12 Companies Leading The Way In Pushchairs

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a pram, buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss knife of infant transport. From navigating busy streets to traversing rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.

A quality pushchair will provide comfort and safety to your baby, convenience for you, and the possibility for you to explore and bond. Find out what to look for when buying one.

Folding

One of the key aspects that a lot of parents look for when choosing a buggy is how easy it folds. A true standout is the EeZeFold which features an incredible one-handed fold which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy, meaning you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, so you don't have to worry about your child falling off or being injured during the process.

Some of the most compact travel pram Folding Pushchair pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they can be tucked away into the boot of your car, which means they're perfect if you're a frequent traveler or have a smaller car boot. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for everyday use, which have smaller footprints than the standard pushchair, but provide decent features like a good recline or lightweight wheels. They're also usually light enough to carry on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth, as some have a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They might also be travel system compatible and allow you to attach an infant car seat to the frame with one click.

While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy, many compact pushchairs still take up a tiny space when they're folded with the seat in and are ideal for those who are tight of storage space in their home or in an apartment. They're also lightweight and frequently have a rain cover to protect them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category can be folded with one hand by pressing the button. It's ideal for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also extremely light, making it simple to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the outside 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 needs of families that are growing. It could be one stroller that converts into a double pushchair stroller in order to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller by adding an additional seat. Our top pick is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for newborns, one or two toddler seats and even an additional child through the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers should come with adjustable features, like the height and reclining setting. They should also have large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. And because these types of strollers typically contain more components than traditional pushchairs they need to be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of gear.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a unique model that combines a full-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily into a single or double stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and offers ample seating options with its second seat and pull handle when in wagon mode. Although the Larktale is a little heavier than some of our other top convertibles, it is extremely maneuverable and can maneuver well over hills. Its biggest flaw is the lack of storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A good pushchair should have a number of safety features like a five point harness for infants. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist as well as between the legs. It is crucial that the harness does not come loose, and that there aren't any places that children's fingers might be stuck.

There are a variety of different brakes for pushchairs, so pick the one that best suits your needs. The most popular brake is a foot brake. It's a great option if you stop a lot for example, when you go shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs have a hand brake. This is helpful in situations where you have to change your momentum often, like when running. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake that works by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a good option for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more frequently. It helps to keep your balance while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

Verify that the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A front wheel that locks can help stop the pushchair from rolling away when you are in a hurry or if there is a large amount of baggage in the back.

While it might seem like an unimportant thing to consider but the weight of the pushchair is something you need to be aware of. Even a small pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing infant and shopping bags. Make sure you know the weight of the item and consider whether you would be able to lift it into your car boot and up the stairs while balancing a toddler and juggling a takeaway coffee.

A pram, buggy or pushchair travel system is designed for babies who can sit and can be used from 6 months. The seat can be set to face you or away from you depending on how much you want your child to be close to you or explore the world. Many pushchairs come with adjustable handlebars, seat positions and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents appreciate the convenience features of pushchairs, and there are many to choose from. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets but others are not. The type of brake is a different aspect to consider. A foot brake, for instance, is best suited to daily use. A hand brake that is active used on jogger-style pushchairs is more responsive when on an adventure.

One of the most important aspects of comfort is whether or not your stroller features a fully lie flat position for newborns. Babies need to be lying flat in a position to help develop their spines, so it's important to select a stroller that has this feature from the beginning. This will allow your child to rest or nap in a comfortable position, allowing for more time outdoors as well as a happier and healthier child.

If you're planning on using a car seat along with your pushchair, it's important to select a model that is compatible with your chosen infant car seat. This makes it quick and easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair, which reduces fuss and ensuring he's calm during his outings.

Some pushchairs come with a smart car seat adaptor that lets you easily fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, saving money and hassle. Many brands also offer a travel bundle that includes the carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors, and a footmuff all in one purchase.

Another crucial comfort feature is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving on rough terrain or city streets, allowing you get over bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your the baby in a comfortable position.

Other features for comfort that you might want to check for include a large shopping basket (or even a separate bag), adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat position and ventilated hood. All of these features can help you navigate through the city or country and ensure that your child has the best possible sleep for the longest nap possible.