24 Hours To Improving Pushchairs
Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair, also known as a pram and travel system, buggy or stroller, is the Swiss army knife of baby transport. These baby-chariots can be used on any surface, from crowded streets to rough terrain.
A quality pushchair will provide safety and comfort to your child, convenience to you, and a chance for you both to explore and bond. Find out what you should consider when you are buying a pushchair.
folding stroller
One of the most important characteristics that many parents look for when choosing the best pushchair is how simple it is to fold. A standout is the EeZeFold that has 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, which means you do not have to worry about the child falling out or causing injury during this process.
Some folding pushchairs are compact enough that they fit in your car's boot. They're perfect for frequent travel or if you have a small vehicle. There are also day-today buggies that require less of space than the average pushchair but still come with decent features such as a great recline and lightweight wheels. They are typically light enough to be carried by hand, so Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.
The majority of these pushchairs are designed at older babies and toddlers because they can sit upright, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option of adding a carrycot that makes them suitable for babies from birth. They might also be travel system compatible, so you can attach an infant car seat to the frame with a single click.
While they don't have the tiny fold of a prams travel system buggie, many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when folded with the seat in, so they're perfect for those short of storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also light and they often come with a raincover to protect them against the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category is foldable using just one hand by pressing the button. It is great for travel because it is easy to fold. It's also incredibly light, making it simple to handle on rough surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the outside world or the parent, and the hood can be extended to give you extra sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller changes shape to fit the needs of families growing. It can begin as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for children and even become a triple stroller through the addition of an additional seat or ride-along board. Our top choice is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet or car seat for newborns, one or two toddler seats and even a third child by the use of adapters.
Aside from transforming shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features like recline and height settings. They should also feature large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers usually have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they should be more sturdy and less likely to tip over when carrying a number of children or loads of gear.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the need for parents to purchase separate products. It is quick and easy to convert to a double or single stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and offers plenty of seating versatility 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 hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more details.
Safety
A quality pushchair will come with several safety features, including a five-point harness that is suitable for the baby. It should be placed over the shoulders, around the waist, and between the legs. It is also important that the harness doesn't come loose and has no areas where a child may get their fingers stuck.
There are a number of different pushchair brakes to choose from, so pick the one that best fits your needs. A foot brake is the most commonly used and ideal for those who are likely to stop frequently for shopping. A lot of jogger-style pushchairs come with the option of a hand brake. This is helpful if you will be changing your momentum frequently, for example when running. Some pushchairs come with an active handbrake which you can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a useful option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more frequently as it makes it easier to maintain your balance while applying pressure on the wheels.
It is also worth determining whether the pushchair comes with a lockable front wheel. This is particularly useful for those who live in areas with steep slopes or uneven terrain. A wheel lockable on the front can prevent the pushchair from rolling away when you are in a rush or have a lot of baggage in the rear.
Even though it might seem like a small consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a lightweight pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when loaded with a growing child and shopping bags. Make sure you know the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be capable of lifting it into the car boot and up the stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.
A pram, buggy or pushchair is made for babies who sit up and is generally used from six months. The seat can be positioned towards you or away from you depending on the preference of your child to connect with you or explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.
Comfort
Many parents enjoy the convenience features of pushchairs, and there are many to pick from. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets than others, and the brake type is also a factor to consider. A foot brake, for instance, is best suited to everyday use. A hand brake that is active, found on jogger-style pushchairs is more responsive on an adventure.
One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not your stroller is able to lie completely flat position for newborns. It is essential to select an infant pushchair with this feature from the beginning. This will enable your baby to develop their spine into an upright position. This will allow your baby to sleep or relax in a comfortable position, allowing for longer outdoor excursions as well as a happier 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 move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.
Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats that allows you to fix your chosen car seat to the frame. This means that you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, saving money and hassle. Many brands offer a travel package that includes a car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, along with an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.
Another essential aspect for comfort is good suspension - especially on the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving through rough roads or city streets, allowing you get over bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby safe.
Other practical comfort features that you may want to look for include a large shopping basket (or even a separate bag), reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat and a the hood that is ventilated. These features will help you navigate through the city or country and make sure that your child gets the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.
