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. These baby-chariots are able to handle any surface, from crowded streets to rough terrain.
A quality pushchair will provide safety and comfort to your child, convenience to you, and the possibility for you to explore and bond. Find out what to consider when purchasing one.
Folding
When choosing a stroller, parents are often concerned about the ease to fold it. The most notable is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold which lets you hold your baby while folding the buggy, meaning that you don't have to switch between the two. The buggy also stays standing when folded, so you don't have to worry about the child falling out or getting harmed during this process.
Some folding pushchairs are so compact that they fit into the boot of your car. They're great for frequent travelers or if you have a small vehicle. There are also day-today buggies that are smaller in size of space than a standard pushchair but still have decent features like a good recline and light-weight wheels. They're also typically light enough to carry by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed.
The majority of these pushchairs are designed towards toddlers and older infants since they can sit up, however some come with a lie-flat seating option and the option to add an infant carrycot, making them suitable from birth. Some are travel system compatible which means you can connect a car seat for your infant with one click.
Although they don't have the tiny fold of a
travel pushchair buggy, the majority of compact pushchairs take up a tiny space when folded with the seat on and are ideal for those who are short on storage space at their home or in an apartment. They're also lightweight and often come with a rain cover to protect them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular
pushchair twin in this category, can be folded using just one hand by pressing a button. It is great for travel because it is easy to fold. It's also incredibly light, making it simple to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the world or the parent, and the hood can also be extended to offer additional sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the demands of families that are growing. It could be one stroller that converts into a double stroller in order to accommodate children, or a triple stroller when you add a third seat. Our top choice, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a stroller that can be used as a single or double. It converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for newborns, one or two toddler seats and a third child with the use of adapters.
Aside from transforming shape to adjust for different configurations convertible strollers must also offer adjustable features like reclining and height settings. They should also come with large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers usually contain more parts than traditional pushchairs they need to 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 full-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the necessity for parents to buy separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller without tools or additional conversion kits, and provides plenty of seating versatility with its second seat as well as a pull handle when it is in wagon mode. The Larktale is more bulky than the other convertibles we have rated top-rated however it offers excellent maneuverability and is able to handle the hills. The biggest issue is the lack of storage space under the seat. Click here for more info.
Safety
A quality pushchair should include many safety features like five-point harnesses for infants. The harness should be able to fit over the shoulders and around the waist, as well as between the legs. It is crucial that the harness doesn't fall off, and that there aren't any places that children's fingers might be stuck.
Pick the brake that is best suited to your lifestyle. The most popular brake is a foot brake. It's a great option if you frequently stop for example, when you go to the shops. A hand brake is found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs. It is more beneficial in situations where you'll frequently change your momentum, like when you go for running. Some pushchairs come with an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a pedal on the bottom of your foot. This is a useful option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more often since it helps to maintain your balance and apply pressure to the wheels.
Verify that the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas with steep slopes or uneven terrain. A wheel that locks on the front can stop the pushchair rolling away if you are in a rush or have lots of luggage in the rear.
Although it may seem an unimportant thing to consider but the weight of the pushchair is something you need to be aware of. Even a light pushchair can be surprisingly heavy when loaded up with a growing child and shopping bags. Check the weight of your pushchair and see whether you are able to lift it up the stairs and into the trunk of your car, while carrying the toddler.
A
pram stores near me, buggy or pushchair is made for babies who can sit up and is typically used until six months. They come with seats that can be oriented toward you to bond with you and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.
Comfort
Many parents enjoy the comfort features of pushchairs - and there are many to pick from. Certain models are better suited for urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is also something to consider. For instance, a foot brake is great for daily use, while an active hand brake found on jogger-style pushchairs may be more responsive and easier to operate on adventures.
The capability of your pushchair to allow infants to lie flat is one of the most crucial features. Babies must be lying flat in a position to help develop their spine, and it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature from birth. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or time to rest, which will allow the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.
It is essential to select a pushchair that's compatible with the infant car seat you have chosen. This makes it quick and easy to move your baby from the car to the pushchair, reducing fuss and keeping him calm throughout his outings.
Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats that allows you to connect your car seat. The seat can be used from birth until toddlerhood, and save time and money. Many brands also offer a travel bundle that includes a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and footmuff all in one purchase.
Another crucial comfort feature is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving over rough terrain or city roads and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while ensuring your baby is comfortable.
Other useful comfort features you may want to look for include a large shopping basket (or even an additional bag) and a the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat and a ventilated hood. Having all of these features will assist you navigate around town or country and ensure that your child gets the best possible sleep for his longest naps.