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. From navigating busy streets to navigating rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of terrain.

A good pushchair will provide security and comfort for your child, ease for you and a chance to bond and explore the world together. Read on to find out what to look for when choosing one.

Folding

One of the key characteristics that many parents are looking for when selecting the best travel pushchair pushchair is how simple it is to fold. A true standout is the EeZeFold, which has an incredible one-handed fold which allows you to hold your child while folding the buggy, which means you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy also stays standing when folded, meaning you don't have to worry about your child falling off or getting harmed during this process.

Some of the most compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they can fit in the boot of your car, which means they're ideal for frequent traveler or have a small car boot. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for everyday use that have smaller footprints than the standard pushchair, but have features that are good, such as a good recline or lightweight wheels. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be carried with hand, so Grandma or Grandad can utilize them if they need to.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth, and some come with a lie-flat seats or carrycot option. They might also be compatible with travel systems and allow you to attach an infant car seat to the frame with a single click.

While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy, many compact pushchairs require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on and are ideal for those short on storage space in their home or in an apartment. They are also lightweight, and many come with a raincover to protect them against the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class, can be folded with one hand by pressing the button. It's ideal to travel with because it's easy to fold. It's also extremely light, making it simple to maneuver on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or towards the parent and the hood can be extended to give you extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller changes shape to meet the demands of growing families. It can be used as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for siblings and even a triple stroller by the addition of a third seat or ride-along board. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a stroller that can be used as a single or double pushchair. It can be converted to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for newborns, one or two toddler stroller seats, and even a third child by the use of adapters.

Aside from transforming shape to accommodate different configurations convertible strollers should also have adjustable features, such as reclining and height settings. They should also have large, easy-to-grip handles that make it easy for dad, mom or grandma to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers usually have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they will be more sturdy and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of gear.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a full-featured single stroller with an incline wagon, removing the need for parents to invest in separate products. It is able to convert quickly and easily to a single stroller or a double stroller, with no need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle provide the flexibility of seating when used as wagon. The Larktale is heavier than our other top convertibles however it offers excellent maneuverability and is able to easily climb the hills. The main drawback is the lack of under-seat storage. Click here for more information.

Safety

A great pushchair should come with many safety features including the five-point harness for baby. The harness should be able to fit over shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is also important that the harness doesn't become out of its place and that there are no places where a child could get their fingers stuck.

There are a variety of different pushchair brakes available so choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and is ideal if you are likely to stop frequently such as when shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs have hand brakes. This is helpful if you will be changing your momentum often, like when running. Some pushchairs feature an active handbrake which you can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a good choice for parents who will be stopping and starting their pushchairs more often. It makes it easier to stay in your position while applying pressure to the wheels.

Verify that the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This is a great feature for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable wheel on the front can stop the pushchair from slipping away if you are in a rush or have lots of baggage in the rear.

Although it might seem like a minor consideration but you must also think about the weight of the stroller. Even a small pushchair can become quite heavy when loaded with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to check the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be able to lift it into your car's boot and up the stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a takeaway coffee.

Buggy prams, pushchairs, or cheap prams are designed for infants who can sit up. They are usually used after 6 months. They come with seats that can face toward you to bond with you and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents love the comfort of pushchairs - and there are many to pick from. Some are better suited for rough terrain or city streets and others aren't. The type of brake is a different aspect to consider. For example, a foot brake is ideal for easy, everyday use, whereas the hand brake that is active on pushchairs car seats with joggers can be more responsive and easy to use when on adventures.

One of the most important aspects of comfort is whether or not your pushchair is able to lie completely flat position for babies. It is essential to select the pushchair with this feature from the beginning. This will enable your baby to develop their spine in an upright position. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or time to rest, which will allow for longer outdoor excursions and a happier, healthier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat along with your pushchair, you need to get a model that is compatible with the infant car seat. This makes it fast and easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair, reducing fuss and keeping him calm throughout his excursions.

Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats, which allows you to quickly attach your car seat. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, which saves money and time. Many brands offer a travel package that includes a car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, as well as the footmuff in one purchase.

Another crucial comfort feature is good suspension - especially on the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving over rough roads or in urban streets, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surface easily while keeping your the baby in a comfortable position.

Other features for comfort that you should look out for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag) as well as a the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat and a the hood that is ventilated. All of these features will help you navigate your way to the city or out in the country, and ensure your child gets the best quality sleep possible for the longest nap possible.