Pushchairs – The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair is also referred to as a buggy, stroller or pram. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of infant transport. From navigating busy streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.
A quality pushchair provides comfort and safety for your baby, convenience for you and the chance to spend time together and explore the world together. Read on to find out what to look for when choosing one.
Folding
When selecting a twin stroller, many parents are concerned with how easy it is to fold. A standout is the EeZeFold which features an incredible one-handed fold that allows you to hold your child while folding the buggy, which means you don’t need to move between the two. The buggy remains upright when folded so you don’t need to worry about your child slipping out.
Some of the smaller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they fit in the boot of your car, which means they’re ideal if you’re a frequent traveller or have a small car boot. Others are day-to-day buggies that take up a smaller amount of space than a standard pushchair, but have good features like a good recline and lightweight wheels. They’re also usually lightweight enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.
Some pushchairs can be used from birth, and some come with a lie-flat seats or carrycot option. They may also be compatible with travel systems and allow you to attach an infant car seat to the frame with just a click.
Although they’re not as tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on and are ideal for those who are short on storage space in their homes or an apartment. They’re also light, and they often come with a raincover to shield them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another really popular pushchair in this category it is a great choice for travelling as it can fold one-handed by simply pressing one button. It’s also light, making it simple for you to handle even on rough surfaces. It also has a great suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the world or towards the parent, and the hood can be extended to give you extra sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the needs of growing families. It can start as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for children and even turn into a triple stroller with the addition of a third seat or ride-along boards. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It’s a multi-purpose single to double stroller that is able to be transformed to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for infants, two toddler seats, or even a third child by using adapters.
In addition to changing shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features like reclining and height settings. They should come with large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms or grandmas to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers usually contain more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more sturdy and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of equipment.
Larktale’s new crossover stroller/wagon is a first of its kind, includes a single stroller and a wagon. Parents no longer need to buy separate products. It quickly and easily converts into a single or double stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and offers ample seating options with its second seat as well as a pull handle when used 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. Its biggest flaw is the lack of storage space underneath the seat. Click here for more details.
Safety
A great pushchair stroller should come with a number of safety features including five-point harnesses for baby. It should be placed over the shoulders, around the waist, and between the legs. It is also essential that the harness isn’t out of its place and that there are no places where a child could get their fingers stuck.
There are a variety of different brakes for pushchairs, and you should choose one that best fits your needs. The most popular brake is one that is a foot brake. It’s great if you have to stop frequently such as when you go to the shops. A hand brake is found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs, and is more appropriate when you will be able to change momentum frequently, such as when using it for running. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake which you can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a useful option for parents who will be stopping and starting more frequently because it allows you to keep your balance while applying pressure on the wheels.
It is also important to determine whether the pushchair has an adjustable front wheel that locks. This can be very helpful for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable front wheel can prevent the pushchair from moving away when you are in a rush or there is a large amount of baggage in the back.
Although it may seem something of a minor issue, the weight of the pushchair is something to be aware of. Even a lightweight pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when loaded with a growing baby and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the pushchair and think about whether you’d 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, pram, or pushchairs are made for babies who can sit up. They are typically used after six months. The seat can be positioned to face you or away from you depending on how much you want your child to be close to you or explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.
Comfort
Many parents enjoy the comfort of pushchairs – and there are plenty to choose from. Some are more suitable for rough terrain or city streets, while others are not. The type of brake is a different aspect to consider. A foot brake, for instance, is best suited to 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 comfort features is whether or not your stroller is able to lie completely flat position for newborns. Babies must be in a completely flat position to help them develop their spine, so it’s important to select a stroller that has this feature from the beginning. This will give your baby a peaceful nap or a rest, allowing the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.
If you’re going to be using a car seat with your pushchair, you need to get a model that is compatible with your infant car seat. This will make it simple for you to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep him calm and reduce fuss.
Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats that allows you to easily connect your car seat. This means that you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, reducing costs and time. Many brands offer a travel bundle that includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, along with a footmuff, all in one purchase.
A good suspension system is also crucial, especially for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving on rough terrain or city streets, allowing you navigate bumps and uneven surface with ease while keeping baby comfortable.
Other practical comfort features that you may want to look out for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag), the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat and a the hood that is ventilated. The combination of these features will assist you navigate to the city or out in the country, and ensure your little one has the best possible sleep for his longest naps.
