So You ve Purchased Pushchairs ... Now What
Choosing Strollers Pushchairs
A lightweight and comfortable pushchair makes is essential for people who frequently use public transport or take a flight and hop off and on. Pick a model that can be folded flat and compact, and machine washable to get rid of staining from spilled drinks or leaky diapers.
We love strollers that glide smoothly across pavements and mount kerbs easily. Look for car seat attachments that appear to be self-installing and a handlebar that adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.
Easy to Use
There are a variety of strollers pushchairs to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are very lightweight and compact and easy to fold and carry while others feature an extra sturdy frame that's more robust for long walks or on rough terrain. A lot of them also come with shopping baskets or changing bags so that you can take everything you need. Some are made to be used in cities, whereas others are for travelling or for country living.
Strollers are typically suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline flat that is recommended for healthy lung and spinal development. They can also be attached to a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat, making them portable systems that can be used from birth to toddlerhood. Some offer extra design elements, like a height-adjustable handlebar for parents with different heights and a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to keep your baby dry.
Generally, three-wheel pushchairs work more suitable for urban dwellers as they're usually lightweight and nimble, making them easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, which makes them ideal for families that live in rural areas or are planning on spending a lot of time in the open air. Find reviews from other parents who have commented on how easy the stroller is to operate, such as how heavy it is or how easy it will be to navigate. It's also worth considering the size of the base and whether it's solid enough for your child, especially if you plan to take the pushchair off-road or over rough terrain.
Safety
Strollers pushchairs must be safe for infants and toddlers to prevent entrapment or other injuries. Check for a base that is stable and large enough. You can test it by putting the weight on it or hanging bags to see how it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller are narrow enough so that a child's legs won't slip through. Also, make sure the handlebars are at waist level or a little below to allow for a more ergonomic use. Another essential feature is a brake that locks the rear wheels and is easy to use. Look for models that have brakes integrated into the wheels, rather than only on the frame, because this will help keep them free from pinch points and choking hazards.
Many strollers come with seats that recline to a lie-flat position which makes them suitable for babies. To control breathing and head movement it is recommended that newborns lay flat during the first few months. Some pushchairs advertise having a reclining seat but do not actually have this feature, so check carefully.
The stroller should be equipped with a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders and two straps for the thighs, and one around the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out and being pulled away by pedestrians or vehicles.
Make sure that the stroller is equipped with an easy parking brake to use and locks the front two wheels. This will help to stop the stroller from rolling away when you're loading or unloading your child, or while you're stopping to take a break.
Comfort
When you're pushing your toddler around, or lugging a shopping bag filled with nappies and takeaway coffee, you'll want to feel secure when you're out and out and about. You can do this by selecting a stroller that is large, sturdy, puncture-proof tires that are able to glide over rough terrain. It should also have a super-smooth and smooth suspension.
A best pushchair for newborn that is compact and folds up easily can be helpful. It can be a pain to squeeze a large pushchair into the boot of your car, or to climb a flight of stairs, especially when you have a toddler along with you. Consider what you will use it for and the weather conditions. A stroller that has a hood can protect your child from rain, wind, and sunbeams.
The final comfort consideration is how easy the pushchair cheap is to steer and control. Be sure to check out our reviewers' comments on maneuverability. This includes things like how the stroller glides across various surfaces and how easily it can be pushed up hills.
Many pushchairs have handy accessories that can help keep your baby cool or warm from fans to footmuffs. Certain brands come with their own nappy bags that help you travel with your baby.
A travel system gives you more flexibility. It is comprised of a stroller chassis (called the chassis) and a seat unit that can be placed parent-facing or forward-facing as well as a bassinet or carrycot. It is easy to remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without waking your baby. This is a great solution for those who are constantly in motion and require to change their plans for travel.
Style
While the terminology used for strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that all of them have in common. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're made to take your baby from A to B. Think about how you will utilize it and pick features that are compatible with your lifestyle.
If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, such as sand and muddy fields You may require a pushchair up to 25kg with all-terrain wheels that are puncture proof. They should also have suspension to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your child gets hot on long walks you may want to consider a parasol to shield them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.
Some pushchairs let you choose whether you want your baby to face you for safety or if they want to go out and 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 three-in-one systems so you can use them from birth.
A twin pushchair enables you to transport two children at once. You can find models with one or two independent seats, are lightweight and compact with plenty of storage space, bigger 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 around a pivot point and this led to many pushing their hands close to the frame. Other systems that telescopically move in and out of frame sides were easier to use even for parents with larger hands.
Stores
The amount of storage space in a stroller will affect your decision to purchase it. Take a look at the space under the seat, in the footwell and in the basket to see how much you can fit in. This is a major aspect if you plan to purchase additional accessories for your pushchair such as a parent tray or a travel changing bag.
A parent tray can make it easier to use the stroller, as it provides additional storage space for snacks and other necessities. It can make the stroller heavy and difficult to fold. It's also important to keep in mind that most trays for parents come with shallow cup holders which can cause things to fall out of the tray while traveling or when walking.
Consider buying a full-sized stroller that is bassinet-compatible for if you intend to carry your baby from birth. These strollers come with larger storage baskets, canopies that have complete coverage and reclining seats. They tend to be more expensive than a compact stroller or a stroller that is lightweight.
Maneuverability is an essential feature of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, and how well the stroller can be rolled over various surfaces such as pavements or grass. It is important to note that this quality degrades over time as your child grows and you increase the weight of the pushchair.
Some pushchairs are designed as an entire travel system meaning they can be paired with an infant car seat, and changed to a toddler pushchair using adapters. This can make it easier to transition from stroller to pram as your child gets older and more independent, which is especially beneficial if you're short on storage space at home.