Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who regularly use public transport or travel by plane, a lightweight and easy-touse pushchair walker is essential. Find one that folds into a compact and flat shape and is machine washable to take care of spilled drinks and leaky nappies stains.

We love strollers that glide smoothly on pavements and kerbs effortlessly. Look for car seat attachments that install themselves, and a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of any height.

Simple to Use

There are many different types of strollers and pushchairs that will suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are light and compact which makes them easy to fold and transport, while others have larger frames that are more sturdy for long walks or on rough terrain. Many come with a basket for your shopping items or bags to change your clothes in so that you can have everything you require. Some are designed for urban living, whereas others are designed for country life or travelling across the globe.

Strollers are typically suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline flat and is recommended for healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be paired with a carrycot or infant seat 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 of varying heights, and a large shopping basket or rain cover to help you keep baby dry.

Generally speaking, three-wheel pushchairs are better for city dwellers, since they're generally light and agile, making them easy to maneuver. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, which is why they are ideal for families that live in rural areas or plan to spend a lot of time in the open air. When you're choosing a new born push chair pushchair, read reviews from other parents who discuss the ease of use - for example, how heavy it is and how easy it is to steer. It's also worth considering the size of the base and whether it feels sturdy enough for your child, particularly if you're planning to take the stroller off-road or on difficult terrain.

Safety

Strollers pushchairs must be safe for toddlers and infants to prevent entrapment or other injuries. Look for a wide base that doesn't easily tip and make sure you can test the safety harness by putting weight on it, or hanging bags from it to see how stable it is. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller aren't enough so that a child's legs don't slide through. Also, ensure the handlebars are at waist level or a little below to allow for a more ergonomic use. Another important feature is brakes that lock the rear wheels and is simple to use. It is recommended to look for a brake that is that are integrated into the wheels instead of being on the frame. This will help stop pinch points and choke dangers.

A majority of strollers have seats that can recline to a flat position which is ideal for newborns. For better control of the head and breathing, it is recommended that newborns lay flat for the first few months. Some pushchairs are advertised as having a reclining seat, but don't actually provide this be sure to check.

The stroller should be equipped with an adjustable five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one strap around the crotch), similar to those found in car seats. This is crucial to protect the child from falling out and being pulled out by vehicles or pedestrians.

Check that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake to use and locks the front two wheels. This will help to stop the stroller from rolling away when you're loading or unloading your child or stopping to rest.

Comfort

You'll want to feel comfortable whether you're pushing a toddler or carrying a diaper bag and takeaway coffee. You can do this by selecting a stroller with is sturdy, large and puncture-proof tires that glide over rough terrain. It must also have a smooth and smooth suspension.

Having a pushchair that folds easily and compactly can also aid. It can be difficult to squeeze a large pushchair in the trunk of your car, or to climb up a flight stairs, especially if you have a toddler with you. It's also important to consider the purpose for which you'll use it and what the weather will be like. Hence, opting for a stroller with an hood that completely shields your little one from rain, wind and sunbeams is a good idea.

The final comfort factor is how easy it is to control and steer the stroller. Look out for our reviewers' comments regarding maneuverability, taking into account things like how well strollers pirouette across various surfaces and how it is easy to push up hills.

Many pushchairs come with handy accessories to keep your baby cool or warm from fans to footmuffs. Certain brands come with their own nappy bags designed to aid in travel with baby.

For greater flexibility, opt for a travel system - a stroller frame (called the chassis) with an adjustable seat that can be front-facing or parent-facing and a bassinet or carrycot. You can take the car seat out and on the chassis as necessary without waking your baby. The ideal solution for parents who are constantly on the move and often need to alter your plan of travel.

Style

While the jargon around strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that all have in common. Remember that they are designed to take your baby from one point to B. Think about how you'll use it and select features that are compatible with your lifestyle.

If you intend to walk on uneven surfaces, like sand and muddy fields You may require a stroller with all-terrain tires that are puncture resistant. They should also come with suspension to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby is hot on long walks you might want to use a shade to shade them from the sun or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs can be adjusted in their seats so you can choose whether your baby is facing you to reassure them or faces the world to see it. Some pushchairs have a carrycot that can be flipped to face you or away from you. Some also have the option of a lie-flat recline for infants. Some also have an adapter for car seats, are Isofix compatible or are 3 in 1 systems that allow you to use them from birth.

A twin pushchair allows you to transport both children at once. You can find models with two or more independent seats, are lightweight and compact with plenty of storage space, larger canopies and more movable wheels. Several of our testers liked the idea of a double egg pushchair, but discovered that some adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to operate with one hand. Some adjust by rotating on a pivot point and this led to many pushing their hands closer to the frame. Other systems that telescopically move into and out of the frame's sides were simpler to use even for parents with larger hands.

Stores

The amount of storage space in a stroller pushchair can influence your decision to buy it. Check the space available under the seat, the footwell, as well as the large basket. This is a major factor if you're planning to purchase additional pushchair accessories such as a parent tray or a travel changing bag.