Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

If you frequently use public transport or travel by plane, a light and comfortable pushchair is crucial. Select a model that is able to be folded flat and compact, and machine washable to get rid of the stains of spilled drinks or leaky diapers.

We love strollers that glide effortlessly across pavements and mount kerbs effortlessly. Look for car seat attachments that feel like they install themselves and a handlebar that is adjustable to accommodate parents of all heights.

Easy to Use

There are different types of pushchairs that suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles. Some are light and compact which makes them easy to fold and carry while others have an extra sturdy frame that's more sturdy for long walks or use on rough terrain. Some also have a basket for shopping or a changing bag so you can take everything you require with you. Some are designed to be used in urban areas, whereas others are for travelling or country living.

Strollers can be used from the moment of birth. They allow babies to lie flat, which is great for spinal and lung development. They can also be attached to a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat, making them portable systems that can be used from birth until toddlerhood. Some models have extra design features, such as the ability to adjust the height of the handbar for parents with different heights or a large basket or rain cover that will help keep your baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs are more suitable for urban dwellers since they're generally light and agile, making them easy to maneuver. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and perfect for families living in rural areas or those who plan to spend much of their time in the outdoors. Find reviews from other parents who have commented on how easy the pushchair is to use, such as how much it weighs or how easy it could be to steer. It is also important to be aware of the size of the base as well as whether your child is comfortable in it, especially when you intend to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs must be safe for infants and toddlers to prevent the possibility of entrapment. Look for a base that is stable and wide. You can test it by placing the weight on it or hanging bags to check how it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller are small folding pushchair enough that children's legs aren't slipping through. Also, ensure that the handlebars are at waist level or slightly below for ergonomic use. A brake that's easy to operate and locks the back wheels is another important feature. You should look for a model that has brakes built into the wheels instead of on the frame. This will help to prevent pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers have a seat that reclines into a lie-flat position which makes them suitable for babies. It is recommended that babies lay flat for their first few months to allow head control and breathing reasons. Some pushchairs can be described as having a reclined seating position, however, they aren't. Make sure you check.

The stroller should have an adjustable five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders and two straps for the thighs and one for the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is important to protect the child from falling out and being pulled out by vehicles or pedestrians.

Check that the stroller has a parking brake that's simple to use and locks the front wheels. This will stop the stroller from rolling away when you are loading or unloading your child, or stopping to rest.

Comfort

You want to be comfortable regardless of whether you're pushing your toddler or carrying a backpack full of nappies and coffee for takeaway. You can do this by selecting a stroller with has large, tough, puncture-proof tires that are able to glide over rough terrain. It must also have a smooth and smooth suspension.

Having a pushchair that folds effortlessly and compactly can also aid. It can be difficult to squeeze a large pushchair in the trunk of your car, or to struggle up a flight of stairs, particularly if you have a child with you. It's also worth considering what you'll be using it for and what the weather forecast will be like - so selecting a stroller with an hood that completely shields your little one from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is a great idea.

The last aspect of comfort is how easy the pushchair is to control and steer. Be sure to check out our reviewers' comments regarding maneuverability, taking into consideration things like the ease with which strollers pirouette across different surfaces and how easy it is to push it up hills.

Many pushchairs come with useful accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool from fans to footmuffs. Some brands even come with their own nappy bags to make the journey with your baby easier.

A travel system offers greater flexibility. It comprises a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit that can be placed parent-facing or forward-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 a great solution for parents who are always moving and have to alter their journey plans.

Style

There are some commonalities among all the different kinds of strollers, buggies, pushchairs and prams. Keep in mind that they're made to transport your child from point A to B. Think about how you'll use it and then look for features that will suit your life style.

If you are planning to walk on uneven surfaces, such as fields with muddy soil, you may need a pushchair with all-terrain wheels that are puncture proof. They should also feature suspension systems to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot during long walks, you might need to think about a shade which will block the sun or a fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs let you choose whether you want your baby facing you for reassurance or to look outwards to explore the world. Some have a carrycot or seat unit that can be turned to face you or away from you, and some have an all-flat recline that is suitable for newborns. Some also come with a car seat adapter and are compatible with Isofix or are three-in-one systems so you can use them from the time of birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair that allows you to carry two children at the same time. There are models with two or more independent seat units, which are light and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies and more movable wheels. Many of our test subjects liked the idea of a double pushchair however discovered that some handlebar adjustment systems were difficult to use using just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which caused many to push their hands against the frame. Other systems that telescopically move into and out of frames' sides were more convenient to use even for parents who are taller.

Storage

The amount of storage space available in a stroller will affect the decision to purchase it. Check the space available under the seat, in the footwell, and the huge basket. If you plan to purchase any additional accessories for your pushchair, like the tray for parents or a travel changing bag it will be a major consideration.

A tray for the parent can enhance user comfort by providing extra storage for snacks and other necessities. It can also make the stroller heavier and difficult to fold. It's also important to keep in mind that most trays for parents have shallow cup holders, which can cause things to fall out of the tray during travel or when strolling.

You should consider purchasing a large, bassinet-compatible stroller If you are planning to carry your baby from birth. These strollers come with more space for storage baskets, fully-covered canopy and reclined seats. They are often more expensive than a compact or lightweight stroller.

The ability to maneuver is a crucial feature of a stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer even when empty and how smoothly it moves across different surfaces like grass or pavements. It's important to note that this quality decreases with time as your child grows and you increase the weight of the pushchair.