9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Pushchairs

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair is also known as a stroller, buggy or pram pushchair. It's like the Swiss Army knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots can handle any terrain, from crowded streets to rough terrain.

A good pushchair offers security and comfort for your child, ease for you and a chance to spend time together and explore the world together. Find out what to look for when purchasing one.

Folding

One of the key features that a lot of parents are looking for when they choose a buggy is how easy it is to fold. A standout is the EeZeFold which features an amazing one-handed fold that lets you hold your child while folding the buggy, meaning that you don't have to switch between the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, which means you don't have to worry about the child falling out or causing injury during this process.

Some of the really compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they fit into the boot of your car, which means they're ideal for frequent traveller or have a small car boot. Some are compact buggies for everyday use that have smaller footprints than the standard pushchair, but provide decent features like recline that is comfortable or light wheels. They are usually light enough to be carried by hand and so Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.

The majority of these pushchairs are aimed at older babies and toddlers since they can sit up, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option to add an infant carrycot, making them suitable from the time of birth. They might also be travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in just a click.

While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggie, many compact pushchairs still require a small amount of space when folded with the seat on and are ideal for those who are tight of storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also light, and many come with a raincover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another really popular pushchair in this category, which is a great choice for travelling as it can fold one-handed with a simple press of a button. It's also incredibly light, making it easy to maneuver on rough surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can rotate to turn from parent-facing to world-facing, while the hood can be extended to provide extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller changes shape to fit the needs of growing families. It can be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller in order to accommodate more siblings, or a triple stroller by adding the third seat. Our top choice, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a stroller that can be used as a single or double. It can be converted to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for infants and toddlers, as well as two toddler seats and an additional child through the use of adapters.

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

The Larktale crossover cheap stroller/wagon is a unique model that combines a full-featured single stroller with an incline wagon, removing the necessity for parents to purchase separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily to a single stroller or double stroller, without the need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give the flexibility of seating when used as an actual wagon. Although the Larktale is a bit bulkier than some of our other top convertibles, it is very maneuverable and can be maneuvered well over hills. The main drawback is the lack of under-seat storage. Click here for additional information.

Safety

A well-constructed pushchair should have numerous safety features, such as a five-point harness that is suitable for the infant. It should be placed over the shoulders, around the waist, and between the legs. It is also crucial that the harness doesn't become loose and has no areas where a baby could get their fingers stuck.

There are a variety of different brakes for pushchairs, and you should choose one that is most suitable for your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most commonly used and is ideal if you are likely to stop frequently like when you go shopping. A hand brake is found on a lot of jogger-style pushchairs. It is more beneficial in situations where you'll be able to change momentum frequently, such as when using it for running. Some pushchairs come with an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a great option 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.

Examine if the front wheel of the pushchair is able to be locked. This can be very helpful for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable front wheel can help stop the pushchair from moving away in a rush or there is a large amount of baggage in the back.

Although it may seem like an unimportant thing to consider however, the weight of the pushchair is something you need to keep in mind. Even a small pushchair can become quite heavy when loaded with a growing child and shopping bags. Make sure you know how much it weighs and consider whether you would be capable of lifting it into the car boot and up the stairs while balancing a toddler and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.

Buggy, pram sets, or pushchairs are designed for infants who can sit up. They are usually used after the age of six months. The seat can be placed towards you or away from you, depending on the preference of your child to connect with you or explore the world. Many pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents appreciate the comfort features of pushchairs - and there are a variety to pick from. Some are better suited for urban streets or rough terrain, while others are not. The brake type is another factor to consider. For example, a foot brake is ideal for easy daily use, whereas the hand brake that is active on jogger style pushchairs can be more responsive and simpler to operate on adventures.

The capability of your pushchair to allow newborns to lie flat is among the most crucial features. Babies must be in a flat position to develop their spines, so it is important to choose a pushchair that has this feature from the beginning. This will allow your baby a peaceful nap or rest, making for longer outdoor excursions and a healthier, happier child.

It's important to choose a pushchair that's compatible with the infant car seat you've selected. This makes it fast and easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair, reducing stress and ensuring he's calm during his excursions.

Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats that lets you easily fix your chosen car seat to the frame. It is possible to use the seat from birth until toddlerhood and save time and money. Many brands offer a travel package which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, as well as an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

A solid suspension system is also essential, especially for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving on rough terrain or urban streets, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surface easily while keeping your the baby in a comfortable position.

It is also possible to consider other practical comfort features, like a spacious basket (or separate bag) with reclined handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a ventilated hood. All of these features will help you navigate through the country or town, and ensure your child has the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.