Pushchairs – The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair, also referred to as a foldable pram, buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss army knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots are able to handle any surface, from busy streets to rough terrain.
A quality pushchair provides safety and comfort for your baby, convenience for you and the chance to bond and explore the world together. Read on to find out what to look for when picking one.
Folding
One of the most important aspects that a lot of parents look for when choosing the best pushchair (Read the Full Post) is how simple it folds. The EeZeFold is unique because it has a one-handed fold that allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don’t need to juggle the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don’t have to be concerned 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 small they fit in the boot of your car, so they’re ideal if you’re a frequent traveller or have a smaller car boot. Some are compact buggies for everyday use that have a smaller footprint than the average pushchair, but still provide decent features like recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They are typically light enough to be carried by hand and so Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.
Some pushchairs travel systems can be used from birth, and they come with a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They could also be travel system compatible, so you can attach an infant car seat to the frame with just 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 who are short on storage space in their homes or an apartment. They are also lightweight, and many have a rain cover to shield them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another really popular pushchair in this class that is an excellent choice for travelling as it can be folded one-handed by simply pressing the button. It’s also incredibly light, making it simple to maneuver on rough surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or the parent, and the hood can also be extended to provide extra sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can change form to meet the requirements of families growing. It can be used as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for siblings, and even a triple stroller by the addition of a third seat or ride-along board. Our top pick is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a stroller that can be used as a single or double. It can be converted to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for newborns as well as one or two toddler seats and even a third child by the use of adapters.
Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, like the height and reclining setting. They should also have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads or grandmas to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers strollers often have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more stable and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of gear.
Larktale’s crossover stroller/wagon, the first of its kind it includes a single stroller and a wagon. Parents do not have to buy separate products. It is quick and easy to convert to a double pushchair or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits, and offers plenty of seating versatility with its second seat and pull handle when used in wagon mode. While the Larktale is a bit bulkier than the other top-rated convertibles has great maneuverability and maneuvers well over hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage space under the seat. Click here for more details.
Safety
A great pushchair should come with a number of safety features including five-point harnesses for infants. The harness should fit over the shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is also crucial that the harness isn’t loose and that it has no areas where a baby could get their fingers stuck.
There are many different pushchair brakes available so choose the one that best suits your needs. The most common brake is one that is a foot brake. It’s great when you frequently stop such as when you go to the shops. A lot of jogger-style pushchairs come with the option of a hand brake. This is helpful if you will be changing your momentum frequently, such as when you run. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake which you can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a great option for parents who will be frequent stop-and-starts because it allows you to maintain your balance and apply pressure on the wheels.
Verify that the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is especially useful for those who live in areas with steep slopes or uneven terrain. A lockable front wheel can prevent the pushchair from moving away in a hurry or if there is a lot of baggage in the back.
While it might seem like something of a minor issue however, the weight of the pushchair is something to bear in mind too. Even a light pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with a growing baby and shopping bags. Make sure you know how much it weighs and consider whether you would be in a position to lift it into your car boot and up the stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.
Buggy prams, pushchairs, or prams are designed for infants who can sit up. They are usually used after six months. The seat can be placed towards you or away from you, depending on whether you want your child to be close to you or explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seats, handlebars and other accessories.
Comfort
Many parents appreciate the comfort of pushchairs – and there are plenty 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. A foot brake, for example is ideal for everyday use. A hand brake that is active that is found on pushchairs with joggers, can be more responsive during an adventure.
The ability of your pushchair to allow infants to lie flat is among its most important features. Babies must be lying flat in a position to help them develop their spine, and it’s worth choosing a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your baby a relaxing nap or time to rest, which will allow the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.
If you’re planning on using a car seat with your pushchair, it’s important to select a model that is compatible with your infant car seat. This makes it fast and simple to move your child from the car to the pushchair, reducing fuss and keeping him calm throughout his excursions.
Some pushchairs have a smart adaptor for car seats that enables you to connect your car seat. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, saving money and hassle. Many brands offer a bundle that includes a car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, along with a footmuff, all in one purchase.
Another important aspect of comfort is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving through rough roads or city streets, allowing you move over bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your the baby in a comfortable position.
You may also want to consider other practical comfort features, like an ample basket (or separate bag), reclining handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a hood that is ventilated. Having all of these features will assist you navigate your way to the city or out in the country, and ensure your child has the best quality sleep possible for his longest naps.