Choosing strollers pushchairs (Read the Full Content)

For those who frequently use public transport or travel by plane, a lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is essential. Pick a model that can be folded flat and compactly and machine washable to remove stains from spilt beverages or leaking nappy.

We love strollers which can easily glide across pavements and can mount kerbs with ease. Find car seat attachments that can be installed by themselves, as well as the handlebar that can be adjusted to suit parents of all heights.

User-Friendliness

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Some are lightweight and compact and easy to fold and transport, while others have solid frames that are more durable for long walks and use on uneven terrain. A lot of them come with a basket to carry your shopping, or bags to change your clothes in so that you can have everything you require. Some are designed to be used in the city, while others are intended for traveling or for country living.

Strollers are usually suitable for babies from birth, allowing them to recline flat and is recommended for 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 offer extra design elements, like a height-adjustable handlebar for parents of varying heights, and a large shopping basket or rain cover to keep baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs are ideal for urban dwellers, because they're typically light, agile and easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, which makes them perfect for families who live in rural areas or who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. When selecting a pushchair, read reviews from parents who discuss the ease of use for instance, how much it weighs and how easy to navigate. You should also consider the size of the base as well as whether your child is comfortable in it, particularly when you intend to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs should be safe for infants and toddlers to prevent entrapment. Check for a base that is sturdy and wide. You can test it by putting weight on it or hanging bags to check how it feels. Make sure that the leg openings on the stroller are small enough to ensure that a child's legs won't slip through. Also, make sure the handlebars are placed at waist level or just below for an ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and locks the back wheels is an essential feature. You should look for a model that has brakes that are integrated into the wheels instead of on the frame. This will help to avoid pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers come with a seat that reclines into the position of a lie-flat, making them suitable for newborns. It is recommended that babies lie flat for their first few months for breathing and head control reasons. Some pushchairs may be described as having a reclined seat however, they aren't. Check carefully.

The stroller should have a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders and two straps for the thighs and one around the crotch) Similar to the straps found in car seats. This is vital to protect the child from falling out of the pushchair and helps to prevent the child from being pushed over or pushed out by vehicles that are passing or other pedestrians.

Check that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will stop the stroller from slipping away when you are unloading or loading children or stopping to rest.

Comfort

When you're pushing your toddler around or lugging a shopping bag packed with nappies and a takeaway coffee, you need to feel secure when you're out and about. Picking a stroller with large sturdy, puncture-proof wheels that glide over rough terrain and a super-smooth suspension will help you do just that.

A pushchair that folds easily and compactly can also aid. It can be a hassle to cram a large pushchair cheap into the boot of your car, or to struggle up a flight of stairs, particularly if you have a child with you. It's also important to consider what you'll be using it for and what the weather is likely to be like. So choosing a stroller that has an hood that completely shields your little one from wind, rain and sunbeams is a great idea.

The final factor of comfort is how easy it is to steer and control the stroller. Look out for our reviewers' comments on maneuverability, which take into account things like how well strollers pirouette across different surfaces and how easy it is to push up hills.

Many pushchairs come with handy accessories to keep your baby cool or warm from fans to footmuffs. Certain brands even have their own nappy bags designed to aid in travel with baby.

A travel system provides greater flexibility. It comprises a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit which can be positioned either parent-facing or forward-facing, and a bassinet or carrycot. You can pop the car seat off and on the chassis as required without disturbing your baby. The ideal solution for parents who are on the go regularly and often need to alter your plan of travel.

Style

Although the jargon surrounding strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are some things that all have in common. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're designed to transport your child from A to B. Think about how you will use it and select features that are compatible with your lifestyle.

If you intend to walk on uneven surfaces, like sand and muddy fields, you may need a stroller with all-terrain wheels that are puncture proof. They should also feature a suspension system to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby is hot on long walks you might want a parasol to protect them from the sun or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs have adjustable seats so you can decide if your baby faces you to reassure them or faces the world to see it. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that can be flipped to face you, or away from you. Some also have a lie-flat recline for newborns. Some models have an adapter for cars and Isofix compatibility, or 3 in 1 systems that can be used from birth.

A twin pushchair walker lets the transport of both children at the same time. There are models that have two or one seat that are independent that are light, compact, and have plenty of storage space, larger canopies, and more easily maneuverable wheels. Several of our testers liked the idea of a double pushchair near me but they found that certain adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to operate using just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which caused many to push their hands against the frame. Other systems that telescopically move in and out of the frame sides were easier to use, even for taller parents.

Storage

The amount of storage available on a stroller or pushchair will affect the choice of buying it. Take a look at the space under the seat or in the footwell, and in the large basket to see the amount of space you can squeeze in. If you are planning to purchase any additional accessories for your pushchair, like a tray for parents or a travel changing bag This will be an important factor.

A tray for the parent makes it easier to use the stroller, as it provides additional storage space for snacks and essentials. However, it can also add weight to the stroller as well as its folding size, making it bulky and awkward. It's also important to keep in mind that most parent trays include shallow cup holders, which could cause items to fall out of the tray during transport or when strolling.

If you intend to carry your baby until birth, consider purchasing a stroller that is large enough to accommodate bassinets. These models come with larger storage baskets, full-coverage canopies and reclined seats. However, they typically come with the price of a stroller that is significantly more expensive than a lightweight or compact stroller.

The ability to maneuver is an essential characteristic of a stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, and how easily the stroller rolls over different surfaces, such as grass or pavements. This quality will diminish over time as you and your child grow and the weight of the pushchair increases.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted into a toddler pushchair making use of adapters. They are designed to fit an infant car seats. This can make it easier to transition from pram to stroller as your child ages and more independent, which is especially beneficial in the event that you're lacking storage space at home.