Pushchairs – The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a running pram (Learn Additional), buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss army knife of baby transport. These baby-chariots can be used on any surface, from busy streets to rough terrain.

A good pushchair will provide comfort and safety for your baby, convenience for you and the chance to spend time together and explore the world together. Find out what to consider when purchasing one.

Folding

When choosing a stroller, parents are often concerned about the ease to fold. A standout is the EeZeFold, which has an incredible one-handed fold which lets you hold your baby while folding the buggy, which means you don’t have to juggle between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don’t have to worry about your child getting out.

Some of the really compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they can be tucked away in the boot of your car, so they’re perfect if you’re a frequent traveler or have a smaller car boot. Some are small buggies designed for everyday use, which have smaller footprints than the typical pushchair, yet provide decent features like recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They are typically light enough to be carried with hand and so Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth, and they come with a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. Some are compatible with travel pushchair systems and allow you to attach an infant car seat to your baby with just one click.

Although they’re not as tiny fold of a travel stroller buggy many compact pushchairs take up a tiny space when they’re folded with the seat on and are ideal for those who are short on storage space at their homes or an apartment. They’re also lightweight and frequently come with a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category can be folded with one hand by pressing the button. It’s great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It’s also light, making it easy for you to handle even on rough surfaces. It also has an excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or the parent and the hood can be extended to offer additional sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the demands of families that are growing. It can start as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for children and even become a triple stroller with the addition of an additional seat or ride-along boards. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that can be converted to accommodate a bassinet or car seat for newborns and toddlers, as well as two toddler seats, and even a third child by the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, including the height and recline settings. They should also feature large handles that are easy to grip, making it easy for dad, mom or grandma to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs because they are made up of more components.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a full-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It is quick and easy to convert to a double or single stroller without tools or additional conversion kits, and offers ample seating options with the second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. The Larktale is bulkier than our other top convertibles, but it has excellent maneuverability and is able to easily climb uphills. The biggest issue is the small storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

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

There are a number of different pushchair brakes to choose from, so pick the one that best fits your needs. A foot brake is the most popular and is ideal if you are likely to stop frequently such as when shopping. A lot of jogger-style pushchairs come with the option of a hand brake. This is useful if you will be changing your speed frequently, such as when you run. Some pushchairs have an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a great option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more frequently because it allows you to keep your balance while still applying pressure on 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 that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A lockable front wheel can prevent the pushchair from slipping away in a rush or there is a large amount of baggage in the back.

Even though it may seem like a small consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can be quite heavy when it is loaded with a growing baby and shopping bags. Take a look at the weight of your pushchair and see whether you are able to lift it up the stairs and into the boot of your car while carrying a toddler.

A pram, buggy or pushchair is made for babies who are able to sit up and is typically used from six months. The seat can be placed towards you or away from you depending on the preference of your child to connect with you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents love the convenience features of pushchairs, and there are many to pick from. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets than others, and the brake type is also a factor to take into consideration. For example, a foot brake is great for, everyday use, whereas an active hand brake found on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and easy to use when on adventures.

One of the most important comfort features is whether or not your pushchair features a fully lie flat position for infants. Babies need to be in a completely flat position to develop their spines, so it’s worth choosing a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your baby to rest or nap in a comfortable position, allowing for longer outdoor excursions and a more relaxed and healthier child.

If you’re planning on using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, you need to choose a car seat that is compatible with the infant car seat. This will make it easier for you to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep him calm and reduce fuss.

Some pushchairs feature an adaptor for car seats that allows you to fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means that you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, reducing costs and hassle. Many brands also offer a travel system bundles that include a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors, and a footmuff all in one purchase.

A solid suspension system is also essential, especially for the front wheels. This can really make the difference when driving on rough terrain or city roads, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while keeping your baby comfortable.

Other practical comfort features that you may want to look out for include a spacious shopping basket (or even an additional bag) and a the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat and a the hood that is ventilated. The combination of these features will help you to navigate your way around town or country and ensure that your child gets the best possible sleep for the longest nap possible.