15 Reasons You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Pushchairs

Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A light and easy-to-use pushchair is essential to those who often use public transport or hop on and off flights. Choose one that folds into a compact and flat shape and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilt drinks or leaky nappy staining.

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

Easy of Use

There are a variety of pushchairs for all budgets and lifestyles. Some are light and compact, and easy to fold and carry some have a sturdy frame that is more durable for long walks as well as use on rough terrain. A lot of them come with a basket to carry your shopping items or bags for changing clothes so you'll have everything you need. Some are made to be used in cities, whereas others are for travelling or country living.

Strollers are generally suitable for babies from birth, allowing them to recline in a flat posture, which is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with an infant seat or carrycot to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants to toddlers. Some of them have additional design elements, like a height-adjustable handlebar for parents with different heights and a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to keep baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs work more suitable for urban dwellers because they're typically light and nimble, making them easy to manoeuvre. Four-wheel pushchairs tend to be more durable, making them ideal for families living in rural areas or plan to spend a lot of time in the open air. Look for reviews by other parents who comment on how easy the pushchair is to use - such as how much it weighs or how easy it could be to steer. It's also worth noticing the size of the base and whether it's solid enough for your child, particularly if you intend to take the stroller off-road or on difficult terrain.

Safety

Strollers must be safe for toddlers and infants to avoid entrapment or other injuries. Look for a base that is stable and wide. You can test it by putting weight on it or hanging bags to test how it feels. Also make sure the leg openings aren't large enough to prevent a baby's legs from slipping through and that the handlebars are at waist-level or a bit lower to allow for a more ergonomic use. Another important feature is brakes that lock the rear wheels and is simple to use. Find one that has brakes integrated into the wheels, rather than only on the frame, as this can help to keep them safe from choking and pinch point dangers.

Many strollers have seats that recline to an upright position, which makes them suitable for babies. For better control of the head and breathing, it is recommended that newborns lay flat during the first few months. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclining seat but they don't actually offer this make sure you check.

Make sure that the stroller is fitted with a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps that go over shoulders, two for the thighs and one around the crotch), much like those in car seats. This is vital to protect children from falling out of the stroller and prevents them from being pushed over or pushed away by passing vehicles or other pedestrians.

Make sure the stroller has a parking brake that's easy to activate and that locks the front wheels. This will stop the stroller rolling away while you're loading or unloading your child or stopping to take a break.

Comfort

Whether you're pushing your toddler around or lugging a shopping bag packed with nappies and a takeaway coffee, you need to feel comfortable when out and about. This can be achieved by selecting a stroller that is sturdy, large and puncture-proof tires that are able to glide over rough terrain. It should also have a super-smooth and smooth suspension.

A pushchair that is small and folds easily will also help. It can be a real struggle to fit an enormous pushchair into and out of the car boot or struggle up flights of stairs, especially with a toddler growing in the rear. It's also worth considering what you'll use it for and what the weather will be like. Hence, choosing a stroller that has a hood that protects your child from wind, rain and sunbeams is a good idea.

The final aspect to consider is how easy the pushchair is to navigate and control. Keep an eye out for our reviewers' feedback on maneuverability. This is a way to gauge how the stroller turns on different surfaces and how it is easy to push up hills.

Many pushchairs include accessories that can aid in keeping your baby cool or warm - such as footmuffs and fans. Some brands even have their own nappy changing bags to make travelling with baby even easier.

A travel system offers greater flexibility. It consists of a stroller chassis (called the chassis) and a seat unit that can be placed parent-facing or forward-facing and a bassinet as well as a carrycot. You can take the car seat out and on the chassis as necessary without having to wake your baby. This is the ideal solution for those who are constantly in motion and require to change their travel plans.

Style

There are a few commonalities among all the different types of buggies, strollers, pushchairs and prams. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're made to take your baby from A to B. Consider the way you'll use it and look for features that will suit your lifestyle.

If you intend to walk on uneven surfaces, like fields that are muddy or sand-covered You may require a stroller with all-terrain wheels that are puncture proof. They should also come with suspension systems to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby becomes hot after long walks, you may need to think about a shade which will block the sun's rays or a cooling device to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs allow you to choose to have your baby to face you for safety or to look outwards to explore the world. Some carrycots have a seat unit that can flip to face you or away from you. Additionally, some have an all-flat recline that is suitable for babies. Some also have an adapter for car seats that is Isofix compatible, or are three-in-one systems, which means you can use them from the time of birth.

Another alternative is a twin pushchair which lets you transport two children at the time. There are models that have one or two independent seats that are light, compact, and have plenty of storage, larger canopies, and more easily maneuverable wheels. Several of our testers liked the idea of a double pushchair however found that some handlebar adjustment systems were difficult to operate with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which led some to push their hands up against the frame. Other systems that telescopically move in and out of the frame sides were easier to use even for parents who are taller.

Stores

The amount of storage space available in a stroller will affect your decision to purchase it. Examine the space underneath the seat, in the footwell and in the basket to determine the amount of space you can squeeze in. If you intend to purchase additional accessories for your pushchair, like a tray for parents or a travel changing bag, this will be a major consideration.

A tray for the parent makes it easier to use the stroller, as it provides additional storage space for snacks and essentials. It can also make the stroller bulky and difficult to fold. It's important to keep it in mind that the majority of tray for parents feature shallow cup holders. This can cause items to fall off the tray while traveling or walking.

Think about purchasing a larger My Babiie MB02 Stroller - Lightweight Travel Buggy that is bassinet-compatible if you plan to carry your baby's weight from birth. These models come with bigger storage baskets, canopies that have complete coverage and reclined seats. They can be more expensive than a compact stroller or a stroller that is lightweight.

The ability to maneuver is an important aspect of a stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, as well as how smoothly the stroller can be rolled over various surfaces like grass or pavements. This quality will degrade as you and your baby increase in size, and the weight of the pushchair grows.

Some pushchairs can be transformed into a toddler pushchair by making use of adapters. They are specifically designed to work with an infant car seats. This can make the transition from stroller to pram easier as your child grows.