11 Methods To Redesign Completely Your Pushchairs
Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair is also known as a stroller, buggy or pram. It's the Swiss Army knife of infant transportation. From navigating through crowded streets to traversing rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been designed to conquer all kinds of terrain.
A quality pushchair will provide safety and comfort to your baby, convenience for you, and the chance for you both to bond and explore together. Find out what to consider when buying one.
Folding
One of the most important characteristics that many parents are looking for when they choose a pushchair is how easy it is to fold. A true standout is the EeZeFold, which has an incredible one-handed fold which lets you hold your child while folding the buggy, meaning that you don't have to switch between the two. The buggy is also stable when folded, meaning you don't have to be concerned 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 down so small that they fit into the trunk of your car, so they're perfect if you're a frequent traveller or have a tiny car boot. Others are day-to-day buggies that are smaller in size of space than a standard pushchair, but have good features, like a comfortable recline and lightweight wheels. They are typically light enough to be able to be carried by hand and so Grandma or Grandad can utilize them if they need to.
Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, as some have a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They might also be travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame with a single click.
Although they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on and are ideal for those short on storage space at their homes or an apartment. They're also lightweight and often come with a rain cover to protect them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category is foldable using just one hand by pressing a button. It's ideal for travel because it is easy to fold. It is also extremely light, making it easy to use even on rough surfaces. It also has an outstanding suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the world or the parent, and the hood can also be extended to give you extra sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can be modified to meet the requirements of families that are growing. It can be used as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for siblings, and even become a triple stroller through the addition of an additional seat or ride-along board. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It's a multi-purpose single to double stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for infants or two toddler seats or even a third child using adapters.
Apart from changing shape to adjust for different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features such as reclining and height settings. They should also have large, easy-to-grip handles that make it easy for dad, mom or grandma to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers usually have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more sturdy and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of gear.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the need for parents to purchase separate products. It is able to convert quickly and effortlessly into a single stroller or double stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle provide plenty of seating flexibility when being used as wagon. Although the Larktale is a little heavier than some of our other top convertibles, it has great maneuverability and maneuvers well over hills. The main drawback is the lack of storage under the seat. Click here for more info.
Safety
A good prams pushchair should have several safety features, including the five-point harness for baby. This should fit over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist, and between the legs. It is also crucial that the harness doesn't become loose and that it has no areas where a child might get their fingers stuck.
There are many different pushchair brakes available so pick the one that best travel pram suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most popular and great if you are likely to stop frequently for shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs have a hand brake. This is helpful in situations where you have to change your momentum frequently, for example when running. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a useful option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more often because it allows you to maintain your balance and apply pressure to the wheels.
Check if the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is especially useful for those who live in areas with uneven terrain or steep slopes. A lockable front wheel can help stop the pushchair from rolling away in a hurry or there is a lot of baggage in the back.
Although it may seem like something of a minor issue, the weight of the pushchair is something to keep in mind. Even a pushchair that is light can be quite heavy when stuffed with an expanding child and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the item and consider whether you would be in a position to lift it into your car's boot and up flights of stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a takeaway coffee.
Buggy prams, pushchairs, or prams are designed for infants who can sit up. They are generally used after six months. The seat can be positioned to face you or away from you, depending on how much you want your child to connect with you or explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.
Comfort
There are many pushchairs with features for comfort that parents love. Some are more suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the type of brake is another factor to take into consideration. A foot brake, for example is the best choice for everyday use. A hand brake that is active that is found on pushchairs with joggers, can be more responsive during an adventure.
One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not the pushchair is able to lie completely flat position for infants. Babies should be in a completely flat position to help develop their spine, and it's worth choosing a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your child to sleep or relax comfortably, allowing for longer outdoor adventures as well as a happier 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 your chosen infant car seat. This makes it quick and easy to move your child from the car into the pushchair, reducing fuss and keeping him calm throughout his excursions.
Some pushchairs come with a smart car seat adaptor that allows you to attach your car seat to the frame. This means that you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, saving money and hassle. Many brands also offer a travel system bundle that includes a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and footmuff all in one purchase.
A well-designed suspension system is also crucial particularly for the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving over rough roads or urban streets, allowing you to move over bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby safe.
You may also want to think about other practical comfort features, such as the capacity of a large basket (or separate bag), reclining handles, an adjustable seat and a hood that is ventilated. All of these features can assist you in navigating across the country or around town and ensure that your child has the best possible sleep for the longest nap possible.