Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair, also referred to as a pram with car seat, buggy or stroller, is the Swiss knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots are able to handle any surface, from crowded streets to rough terrain.A quality pushchair will provide safety and comfort to your baby, convenience to you, and a opportunity for you and your baby to spend time together and play. Find out what to look for when choosing one.
Folding
One of the most important characteristics that many parents look for when choosing a buggy is how easy it folds. The EeZeFold is an exceptional model because it features 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 also stays standing when folded, meaning you don't have to worry about your child falling off or getting harmed during this process.
Some of the smaller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they can fit into the boot of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveller or have a smaller car boot. There are also day-today buggies that take up a smaller amount of space than the average pushchair but still come with decent features, like a comfortable recline and lightweight wheels. They are usually light enough to be carried by hand and so Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.
The majority of these pushchairs are designed at older babies and toddlers because they can sit upright, but some come with a lie-flat seating option and the option of adding a carrycot that makes them suitable from birth. Some are travel system compatible and allow you to attach an infant car seat to your infant with one click.
Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggy, many compact strollers pushchairs require a small amount of space when folded with the seat in, so they're perfect for those who are short on storage space at their homes or an apartment. They are also lightweight, and many come with a raincover to protect them against the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very popular pushchair in this category, which is an ideal choice for travelling as it folds by simply pressing one button. It is also extremely light, making it easy for you to handle even on rough surfaces. It also comes with an outstanding suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the outside world or the parent and the hood can also be extended to provide extra sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can be altered to meet the needs of growing families. It can begin as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for siblings, and even become 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 multi-purpose stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for newborns as well as two toddler seats or even a third child with adapters.
Apart from changing shape to accommodate different configurations convertible strollers must also offer adjustable features like reclining and height settings. They should also come with large handles that are easy to hold, making it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. And because these types of strollers often contain more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of gear.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a 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 with no tools or conversion kits. It also offers plenty of seating versatility with its second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top-rated convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and is able to easily climb hills. The main issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more info.
Safety
A great pushchair should come with a number of safety features including five-point harnesses for babies. It should be placed over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist, and between the legs. It is also essential that the harness isn't out of its place and that there are no areas where a child might get their fingers stuck.
There are many different pushchair brakes available so pick the one that is most suitable for your lifestyle. The most commonly used brake is a foot brake. It's a great option if you have to stop frequently such as when you go to the shops. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature the option of a hand brake. This is useful in situations where you have to change your momentum frequently, for example when running. Some pushchairs come with an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a useful option for parents who will be frequent stop-and-starts since it helps to keep your balance while still applying pressure to the wheels.
Examine if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is particularly useful for those who live in areas that have steep slopes or uneven terrain. A lockable front wheel can prevent the pushchair from moving away when you are in a rush or there is a large amount of luggage in the back.
Although it might seem like a minor consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing baby and shopping bags. Be sure to check the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be capable of lifting it into the car boot and then up a flight of stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.
A pram store near me, buggy or pushchair is designed for babies who can sit up and is generally used from 6 months. They come with a seat that can face both towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.
Comfort
There are many pushchairs that come with features for comfort that parents love. Certain models are better suited for rough terrain or city streets than others, and the brake type is also something to consider. A foot brake, for example is the best choice for daily use. A hand brake that is active used on jogger-style pushchairs is more responsive during an adventure.
The capacity of your pushchair to allow infants to lie flat is among the most important characteristics. Babies need to be lying flat in a position to help develop their spine, and it's important to select a stroller with this feature right from the start. This will allow your baby to rest or nap comfortably, which will allow for longer outdoor adventures and a happier and healthier child.
If you're going to be using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, it's essential to choose a car seat that is compatible with your chosen infant car seat. This will make it easier to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep the child calm and less agitated.
Some prams pushchairs prams have an adaptor for car seats that allows you to fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, reducing costs and time. Many brands also offer a travel system bundles that include a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.
A well-designed suspension system is also crucial particularly for the front wheels. This can really make the difference when you drive on rough terrain or city roads and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfortable.
You might also want to consider other practical features, like an ample basket (or separate bag) as well as reclining handles as well as an adjustable seat and an air-conditioned hood. Having all of these features will help you to navigate your way around town or country, and ensure your little one has the best possible sleep for his longest naps.