Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair, also referred to as a buggy, pram or stroller, is the Swiss army knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots can handle any terrain, from crowded streets to rough terrain.
A quality pushchair will provide safety and comfort to your child, convenience to you, and the chance for you both to spend time together and play. Find out what to consider when buying one.
Folding
One of the main features that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting the best pushchair is how simple it folds. A standout is the EeZeFold, which has an incredible one-handed fold which lets you hold your baby while
folding pushchair the buggy, which means that you don't have to switch between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, so you don't have to worry about your child falling off or causing injury during this process.
Some of the really compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they can be tucked away into the trunk of your car, which means they're ideal for frequent traveler or have a small car boot. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for use in everyday life that have smaller footprints than average pushchair, but still provide decent features like recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They're also typically lightweight enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.
Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, since they come with a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They could also be compatible with travel systems which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in just a click.
Many compact pushchairs are very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're perfect for those who are limited in storage space at home or in apartments. They're also light, and many come with a raincover to protect them against the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category, can be folded with just the press of the button. It is great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It is also extremely light, making it easy to maneuver even on rough surfaces. It also has an outstanding suspension. The seat can rotate to switch between parent-facing and world-facing, while the hood can be extended to provide additional protection and protection from the sun.
Convertible
A convertible stroller changes form to meet the requirements of families growing. It can begin as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for siblings and even a
triple stroller with the addition of an additional seat or ride-along boards. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a flexible stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for infants as well as two toddler seats or even a third child by using adapters.
Convertible strollers should have adjustable features, like height and reclining settings. They should also come with large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. These strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they are made up of more components.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a unique model that combines a full-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the need for parents to purchase separate products. It is able to convert quickly and easily into a single stroller or double stroller without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give ample seating space when used as wagon. The Larktale is bulkier than our other top-rated convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and can easily handle hills. Its biggest drawback is limited under-seat storage. Click here for more information.
Safety
A quality pushchair will come with many safety features, including five-point harnesses for the infant. The harness should be able to fit over the shoulders and around the waist and also between the legs. It is also crucial that the harness doesn't come loose and has no places where a child may get their fingers stuck.
There are a number of different brakes for pushchairs, so choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. The most popular brake is one that is a foot brake. It's great when you have to stop frequently for example, when you go shopping. A lot of jogger-style pushchairs come with a hand brake. This is helpful when you are changing your momentum often, like when you run. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a useful option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more frequently because it allows you to keep your balance and apply pressure to the wheels.
Check if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is particularly useful for those who live in areas with uneven terrain or steep slopes. A lockable wheel on the front can prevent the pushchair rolling away if you are in a rush or have a lot of baggage in the rear.
While it might appear to be a minor issue, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a small pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when it is loaded with a growing child and shopping bags. Examine the weight of your stroller and see whether you can carry it up stairs and into the boot of your car while carrying an infant.
Buggy or pram are designed for babies that can sit up. They are typically used after the age of six months. The seat can be placed to face you or away from you, depending on the preference of your child to connect with you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable handles, seat positions, and other accessories.
Comfort
There are a variety of pushchairs with features that are comfortable for parents. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets than others and the brake type is also something to take into consideration. For instance, a hand brake is great for, everyday use, whereas the hand brakes that are active on jogger-style pushchairs may be more responsive and easy to use when on adventures.
One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not the pushchair features a fully lie flat position for babies. It's important to choose a pushchair that has this feature from the beginning. This will allow your baby to develop their spine into a straight position. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or rest, making more time for outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier 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 easier to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep the child calm and less agitated.
Some pushchairs have a smart car seat adaptor that allows you to easily attach your car seat to the frame. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, saving money and hassle. Many brands also offer a travel system bundles that include infant car seat, adaptors, and a footmuff all in one purchase.
A well-designed suspension system is also important, especially for the front wheels. This can make all the difference when driving over rough roads or urban terrain and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while ensuring your baby is comfortable.
Other features for comfort that you should look for include a large shopping basket (or even an additional bag), reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat position and an air-conditioned hood. All of these features will allow you to navigate your way through the country or town, and ensure your child gets the
best travel pram quality sleep possible for his longest naps.