Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also known as a pram stores near me, buggy or stroller, is like the Swiss knife of infant transport. From navigating crowded streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of terrain.

A quality pushchair will provide security and comfort for your baby, ease for you, and the opportunity for you and your baby to explore and bond. Find out what you should consider when purchasing one.

Folding

One of the key features that a lot of parents are looking for when they choose a pushchair is how easy it folds. The most notable is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold which allows you to hold your child while folding pushchair the buggy, meaning you don't need to move between the two. The buggy stays upright 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 small they can fit into the trunk of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveller or have a smaller car boot. Some are compact buggies for use in everyday life that have smaller footprints than the standard pushchair, but offer decent features such as recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They're also generally lightweight enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.

The majority of these pushchairs are targeted at toddlers and older children as they can sit up, but some come with a lie-flat seating option and the option of adding an infant carrycot, making them suitable from birth. They could also be compatible with travel systems which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame with one click.

Many compact pushchairs are very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're ideal for those who are limited in storage space at home or in apartments. They're also light, and they often come with a raincover to protect them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another extremely well-known pushchair in this category, which is an ideal choice for travelling as it can be folded one-handed by simply pressing one button. It's also incredibly light, making it simple to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can rotate to turn from parent-facing to the world, and the hood can be extended to provide additional protection and protection from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the needs of growing families. It can be a single stroller that transforms into a double stroller to accommodate more siblings, or a triple stroller with the addition of the third seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It's a multi-purpose single to double stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for infants as well as two toddler seats or even a third child with adapters.

Convertible strollers should have adjustable features, including height and reclining settings. They should also feature large handles that are easy to grip, making it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. These strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they have more parts.

Larktale's crossover stroller/wagon, a first of its kind, includes a single stroller and a wagon. Parents no longer need to purchase separate items. It can be converted quickly and easily to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits, and offers the flexibility of seating with the second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. The Larktale is bulkier than our other top-rated convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and can easily handle uphills. The biggest issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more information.

Safety

A well-constructed pushchair should have many safety features, including five-point harnesses for the baby. It should be placed over the shoulders, around the waist, and between the legs. It is crucial that the harness doesn't fall off, and that there aren't any places where a child's fingers could get stuck.

There are many different brakes for pushchairs, so pick the one that is most suitable for your needs. A foot brake is the most common and is ideal if you are likely to stop a lot for shopping. A hand brake is seen on a variety of jogger style pushchairs and is more useful in situations where you'll be able to change momentum frequently, like when you go for a run. Some pushchairs have an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a good choice for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more often. It helps to keep your balance while applying pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth determining whether the pushchair comes with an adjustable front wheel that locks. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas with steep slopes or uneven terrain. A lockable front wheel can help to prevent the pushchair from rolling away in a hurry or there is a lot of luggage in the back.

While it may appear to be a minor issue, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a light pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the item and consider whether you would be in a position to lift it into the car boot and up the stairs while balancing a toddler and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.

Buggy prams, pushchairs, or prams pushchairs are made for babies who can sit up. They are typically used after six months. They have seats that can face both towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable handlebars, seat positions and other accessories.

Comfort

There are a variety of pushchairs with comfort features that parents enjoy. Some are better suited for rough terrain or city streets, while others are not. The brake type is a different aspect to consider. A foot brake, for example is ideal for everyday use. A hand brake that is active used on jogger-style pushchairs, can be more responsive on an adventure.

The capacity of your pushchair to permit newborns to lie flat is among its most crucial features. Babies need to be in a flat position to develop their spine, and it's worth choosing a pushchair with this feature from birth. This will allow your baby a peaceful nap or a rest, allowing for longer outdoor excursions and a healthier, happier child.

It's important to choose the right pushchair with the infant car seat you have selected. This will make it easier to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.

Some pushchairs come with a smart adaptor for car seats that enables you to easily connect your car seat. This means that you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, which saves money and hassle. Many brands offer a bundle that includes a baby car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, as well as a footmuff, all in one purchase.

A good suspension system is also crucial, especially for the front wheels. This can make a significant difference when driving on rough roads or in urban streets, allowing you to move over bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while keeping the baby in a comfortable position.

You may also want to consider other practical comfort features, like an ample basket (or separate bag) with reclined handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a ventilated hood. All of these features will allow you navigate around town or country, and ensure your little one has the best sleep possible for his longest naps.