A Proficient Rant Concerning Pushchairs
Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair, also referred to as a pram for newborn, buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss army knife of baby transport. From navigating busy streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.
A good pushchair will offer comfort and safety for your baby, ease for you, and the opportunity for you and your baby to bond and explore together. Find out what to look for when buying one.
Folding
When selecting a stroller, many parents are concerned with how easy it will be to fold. The EeZeFold is unique because it features a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means that you do not have to manage the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, so you don't have to worry about your child falling out.
Some of the most compact folding 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 ideal if you're a frequent traveler or have a smaller car boot. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for use in everyday life that have a smaller footprint 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 on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.
Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, since they come with a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. Some are compatible with travel systems so you can attach an infant car seat to your baby with just one click.
A lot of compact pushchairs are very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're perfect for those who have a limited storage space at home or live in apartments. They're also lightweight and frequently have an umbrella to shield them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class is foldable with just the press of the button. It's great for travel because it is easy to fold. It's also extremely lightweight, making it easy to handle on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can rotate to change between parent-facing and world-facing, while the hood can be extended for extra protection and coverage from the sun.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the requirements of families that are growing. It can begin as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for siblings, and even a triple stroller through the addition of a third seat or ride-along board. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a versatile single-to-double stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for newborns as well as one or two toddler seats and even a third child with the use of adapters.
Apart from changing shape to adjust for different configurations convertible strollers must also offer adjustable features like recline and height settings. They should come with large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for moms, dads or grandmas to push. These strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they have more parts.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a unique model that combines a fully-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to invest in separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits, and offers ample seating options with the second seat and pull handle when used in wagon mode. The Larktale is bulkier than our other top convertibles however it offers excellent maneuverability and is able to handle uphills. The main drawback is the lack of under-seat storage. Click here for more info.
Safety
A good pushchair should have many safety features like the five-point harness for baby. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is essential that the harness doesn't fall off, and that there aren't any places where fingers of children could get stuck.
There are a variety of different brakes for pushchairs, and you should choose one that is most suitable for your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and ideal for those who are likely to stop a lot for shopping. Hand brakes are found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs, and is more appropriate in situations where you'll be able to change momentum frequently, such as when using it for an exercise. Some pushchairs come with an active handbrake that you can activate by pressing a pedal on the bottom of your foot. This is a good choice for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more often. It helps to keep your balance while still applying the 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 front wheel lockable can help stop the pushchair from rolling away in a hurry or if there is a lot of luggage in the back.
While it might seem like a small consideration, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a small pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Make sure you know how much it weighs and consider whether you would be in a position to lift it into your car's boot and up the stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.
Buggy or pram and car seat are made for babies who can sit up. They are generally used after 6 months. They have a seat that can face towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.
Comfort
There are a variety of pushchairs with comfort features that parents enjoy. Some are more suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the type of brake is another factor to consider. A foot brake, for instance, is best suited to everyday use. An active hand brake, found on jogger-style pushchairs is more responsive on an adventure.
The capacity of your pushchair to allow newborns to lie flat is among the most crucial features. It's important to choose an infant pushchair with this feature right from birth. This will allow your baby to grow into a flat position. This will allow your child to nap or rest comfortably, which will allow for more time outdoors and a more relaxed and healthier child.
If you're going to be using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, you need to choose a car seat that is compatible with your chosen infant car seat. This will make it simple for you to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.
Some pushchairs feature a smart car seat adaptor that allows you to fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, which saves money and hassle. Many brands offer a bundle which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, as well as an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.
Another essential aspect for comfort is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving through rough roads or urban streets, allowing you to get over bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while keeping baby safe.
You might also want to consider other practical comfort features, like an ample basket (or separate bag), reclined handles, an adjustable seat and a ventilated hood. All of these features can aid you in your travels through the city or country and ensure that your child gets the best possible rest for the longest nap possible.