Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who frequently use public transport or travel by plane, a lightweight and comfortable pushchair is essential. Look for a model that folds flat and compactly and is machine washable to take care of spilled drinks and leaky diaper stains.

We love strollers that glide smoothly on pavements and kerbs effortlessly. Look for car seat attachments that almost feel like they install themselves and a handlebar that is adjustable to suit parents of all sizes.

Easy to Use

There are various types of pushchairs that suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles. Some are light and compact and easy to fold and transport some are built with a sturdy frame that is more durable for long walks and use on rough terrain. A lot of them come with a basket that can carry your shopping, or bags to change your clothes in so that you'll have everything that you require. Some are designed for urban living, whereas others are made for rural living or traveling abroad.

Strollers are usually suitable for babies from birth, allowing them to recline in a flat posture that is recommended for healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be paired with an infant seat or carrycot to create travel systems. They are suitable for infants to toddlers. Some models have extra features that are designed to be attractive, like a height-adjustable handbar for parents with various heights, or a large basket, or rain cover that will help keep your baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs are better suited for urban dwellers because they are lightweight and agile. They are also easy to move around. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, which makes them perfect for families who live in rural areas or plan to spend a significant amount of time outdoors. When you're choosing a new pushchair, you should look for reviews from other parents who review the ease of using it for instance, the weight of the pushchair and how easy it is to steer. It's also important to consider the size of the base and whether it's solid enough for your child to use, especially if you plan to take the pushchair off-road or on rough terrain.

Safety

Strollers must be safe for toddlers and infants to avoid entrapment and other injuries. Look for a base that is stable and large enough. You can test it by placing weight on it or hanging bags to test how it feels. Make sure that the leg openings on the stroller are narrow enough so that a child's legs don't slide through. Also, make sure the handlebars are placed at waist level or a little below for ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and locks the back wheels is an important feature. You should search for a model that has brakes built into the wheels instead of being on the frame. This will help to prevent pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers have seats that can recline into a flat, comfortable position, making them ideal 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 advertised as having a reclining seat but do not actually have this feature be sure to check.

The stroller should come with an adjustable five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one strap around the crotch), similar to those found in car seats. This is important to protect the child from falling out or being pulled out by vehicles or pedestrians.

Make sure that the stroller is equipped with a parking brake that's easy to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will stop the stroller from moving away when you are loading or unloading a child, or stopping to rest.

Comfort

You want to be comfortable whether you're pushing a toddler or carrying a diaper bag and takeaway coffee. Choosing a stroller with big sturdy, puncture-proof wheels that can glide across rough terrain and a super-smooth suspension will allow you to get the best results.

A compact pushchair and folds easily will also be useful. It can be a hassle to squeeze a large pushchair in the trunk of your car or to climb up a flight stairs, especially if you have a toddler with you. Consider what you will use it for and the conditions. A stroller with a hood can protect your child from rain, wind, and sunbeams.

The last factor that affects comfort is the ease to steer and control the pushchair shops. Watch out for our reviewers' feedback on maneuverability. This is a way to gauge how the stroller pirouettes over different surfaces and how easily it can be pushed up hills.

Many pushchairs have handy accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool - from footmuffs to fans. Certain brands come with their own nappy bags that make travelling easier with baby.

For greater flexibility, opt for a travel system that includes the frame of a stroller (called the chassis) with a seat unit that can be front-facing or rear-facing as well as a bassinet or carrycot. It is easy to remove and put the car seat back on the chassis without waking your baby. This is the perfect solution for parents who are constantly moving and have to alter their journey plans.

Style

There are some commonalities among the various types of buggies, strollers, prams and pushchairs. The most important thing to remember is that they're designed to get your baby from A to B. Think about how you'll be using it and look for features that fit your life style.

If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, such as sand and muddy fields You may require a stroller with all-terrain wheels that are puncture proof. They should also have suspension systems to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby is hot during long walks, you may want to consider a parasol to shield them from the sun or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs have adjustable seat positions so you can choose whether your baby is facing 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. Others offer a lie-flat recline for newborns. Some come with an adapter for cars, Isofix compatibility or 3 in 1 systems that you can use as early as.

Another option is a twin pushchair that lets you transport two children at the same time. You can find models with one or two separate seat units, are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies and more maneuverable wheels. Some of our testers loved the idea of a dual pushchair, but found some handlebar adjustments difficult to operate with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating on the pivot point, which caused many to push their hands closer to the frame. Some systems that permit parents to telescopically move into or out of the frame were easier to use for taller parents.

Stores

The amount of storage space available on a stroller or a pushchair could influence your decision to purchase it. Take note of the space under the seat, in the footwell, as well as the large basket. If you are planning to purchase additional accessories for your pushchair, such as a tray for parents or a travel changing pouch it is a crucial aspect to consider.

A tray for the parent makes it easier to use the stroller by offering additional storage space for snacks and other essentials. However, it could also add weight to the stroller and increase its folding dimensions, making it bulky and awkward. It's important to keep in mind that many of the trays for parents feature small cup holders. This can cause things to fall out of the tray while traveling or walking.

Think about purchasing a larger stroller that is bassinet-compatible for if you intend to carry your baby's stroller pushchairs from birth. These models come with larger storage baskets, canopies that cover the entire area and reclined seats. However, they usually come with prices that are substantially more expensive than a smaller or lighter stroller.

The ability to maneuver is a crucial feature of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, and how well the stroller rolls over different surfaces like grass or pavements. This quality will diminish as you and your child grow and the weight of the stroller increases.

Some pushchairs can be converted into a toddler pushchair using adapters. They are designed to work with car seats for infants. This makes the transition from stroller to pram easier as your child develops.