15 Reasons Not To Overlook Pushchairs
Choosing Strollers Pushchairs
A light and easy-to-use pushchair is essential for people who frequently use public transport or hop on and off flights. Find models that fold flat and compactly, and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilled drinks or leaky nappies stains.
We love strollers which glide easily across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs with ease. Look for car seat attachments that seem like they are installed and a handlebar that adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Easy of Use
There are many different types of pushchairs for strollers that can be adapted to every budget and lifestyle. Some are very lightweight and compact which makes them easy to fold and carry, while others have an extra sturdy frame that's more sturdy for long walks or on rough terrain. Many also feature a basket for shopping or changing bags so that you can carry everything you require with you. Some are made to be used in urban areas, whereas others are for travelling or country living.
Strollers are typically suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline in a flat posture and is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. Many can also attach a compatible carrycot or infant car seat, making them travel systems and suitable from birth to toddlerhood. Some of them have additional design elements such as a height-adjustable handlebar for parents with different heights, as well as a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to keep your baby dry.
Three-wheeled pushchairs are better suited for city dwellers since they are lightweight, agile, and easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs are generally more durable, which is why they are ideal for families living in rural areas or who plan to spend a lot of time in the open air. Find reviews from other parents who have commented on how simple the pushchair is to use, such as how heavy it is or how easy it could be to steer. Also, take into consideration the size of the base as well as whether your child is stable in it, especially when you intend to use the pushchair parent facing on rough terrain or off-road.
Safety
Strollers must be safe for toddlers and infants to prevent entrapment or other injuries. Make sure you choose a sturdy base that isn't likely to tip and make sure you can test the safety harness by placing weight on it, or hanging bags from it to determine how stable it is. Also make sure the leg openings aren't enough to keep the legs of a baby from sliding through, and ensure that the handlebars are at waist level or slightly lower to allow for a more ergonomic use. Another crucial feature is a brake that locks the back wheels and is easy to use. Choose one that has brakes integrated into the wheels, rather than only on the frame, as this can help to keep them away from choking and pinch point hazards.
Many strollers have seats that recline to a lie-flat position which makes them suitable for newborns. It is recommended that babies lay flat during the first few months to allow breathing and head control. However, some pushchairs are described as having a reclining seat but they don't actually offer this be sure to check.
The stroller should come with an adjustable five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one strap around the crotch) Similar to the straps found in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out and being pulled away by vehicles or pedestrians.
Check that the stroller comes with a parking brake that is easy to use and locks the front two wheels. This will help to stop the stroller from moving while you're loading or unloading your child or when you're stopping to take a break.
Comfort
You want to be comfortable whether you're pushing your toddler or carrying a backpack full of nappies and takeaway coffee. This can be achieved by selecting a stroller with is large, sturdy, puncture-proof tires that are able to glide over rough terrain. It should also have a super-smooth and smooth suspension.
A pushchair that folds easily and compactly will help. It can be difficult to squeeze a large pushchair into the boot of your car or climb a flight of stairs, especially if you have a toddler with you. Think about what you intend to use it for, and the conditions. A stroller that has a hood can protect your child from the elements of wind, rain, and sunbeams.
The final comfort consideration is how easy the pushchair is to steer and control. Keep an eye out for our reviewers' feedback on maneuverability. This includes things like how the stroller turns on different surfaces, and how it is easy to push up hills.
Many pushchairs come with handy accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool including footmuffs, fans and even footmuffs. Some brands have their own nappy bags to help you travel with your baby.
A travel system provides greater flexibility. It consists of a stroller chassis (called the chassis) as well as a seat that can be set up parent-facing or Forward Facing Pushchair-facing and a bassinet as well as a carrycot. It is simple to remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without disturbing your baby. The perfect solution if you're constantly on the move and frequently need to change your journey plan.
Style
While the terminology used for prams, strollers, and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that all have in common. The most important thing to remember is that they're made to transport your child from A to B. Consider the way you'll use it and then look for features that are appropriate to your lifestyle.
For instance, if going to spend lots of time on uneven surfaces, such as fields that are muddy or sand-covered, you might want an all-terrain pushchair with big, tough puncture-proof wheels and a suspension to make it more comfortable for your infant. If your child gets hot during long walks, you might think about a parasol which will block the sun or a fan for them to stay cool.
Some pushchairs allow you to choose to have your baby to face you for safety, or outwards to explore the world. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that can be flipped to face you or away from you. Others offer the option of a lie-flat recline for infants. Some have a car seat adapter that is Isofix compatible, or are 3 in 1 systems so you can use them right from birth.
Another alternative is a twin pushchair that allows you to transport two children at the same simultaneously. There are models with two or more seats, which are lightweight, compact, and have plenty of storage, larger canopies, and more moveable wheels. Our testers liked the idea of a dual pushchair, but found some handbar adjustments difficult to use using just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which led some to push their hands into the frame. Other systems that telescopically move into and out of frame's sides were simpler to use, even for taller parents.
Stores
The amount of storage space available in a stroller could affect your decision to buy it. Look at the space under the seat as well as in the footwell and in the large basket to determine how much you can fit. This is a major factor if you're planning on buy additional pushchair accessories, such as a parent tray or a travel changing bag.
A tray for the parent can enhance the ease of use by offering extra storage for snacks and other essentials. It can also make the stroller heavier and difficult to fold. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of tray for parents come with small cup holders. This could cause items to fall from the tray when you travel or strolling.
Think about purchasing a larger, bassinet-compatible stroller If you are planning to carry your baby's stroller from birth. These products feature larger storage baskets, canopies with complete coverage and reclined seats. They can be more expensive than a compact stroller or a stroller that is lightweight.
Maneuverability is a critical feature of any stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer even when empty and how smoothly it moves across different surfaces, such as pavements or grass. It's worth noting that this quality degrades over time as your baby grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.
Some pushchairs are designed to work as an entire travel system, that is, they can be used with an infant car seat and transformed into a toddler pushchair using adapters. This makes the transition from stroller to pram easier as your child develops.