This Is The Ugly The Truth About Pushchairs

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a pram, buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss army knife of infant transport. From navigating through crowded streets to traversing rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.

A good pushchair will offer safety and comfort to your child, convenience for you, and the possibility for you to explore and bond. Find out what you should consider when purchasing one.

Folding

When selecting a stroller, parents are often concerned about how easy it will be to fold it. A standout is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold which lets you hold your child while folding the buggy. This means you don't need to move between 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 of the really compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they can fit into the boot of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveller or have a small car boot. Others are day-to-day buggies that require less of space than the average pushchair but still have decent features such as a great recline and light-weight wheels. They're also typically light enough to carry by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, and they come with a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They might also be compatible with travel systems which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in one click.

Although they're not as tiny fold of a prams travel system buggy many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on which is why they're ideal for those short on storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also lightweight and often have an umbrella to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very popular pushchair in this category it is an ideal choice for travelling as it can fold one-handed by simply pressing the button. It's also extremely lightweight, making it easy to maneuver on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or towards the parent, and the hood can be extended to offer additional sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be altered to meet the demands of families that are growing. It can start as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for children and even a triple stroller through the addition of a third seat or ride-along board. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a multi-purpose triple stroller that can be transformed to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for newborns or two toddler seats or even a third child using adapters.

Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, like the height and reclining setting. They should also have large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. And because these types of strollers typically contain more parts than traditional pushchairs, they will be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying a number of children or loads of equipment.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the necessity for parents to buy separate products. It quickly and easily converts into a single or double stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and offers plenty of seating versatility with the second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. While the Larktale is a bit heavier than our other top-rated convertibles, it has great maneuverability and maneuvers well over hills. The biggest issue is the lack of storage space underneath the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A great pushchair should come with a number of safety features like the five-point harness for babies. This should fit over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist, and between the legs. It is also important that the harness isn't loose and has no areas where a baby may get their fingers stuck.

Pick the brake that is best suited to your lifestyle. The most popular brake is one that is a foot brake. It's great when you frequently stop for example, when you shop. A hand brake is found on a lot of jogger-style pushchairs, and is more appropriate when you will frequently change your momentum, for instance, when going for an exercise. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a good option for parents who will be frequent stop-and-starts since it helps to maintain your balance while still applying pressure on the wheels.

Check if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is particularly useful for those who live in areas with steep slopes or uneven terrain. A wheel that locks on the front can prevent the pushchair from rolling away when you're in a hurry or have a lot of baggage in the rear.

Although it may seem like a minor consideration however, the weight of the pushchair is something to keep in mind. Even a light pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with an expanding child and shopping bags. Examine the weight of your stroller and see whether you can carry it up the stairs and into the boot of your car while carrying an infant.

Buggy, pram bag, or pushchairs are made for babies who can sit up. They are usually used after 6 months. They come with seats that can be oriented 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

There are many pushchairs with features for comfort that parents love. Certain models are better suited for urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is another factor to consider. For instance, a foot brake is ideal for easy daily use, whereas an active hand brake found on jogger style pushchairs can be more responsive and easier to use when on adventures.

The ability of your pushchair to permit newborns to lie flat is one of the most important characteristics. Babies must be in a completely flat position to help develop their spine, so it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature from birth. This will give your baby a relaxing nap or rest, making for longer outdoor excursions and a happier, healthier child.

It is essential to select a pushchair that is compatible with the infant car seat you have selected. This makes it quick and simple to move your child from the car into the pushchair, which reduces fuss and ensuring he's calm during his excursions.

Some pushchairs come with a smart adaptor for car seats that enables you to attach your car seat. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, saving money and time. Many brands offer a 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 particularly for the front wheels. This can make a big difference when driving through rough terrain or city streets, allowing you move over bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby safe.

You may also want to think about other practical comfort features, like the capacity of a large basket (or separate bag) with reclining handles with an adjustable seat, as well as an air-conditioned hood. All of these features can aid you in your travels around town or the country and ensure that your child gets the best sleep possible for his longest naps.