Wisdom On Pushchairs From An Older Five-Year-Old

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also referred to as a pram and travel system, buggy or stroller, is the Swiss knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots can handle any surface, from crowded streets to rough terrain.

A quality pushchair will provide security and comfort for your baby, ease to you, and the possibility for you to explore and bond. Find out what you should consider when purchasing one.

folding pram

When selecting a stroller, many parents are concerned with how easy it will be to fold. The EeZeFold is unique because it comes with a single-hand fold, which enables you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't need to juggle the two. The buggy remains upright when folded, meaning you don't need to worry about your child slipping out.

Some of the most compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they can be tucked away into the trunk of your car, so they're ideal for frequent traveler or have a small car boot. Some are small buggies designed for everyday use that have smaller footprints than the average pushchair, but still have features that are good, such as recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They're also generally lightweight enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed.

The majority of these pushchairs are designed at older babies and toddlers because they can sit up, but some come with a lie-flat seating option and the option to add a carrycot that makes them suitable for babies from birth. Some are travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to your baby accessories with just a click.

Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggy many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when they're folded with the seat on and are ideal for those short of storage space in their home or in an apartment. They're also light and usually come with a rain cover to protect them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class is foldable using just one hand by pressing a button. It is great for travel because it is easy to fold. It's also extremely light, making it easy to handle on rough surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat rotates to turn from parent-facing to the world, and the hood can be extended for extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller transforms its form to meet the requirements of families growing. It can be used as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for siblings, and even turn into a triple stroller with the addition of a third seat or ride-along boards. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a multi-purpose stroller that is able to be transformed to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for infants or two toddler seats or even a third child using adapters.

Apart from changing shape to accommodate different configurations convertible strollers must also offer adjustable features like reclining and height settings. They should also come with large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. Also, since these types of strollers usually have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of equipment.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to buy separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller newborn with no tools or conversion kits, and offers ample seating options with the second seat and pull handle when used in wagon mode. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top-rated convertibles however it offers excellent maneuverability and is able to easily climb hills. The main drawback is the lack of storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A good pushchair will have several safety features, including a five-point harness for the baby. The harness should fit over the shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is essential that the harness doesn't come loose, and that there are no areas where a child's fingers could become stuck.

There are a variety of different pushchair brakes available and you should choose one that best suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and is ideal if you are likely to stop a lot for shopping. Hand brakes are found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs and is more useful in situations where you'll frequently change your momentum, for instance, when going for a run. Some pushchairs feature an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a useful option for parents who are likely to be frequent stop-and-starts because it allows you to maintain your balance and apply pressure to the wheels.

Examine if the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is especially useful for those who live in areas that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A lockable wheel in the front of the pushchair can prevent the pushchair rolling away if you are in a rush or have lots of luggage in the rear.

While it may seem like a minor consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Check the weight of your pushchair and see whether you can carry it up stairs and into the trunk of your car while carrying a toddler.

A twin pram, buggy or pushchair is made for babies who sit up and is generally used from 6 months. The seat can be placed towards you or away from you depending on whether you want your child to bond with you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents appreciate the convenience features of pushchairs, and there are plenty to choose from. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets than others, and the brake type is also something to take into consideration. A foot brake, for example, is best suited to daily use. A hand brake that is active that is found on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive on an adventure.

The capacity of your pushchair to allow infants to lie flat is among the most important characteristics. Babies need to be in a completely flat position to help develop their spine, and it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature from birth. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or time to rest, which will allow more time for outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, you need to select a model that is compatible with your infant car seat. This makes it quick and simple to move your baby from the car to the pushchair, reducing stress and ensuring he's calm during his outings.

Some pushchairs come with a smart car seat adaptor that allows you to attach your car seat to the frame. This means you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, saving money and time. Many brands offer a travel bundle that includes a car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, along with an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

Another crucial comfort feature is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving over rough roads or in urban areas and allows you to negotiate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfy.

You may also want to consider other practical comfort features, like a spacious 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 make sure that your child gets the best possible sleep for the longest nap possible.