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features, such as recline and height settings. They should also come with large handles that are easy to hold, making it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. Also, since these types of strollers typically contain more parts than traditional pushchairs pushchairs, they should be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of gear.

Larktale's crossover stroller/wagon, the first of its kind, combines a single stroller with a wagon. Parents do not have to purchase separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller without tools or additional conversion kits, and offers the flexibility of seating with the second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. The Larktale is heavier than our other top-rated convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and is able to easily climb uphills. The biggest issue is the limited storage space under the seat. Click here for more info.

Safety

A good pushchair should have a number of safety features, including the five-point harness for infants. The harness should be able to fit over the shoulders and around the waist and also between the legs. It is crucial that the harness does not fall off, and that there aren't any areas that children's fingers might be stuck.

There are many different pushchair brakes to choose from, so choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. The most common brake is one that is a foot brake. It's great if you stop a lot for example, when you shop. A hand brake is seen on many jogger style pushchairs and is more useful in situations where you'll frequently change your momentum, for instance, when going for a run. Some pushchairs have 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 are likely to be stopping and starting more frequently as it makes it easier to maintain your balance while applying pressure on the wheels.

Check if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is extremely beneficial for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A front wheel lockable can help stop the pushchair from slipping away in a hurry or if there is a lot of baggage in the back.

Although it may seem like something of a minor issue however, the weight of the pushchair is something to be aware of. Even a light pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when it is loaded with a growing baby and shopping bags. Check the weight of your pushchair and see whether you can carry it up a flight of stairs and into the trunk of your car, while carrying a toddler.

Buggy, pram, or pushchairs are designed for babies that can sit up. They are typically used after the age of six months. They have seats that can face both towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents appreciate the comfort of pushchairs - and there are many to choose from. Certain models are better suited for rough terrain or city streets than others and the brake type is another factor to consider. For instance, a foot brake is ideal for easy daily use, whereas the hand brake that is active on jogger-style pushchairs may be more responsive and easy to operate on adventures.

One of the most important comfort features is whether or not the pushchair has a full lie flat position for newborns. It's important to choose a pushchair that has this feature right from birth. This will enable your baby to develop their spine into a straight position. This will give your baby a peaceful nap or time to rest, which will allow more time for outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child.

It is crucial to select the right pushchair with the infant car seat you have selected. This makes it quick and simple to move your baby from the car into the pushchair, reducing stress and keeping him calm throughout his excursions.

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

A well-designed suspension system is also essential particularly for the front wheels. This can make all the difference when you drive on rough terrain or city roads that allow you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfortable.

Other features for comfort that you might want to check for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag) as well as a the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat, and a ventilated hood. These features will help you navigate through the city or country and ensure that your child has the best possible rest for the longest naps.