14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Pushchairs
Choosing Strollers Pushchairs
For those who frequently use public transport or travel by plane, a light and user-friendly pushchair is crucial. Pick a model that can be folded flat and compactly, and is machine washable to clean the stains of spilled drinks or leaky nappy.
We enjoy strollers that glide easily on pavements and kerbs easily. Look for car seat attachements that can be installed by themselves, as well as a handlebar which can be adjusted to fit parents of all heights.
Ease of Use
There are a variety of strollers pushchairs to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Some are lightweight and compact, making them easy to fold and carry some are built with strong frames that are more durable for long walks as well as use on uneven terrain. Many also feature a basket for shopping, or changing bags so you can carry everything you require with you. Some are made to be used in cities, whereas others are designed for travel or country living.
Strollers can be used as early as the time of birth. They allow the infant to lie flat, which is good for lung and spinal development. A lot of strollers can be equipped with an infant seat or carrycot to create travel systems. They are suitable for infants to toddlers. Some come with additional design features, like a height-adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents of different heights, and a large shopping basket or rain cover to help you keep baby dry.
Generally speaking, three-wheel pushchairs are better for city dwellers, since they're generally light and nimble, making them easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, which is why they are perfect for families who live in rural areas or who plan to spend a significant amount of time outdoors. When selecting a pushchair, you should look for reviews from parents who discuss the ease of using it - for example, the weight of the pushchair and how easy it is to control. It is also important to consider the dimensions of the base and whether your child feels stable in it, particularly if you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.
Safety
Strollers and pushchairs should be safe for infants and toddlers to avoid entrapment or other injuries. Check for a base that is sturdy and wide. You can test it by putting the weight on it or hanging bags to see how it feels. Also, make sure that the leg openings aren't enough to prevent the legs of a baby from sliding through and that the handlebars are at waist-level or a bit lower for ergonomic use. Another crucial feature is brakes that lock the rear wheels and is simple to use. Look for a model that has the brakes built into the wheels instead of just on the frame, because this will help keep them free from choking and pinch point dangers.
Many strollers have a seat that reclines into the position of a lie-flat, making them suitable for infants. It is recommended that babies lie down during the first few months for breathing and head control reasons. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclining seat, but they don't actually offer this be sure to check.
The stroller should have a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one strap around the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is vital to protect a child from falling out of the stroller and also to protect them from being pushed over or out by cars or other pedestrians.
Check that the stroller has a convenient parking brake that's easy to use and locks the two front wheels. This will stop the stroller from moving away when you are loading or unloading a child, or stopping to rest.
Comfort
When you're pushing your toddler around or carrying a shopping cart packed with nappies and a takeaway coffee, you need to feel at ease when out and about. Choosing a stroller with big robust, puncture-proof wheels that can glide across rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will help you get the best results.
A pushchair that folds up easily and compactly can also aid. It can be a struggle to fit a bulky pushchair in and out of the car's boot, or climb a flight of stairs, especially with a toddler growing in tow. Consider what you will use it for, as well as the conditions. A stroller that has a hood will protect your child from the elements of wind, rain, and sunbeams.
The final factor of comfort is the ease to steer and control the pushchair. Be sure to check out our reviewers' comments on maneuverability, which take into consideration things like the ease with which strollers pirouette across different surfaces, and how it is easy to push it up hills.
Many pushchairs come with accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool - such as fans and footmuffs. Some brands even have their own nappy changing bags that make traveling with your baby more convenient.
A travel system offers greater flexibility. It consists of a stroller chassis (called the chassis) and a seat unit that can be set up parent-facing or forward-facing, and a bassinet or carrycot. You can easily remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without disturbing your baby. This is the perfect solution for those who are constantly in motion and require to change their plans for travel.
Style
While the terminology used for strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are a few things that all of them have in common. Keep in mind that they're designed to take your baby from one point to B. Think about how you'll use it and then look for features that fit your life style.
If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, such as fields that are muddy or sand-covered You may require a pushchair with all-terrain wheels that are puncture-proof. They should also come with suspension to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot during long walks, you might need to think about a shade which will block the sun's rays or a cooling device to keep them cool.
Some cheap pushchairs allow you to choose whether you want your baby facing you for safety or to look outwards to explore the world. Some pushchairs have a carrycot that can be turned to face you or away from you. Others have a lie-flat recline for newborns. Some have an adapter for cars and Isofix compatibility as well as 3 in 1 systems that you can use from birth.
Another alternative is a twin pushchair, which allows you to carry two children at the at the same time. There are models with two or more seats that are light compact and have plenty of storage, larger canopy, and a more easily maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants liked the idea of a double pushchair but discovered that some handlebar adjustment systems were difficult to operate with one hand. Some adjust by rotating on an axis, which led to many pushing their hands close to the frame. Some systems that allow parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were simpler to use for taller parents.
Stores
The amount of storage available on a stroller or pushchair could influence your decision to purchase it. Check the space available under the seat, in the footwell, as well as the large basket. If you are planning to purchase any additional accessories for your pushchair, such as the tray for parents or a travel changing bag it is a crucial aspect to consider.
A tray for parents can make it easier to use the stroller by providing extra storage space for snacks and other essentials. It can also make the stroller bulky and difficult to fold. It's important to keep it in mind that most parent trays come with shallow cup holders. This could cause items to fall from the tray while traveling or strolling.
If you intend to carry a baby from birth, consider purchasing a large-sized stroller that can accommodate the bassinet. These models come with larger storage baskets, full-coverage canopies and reclining seats. They are often more expensive than a compact stroller or a lightweight stroller.
The ability to maneuver is an essential feature of any stroller. It determines how easy it is to steer even when empty and how well it rolls over various surfaces, such as pavements or grass. This quality will decrease over time as you and your baby increase in size, and the weight of the pushchair grows.
Some pushchairs can be transformed to a toddler pushchair using adapters. They are designed to work with car seats for infants. This makes the transition from stroller into pram easier as your child develops.