Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is essential for those who often use public transportation or take flights that are frequently hopping on and off. Look for a model that folds flat and compactly, and is machine washable to take care of spilt drinks or leaky nappy stains.

We love strollers that glide easily across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs ease. Look for car seat attachments that install themselves, and the handlebar that can be adjusted to fit parents of any height.

Easy to Use

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Some are extremely light and compact, making them easy to fold and transport, while others have a more substantial frame that's more robust for long walks or use on rough terrain. Some also have a basket for shopping or changing bags so you can carry everything you need. Some are made to be used in cities, whereas others are intended for traveling or for country living.

Strollers can be used from the time of birth. They allow the infant to recline flat, which is good for spinal and lung development. They can also be attached to a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat, making them travel systems and suitable from birth to toddlerhood. Certain models come with extra design features, like the ability to adjust the height of the handbar for parents with different heights or a large basket or rain cover that can help keep your baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs are better suited for urban dwellers because they are lightweight and agile, making them easy to move around. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and suitable for families living in rural areas or those who plan to spend most of their time in the outdoors. When selecting a pushchair, read reviews from other parents that discuss the ease of use for instance, how much it weighs and how easy it is to control. Also, take into consideration the size of the base as well as whether your child is comfortable in it, especially if you plan to use the pushchair cheap on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs should be safe for infants or toddlers to prevent the possibility of entrapment. Make sure you choose a sturdy base that won't tip easily and be sure to test the safety harness by placing weight on it, or hanging bags from it, to test how stable it is. Also check the leg openings aren't enough to stop the legs of a child from sliding through, and ensure that the handlebars are at waist-level or slightly lower for more comfortable use. A brake that's easy to operate and locks the back wheels is another essential feature. You should search for a model that has brakes built into the wheels instead of being on the frame. This will help to prevent pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers have a seat that can recline to a flat position which is ideal for infants. It is recommended that babies lie down during the first few months to allow breathing and head control reasons. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclining chair, but don't actually provide this be sure to check.

Ensure the stroller has an adjustable five-point harness (two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs and one around the crotch), much like those in car seats. This is vital to protect a child from falling out of the stroller and also to protect the child from being pushed over or pushed out by cars or other pedestrians.

Check that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake to use and locks the front two wheels. This will stop the stroller from moving away when you are unloading or loading children, or stopping to rest.

Comfort

If you're pushing your toddler around or lugging a shopping bag filled with nappies and takeaway coffee, you want to feel comfortable when out and about. This can be achieved 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.

A best pushchair that is compact and folds easily will also be helpful. It can be a real hassle to squeeze the bulky stroller in and out of the car's boot or climb up a flight of stairs, especially with a growing toddler in the back. It's also worth considering what you'll use 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 an excellent idea.

The final comfort factor is the ease to steer and control the stroller. Be sure to check out our reviewers' opinions on maneuverability, which take into account things like how well strollers pirouette across various surfaces and how easy it is to push up hills.

Many pushchairs come with handy accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool - from footmuffs to fans. Certain brands come with their own nappy bags to make travelling easier with baby.

For greater flexibility, opt for a travel set-up - the frame of a stroller (called the chassis) with the seat unit which can be front-facing or rear-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. You can take the car seat out and put it on the chassis when necessary without disturbing your baby. The perfect solution if you're frequently on the move and frequently need to change your travel plan.

Style

While the terminology used for strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that all have in common. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're designed to take your baby from A to B. Consider how you will use it and choose features that fit your needs.

If you plan 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 resistant. They should also come with suspension to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your child gets 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 have adjustable seat positions so you can decide if your baby faces you to reassure them or faces the world to explore it. Some pushchairs buggies come with a carrycot that flips to face you, or away from you. Others offer a lie-flat recline for newborns. Some also have an adapter for car seats that is Isofix compatible, or are three-in-one systems so you can use them right from birth.

A twin pushchair allows the transport of both children at the same time. There are models with one or two independent seats that are light, compact, and have plenty of storage space, larger canopy, and a more easily maneuverable wheels. Several of our testers liked the idea of a double pushchair but discovered that some adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to use using just one hand. Some adjust by rotating on an axis, which resulted in many pushing their hands towards the frame. Certain systems that allow parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were easier to use for parents with larger hands.

Storage

The amount of storage space available on a stroller or a pushchair egg will affect the decision to buy it. Look at the space under the seat or in the footwell, and in the large basket to see the amount of space you can squeeze in. If you intend to purchase any additional accessories for your pushchair, like a parent's tray or a travel changing pouch it will be an important factor.

A tray for parents helps to make it easier to use the stroller by offering extra storage space for snacks and other necessities. However, it can also add weight to the stroller and its folding size can make it awkward and bulky. It's important to keep in mind that many of the trays for parents come with shallow cup holders. This could cause items to fall from the tray while traveling or strolling.

If you are planning to carry a baby from birth, consider purchasing a large-sized stroller that can accommodate a bassinet. These products have more spacious storage baskets, canopies that cover the entire area and reclining seats. However, they usually come with prices that are significantly higher than a lightweight or compact stroller.

The ability to maneuver is an important aspect of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering when empty, and how easily the stroller glides over various surfaces, such as grass or pavements. It's important to note that this quality degrades over time as your baby grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are made to function as an entire travel system that is, they can be used with an infant car seat and converted to a toddler pushchair newborn using adapters. This can help ease the transition from pram to stroller as your child gets older and is particularly beneficial when you're running out of storage space at home.