A Step-By Step Guide To Pushchairs
Choosing Strollers Pushchairs
A lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is essential for people who regularly take public transport or take flights that are frequently hopping on and off. Look for models that fold flat and compactly, and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilled drinks and leaky nappies stains.
We love strollers that glide easily across pavements and can mount kerbs with ease. Look for car seat attachments that appear to be self-installing and a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit parents of all sizes.
Easy of Use
There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are light and compact and easy to fold and move and store, while others feature a sturdy frame that is more durable for long walks and use on uneven terrain. Many come with a basket for your shopping, or bags to change your clothes in so that you'll have everything you need. Some are made for city living, while others are made for the country or to other countries.
Strollers can be used from the moment of birth. They allow the baby to recline flat, which is great for lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with a carrycot or infant seat to create travel systems. They are suitable for infants up to toddlers. Certain models come with additional design features, such as an adjustable handbar that can be adjusted for height with different heights or a spacious basket or rain cover that can help keep your baby dry.
Generally, three-wheel pushchairs are ideal for urban dwellers, since they're generally light and agile, making them easy to maneuver. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and suitable for families who live in rural areas, or who plan to spend most of their time outdoors. Look for reviews by other parents who comment on how easy the stroller is to operate, such as how heavy it is or how easy it can be to steer. It's also important to consider how large the base and whether it feels sturdy enough for your child to use, particularly if you're planning to use the pushchair up to 25kg off-road or on rough terrain.
Safety
Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants or toddlers to prevent the possibility of entrapment. Make sure the base is stable and wide. You can test it by putting weight on it or hanging bags to see how it feels. Also, make sure that the leg openings aren't large enough to prevent the legs of a baby from sliding through and that the handles are at waist level or slightly lower for more comfortable use. A brake that's easy to operate and locks the back wheels is another essential feature. You should search for a brake that is built into the wheels instead of on the frame. This will help stop pinch points and choke dangers.
Many strollers have seats that recline into the position of a lie-flat, making them suitable for infants. For better control of the head and breathing it is recommended that babies lay flat for the first few months. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclined seating position, but they don't. Make sure you check.
Make sure the stroller is equipped with a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps that go over shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one around the crotch), much like those in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out and being pulled out by pedestrians or vehicles.
Make sure the stroller has a convenient parking brake that is easy to use and locks the two front wheels. This will stop the stroller from slipping away when you are unloading or loading a child or stopping to rest.
Comfort
If you're pushing your child around or carrying a shopping cart full of nappies and a takeaway coffee, you'll want to feel comfortable when out and out and about. Picking a stroller with large robust, puncture-proof wheels that glide over rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will allow you to get the best results.
A pushchair that is small and folds easily will also help. It can be a hassle to squeeze the bulky stroller in and out of the car boot or climb up a flight of stairs, especially with a growing toddler in the back. Consider what you will use it for, and the weather conditions. A stroller with a hood will protect your child from rain, wind and sunbeams.
The last factor that affects comfort is the ease to control and steer the stroller. Look out for our reviewers' feedback on maneuverability, which take into account factors like the ease with which strollers pirouette across various surfaces and how it is easy to push up hills.
Many pushchairs have handy accessories to help keep your baby warm or cool including footmuffs, fans and even footmuffs. Some brands even come with their own nappy changing bags to make traveling with your baby simpler.
For added flexibility, opt for a travel set-up - the frame of a stroller (called the chassis) with the seat unit which can be parent-facing or front-facing as well as a bassinet or carrycot. It is simple to remove and put the car seat back on the chassis without waking your baby. This is the perfect solution for parents who are always moving and have to change their travel plans.
Style
While the jargon around strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are some things that they all have in common. Keep in mind that they're designed to get your baby from point A to B. Consider how you'll use it and search for features that fit your lifestyle.
For example, if you're going to spend lots of time walking on uneven surfaces, such as sand or muddy fields you might consider an all-terrain pushchair that has big, tough puncture-proof wheels and suspension to make it more comfortable for your baby. If your baby is hot on long walks you might want a parasol to shield them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.
Some pushchairs let you select whether you would like your baby facing you to provide reassurance or to look outwards to explore the world. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that flips to face you, or away from you. Some also have a lie-flat recline for newborns. Some come with an adapter for cars and Isofix compatibility, or 3 in 1 systems that you can use as early as.
Another alternative is a twin pushchair that allows you to transport two children at the same time. There are models that have one or two independent seats, which are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies, and more maneuverable wheel. Several of our testers liked the idea of a double pushchair however discovered that some adjustable handlebars were difficult to use with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which led some to push their hands against the frame. Other systems that telescopically move into and out of frame sides were easier to use even for parents who are taller.
Stores
The amount of storage space available in a stroller could affect your decision to purchase it. Check the space available under the seat, the footwell, and the large basket. This is a crucial factor if you're planning to purchase additional accessories for your pushchair, such as a tray for parents or a travel changing bag.
A tray for the parent can enhance the ease of use by offering additional storage space for snacks and other necessities. It can make the stroller heavy and difficult to fold. It's important to keep it in mind that the majority of tray for parents feature shallow cup holders. This could cause items to fall from the tray when traveling or strolling.
Consider buying a full-sized stroller that is bassinet-compatible If you are planning to carry your baby from birth. These products have more spacious storage baskets, canopies that cover the entire area and reclining seats. However, they often have the price of a stroller that is significantly higher than a lightweight or compact stroller.
Maneuverability is one of the most important features of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering when empty, and how well the stroller glides over various surfaces like grass or pavements. It is important to note that this quality degrades over time as your child grows and you add more weight to the pushchair walker.
Some pushchairs can be converted to a toddler pushchair making use of adapters. They are designed to work with infant car seats. This can make it easier to transition from stroller to pram as your child ages and is particularly beneficial if you're short on storage space at home.