9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Pushchairs

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also referred to as a pram, buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots can handle any surface, from busy streets to rough terrain.

A good pushchair offers safety and comfort for your child, ease for you, and an opportunity to spend time together and explore the world together. Find out what to look for when buying one.

Folding

When choosing a stroller, many parents are concerned with how easy it will be to fold it. The most notable is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold that lets you hold your baby while folding the buggy, meaning that you don't have to switch between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don't need to be concerned about your child slipping out.

Some of the smaller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they can be tucked away in the boot of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveller or have a smaller car boot. Some are day-to-day buggies which require less of space than a standard pushchair, but have good features, like a comfortable recline and lightweight wheels. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be able to be carried by hand and so Grandma or Grandad can utilize them if they need to.

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 to make them suitable for babies from birth. They might also be travel system compatible and allow you to attach an infant car seat to the frame with just a click.

Although they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy, many compact pushchairs still take up a tiny space when folded with the seat on which is why they're ideal for those who are short on storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also lightweight and often come with a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category, can be folded with one hand by pressing the button. It's ideal for travel because it is easy to fold. It is also very light, making it easy to use even on rough surfaces. It also comes with an outstanding suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the outside world or the parent, and the hood can be extended to provide extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be altered to meet the demands of families that are growing. It could be an individual my babiie stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller when you add a third seat. Our top pick is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional twin stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet or car seat for newborns as well as one or two toddler seats and a third child by the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers should have adjustable features, including the height and recline settings. They should also have large handles that are easy to hold, making it easy for dad, mom or grandma to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers often contain more parts than traditional pushchairs, they will be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying a number of children or loads of gear.

Larktale's new crossover stroller/wagon is a first of its kind, is a stroller that can be used as a wagon. Parents no longer need to buy separate products. It is able to convert quickly and effortlessly into a single stroller or a double stroller, with no necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give ample seating space when it is used as an actual wagon. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and is able to easily climb hills. Its biggest flaw is the limited storage underneath the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A quality pushchair will come with many safety features, including a five-point harness for the baby. This should fit over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist and between the legs. It is crucial that the harness doesn't become loose, and there aren't any places that children's fingers might become stuck.

Pick the brake that is best suited to your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most popular and ideal for those who are likely to stop frequently such as when shopping. A hand brake is found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs and is more useful if you are going to be changing momentum often like when you go for running. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake that you can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a good option for parents who will be stopping and starting more frequently since it helps to maintain your balance and apply pressure on the wheels.

It is also worth checking whether the pushchair has a lockable front wheel. This is particularly useful for those who live in areas that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A lockable wheel in the front of the pushchair can prevent the pushchair from slipping away if you're in a hurry or have a lot of baggage in the rear.

Although it may seem like something of a minor issue however, the weight of the pushchair is something you need to bear in mind too. Even a light pushchair can become quite heavy when stuffed with a growing infant and shopping bags. Take a look at the weight of your pushchair and determine whether you can carry it up a flight of stairs and into the boot of your car, while carrying an infant.

A buggy, pram or pushchair is made for babies who sit up and is generally used from six months. The seat can be positioned to face you or away from you, depending on whether you want your child to connect with you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs come with adjustable seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents enjoy the comfort of pushchairs - and there are plenty to choose from. Some are more suitable for urban streets or rough terrain and others aren't. The brake type is a different aspect to consider. For instance, a foot brake is ideal for easy daily use, while the hand brakes that are active on jogger-style pushchairs may be more responsive and easy to operate when out on adventures.

One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not your pushchair stroller features a fully lie flat position for babies. Babies should be in a completely flat position to help them develop their spine, and it's worth choosing a pushchair that has this feature from the beginning. This will allow your child to sleep or relax comfortably, allowing for longer outdoor adventures and a more relaxed and healthier child.

If you're planning on using a car seat with your pushchair, it's essential to select a model that is compatible with your chosen infant car seat. This will make it simple to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep the child calm and less agitated.

Some pushchairs come with a smart adaptor for car seats that allows you to quickly attach your car seat. It is possible to use the seat from birth until toddlerhood, and save time and money. Many brands offer a travel package that includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, along with a footmuff, all in one purchase.

A well-designed suspension system is also crucial, especially for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving on rough terrain or urban streets, allowing you to get over bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while keeping your baby comfortable.

You might also want to consider other practical features, like an ample basket (or separate bag) with reclined handles with an adjustable seat, as well as an air-conditioned hood. These features will assist you in navigating around town or the country and ensure that your child has the best possible rest for the longest nap possible.