Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair, also referred to as a buggy, pram or stroller, is like the Swiss knife of infant transport. From navigating through crowded streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.
A quality pushchair will provide security and comfort for your baby, ease to you, and a chance for you both to spend time together and play. Find out what you should consider when purchasing one.
Folding
When it comes to choosing a stroller parents are often concerned about how easy it will be to fold it. The EeZeFold is unique because it has a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don't have to balance the two. The buggy is stable when folded, so you don't need to be concerned about your child falling out.
Some of the most compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they fit in the trunk of your car, which means they're perfect if you're a frequent traveler or have a tiny car boot. There are also day-today buggies that take up a smaller amount of space than a standard pushchair, but have good features, like a comfortable recline and wheels that are lightweight. They're also usually lightweight enough to be carried by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad when needed.
The majority of these pushchairs are aimed at toddlers and older children because they can sit upright, but some offer a lie-flat seat and the option to add a carrycot to make them suitable for babies from the time of birth. Some are compatible with travel systems and allow you to attach a car seat for your infant with a click.
Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact pushchairs take up very little space when they're folded with the seat on and are ideal for those short on storage space at their home or live in an apartment. They're also lightweight and frequently have a rain cover to shield them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another really popular pushchair in this category, which is a great choice for travelling as it can fold one-handed by pressing one button. It is also very light, making it easy to use even on rough surfaces. It also has an outstanding suspension. The seat rotates to change between parent-facing and world-facing, while the hood can be extended to provide extra protection and coverage from the sun.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the requirements of growing families. It can start as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for children and even a triple stroller through the addition of a third seat or ride-along boards. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It's a multi-purpose stroller that is able to be transformed to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for newborns, two toddler seats, or even a third child using adapters.
Convertible strollers must have adjustable features, including height and reclining settings. They should have large, easy-to-grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads or grandmas to push. And because these types of strollers often contain more components than traditional pushchairs, they will be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of equipment.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a unique model that combines a fully-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It is able to convert quickly and easily to one stroller or a double stroller, without the need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give the flexibility of seating when used as wagon. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top convertibles, but it has excellent maneuverability and is able to handle hills. The main issue is the limited storage underneath the seat. Click here for more information.
Safety
A quality pushchair will come with numerous safety features, such as a five-point harness for the infant. It should be placed over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist and between the legs. It is also important that the harness doesn't come out of its place and that there are no places where a child might get their fingers stuck.
Choose the brake that suits your lifestyle. The most popular brake is a foot brake. It's a great option if you frequently stop, like when you go shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature hand brakes. This is useful when you are changing your speed frequently, such as when you run. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a good option for parents who are stopping and starting their pushchairs more often. It allows you to keep your balance while applying pressure to the wheels.
It is also important to determine whether the stroller has a lockable front wheel. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas with uneven terrain or steep slopes. A front wheel that locks can help to prevent the pushchair from moving away when you are in a rush or there is a large amount of baggage in the back.
Even though it may appear to be a minor issue, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can be quite heavy when loaded up with an ever-growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the item and consider whether you would be able to lift it into the car boot and up flights of stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a coffee from a takeaway.
Buggy prams, pushchairs, or prams are made for babies who can sit up. They are usually used after the age of six months. They come with seats that can be oriented towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.
Comfort
Many parents love the convenience features of pushchairs, and there are plenty to pick from. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets but others are not. The brake type is a different aspect to consider. A foot brake, for instance, is best suited to everyday use. An active hand brake, found on jogger-style pushchairs is more responsive on an adventure.
The capacity of your pushchair to allow infants to lie completely flat is one of the most crucial features. It is essential to select the pushchair with this feature from the beginning. This will allow your baby to develop their spine into an upright position. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or rest, making for longer outdoor excursions and a healthier, happier child.
If pram with car seat pushchairsandprams.uk on using a car seat along with your pushchair, it's essential to select a model that is compatible with your infant car seat. This makes it quick and simple to move your baby from the car to the pushchair, reducing fuss and ensuring he's calm during his outings.
Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats, which allows you to easily connect your car seat. You can use the seat from birth until toddlerhood and save time and money. Many brands offer a bundle which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, as well as a footmuff, all in one purchase.
A solid suspension system is also important particularly for the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving over rough roads or in urban streets, allowing you to get over bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your the baby in a comfortable position.
Other features for comfort that you may want to look for include a spacious shopping basket (or even an additional bag), adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat, and a ventilated hood. The combination of these features will allow you navigate to the city or out in the country and ensure that your child has the best sleep possible for his longest naps.