Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A light and easy-to-use pushchair is essential for people who frequently use public transportation or hop on and off flights. Choose one that folds into a compact and flat shape and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilt drinks or leaky nappies staining.

We love strollers which glide easily across pavements and can mount kerbs with ease. Look for car seat attachments that almost feel like they install themselves and a handlebar that is adjustable to suit parents of all heights.

Ease of Use

There are a variety of pushchairs to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are extremely light and compact which makes them easy to fold and carry, while others have larger frames that are more robust for long walks or on rough terrain. A lot of them also come with a basket for shopping, or changing bags so that you can carry everything you need with you. Some are designed to be used in cities, whereas others are intended for traveling or for country living.

Strollers can be used as early as birth. They allow the infant to lie flat, which is good for spinal and lung development. A lot of strollers can be equipped with an infant seat or carrycot to create travel systems. They are suitable for babies up to toddlers. Some models have extra design features, like an adjustable handbar that can be adjusted for height with various heights, or a large basket or rain cover that can ensure your baby is dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs are better suited for city dwellers as they are lightweight, agile, and easy to maneuver. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and perfect for families who live in rural areas, or who plan to spend most of their time in the outdoors. Check out reviews from other parents who have commented on how easy the stroller is to use - like the weight of the pushchair or how easy it can be to steer. You should also be aware of the size of the base as well as whether your child is comfortable in it, particularly if you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and cheap pushchairs should be safe for infants and toddlers to prevent getting trapped. Make sure the base is sturdy and large enough. You can test it by placing the weight on it or hanging bags to check how it feels. Make sure that the leg openings on the stroller are small enough so that a child's legs don't slide through. Also, ensure the handlebars sit at waist level or a little below to allow for a more ergonomic use. Another crucial feature is brakes that lock the rear facing pushchair wheels and is easy to use. You should look for a model with brakes that are integrated into the wheels rather than on the frame. This will help to stop pinch points and choke dangers.

Many strollers have seats that can recline to a flat position which is ideal for newborns. It is recommended that babies lay flat during the first few months for breathing and head control reasons. Some pushchairs may be described as having a reclined seat however, they aren't. Be sure to check.

Ensure the stroller has an adjustable five-point harness (two straps that go over shoulders, two for the thighs and one around the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is crucial to protect the child from falling out and being pulled away by vehicles or pedestrians.

Check that the stroller comes with a parking brake that is easy to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will stop the stroller from rolling away while you're loading or unloading your child or when you're stopping to take a break.

Comfort

You'll want to feel comfortable regardless of whether you're pushing a toddler, or carrying a backpack full of nappies and takeaway coffee. Choosing a stroller with big, tough wheels that are puncture-proof and can easily glide over rough terrain and a super-smooth suspension will help you have the ability to do that.

A pushchair that is small and folds easily can be useful. It can be a hassle to cram a large pushchair into the boot of your car or to climb a flight of stairs, especially if you have a child with you. Think about what you intend to use it for, as well as the weather conditions. A stroller with a hood will protect your child from the elements of wind, rain, and sunbeams.

The final factor of comfort is the ease to steer and control the stroller. Keep an eye out for our reviewers' feedback regarding maneuverability. This includes things like how the stroller turns on different surfaces and how it is easy to push up hills.

Many pushchairs come with accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool - such as fans and footmuffs. Some brands have their own nappy bags to make travelling easier with baby.

A travel system offers greater flexibility. It comprises a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit that can be placed front-facing or parent-rear facing pushchair, and a bassinet or carrycot. You can easily remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without disturbing your baby. This is the perfect solution for those who are constantly on the move and need to change their plans for travel.

Style

There are some commonalities between all the different kinds of strollers, buggies pushchairs and prams. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're designed to take your baby from A to B. Consider the way you'll use it and search for features that are appropriate to your lifestyle.

If you plan to walk on uneven surfaces, like sand and muddy fields, you may need a pushchair with all-terrain wheels that are puncture resistant. They should also feature suspension to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot on long walks you may want to consider a parasol to protect 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 give them a sense of security or the world to explore it. Some pushchairs have a carrycot that can be flipped to face you, or away from you. Others offer the option of a lie-flat recline for infants. Some have an adapter for car seats, are Isofix compatible or are three-in-one systems, which means you can use them from the time of birth.

Another alternative is a twin pushchair which allows you to carry two children at the same simultaneously. There are models with two or one seat that are independent, which are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies, and more easily maneuverable wheels. Our testers liked the idea of a dual best pushchair however, they found the adjustments to the handlebar difficult to control with one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which caused many to push their hands up against the frame. Certain systems that allow parents to telescopically enter and out of the frame were easier to use for taller parents.

Stores

The amount of storage space in a stroller can influence the decision to purchase it. Take a look at the space under the seat or in the footwell, and in the large basket to determine the amount of space you can squeeze in. If you intend to purchase additional accessories for your black pushchair, such as a tray for parents or a travel changing bag This is a crucial aspect to consider.

A tray for the parent can enhance ease of use by providing additional storage space for snacks and other essentials. It can make the stroller heavy and difficult to fold. It's also important to remember that most parent trays have shallow cup holders, which can cause things to fall out of the tray while traveling or when walking.

If you plan to carry your baby until birth, consider purchasing a full-sized stroller that can accommodate bassinets. These strollers come with more space for storage baskets, full-coverage canopies and reclining seats. They tend to be more expensive than a compact stroller or lightweight stroller.

Maneuverability is one of the most important features of any stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer when empty, and how smoothly it moves across different surfaces like pavements or grass. This quality will degrade over time as you and your baby grow, and the weight of the pushchair increases.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted into a toddler pushchair by using adapters. They are designed to work with an infant car seats. This makes the transition from stroller into pram easier as your child grows.