Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A lightweight and comfortable pushchair is essential to those who frequently use public transport or take a flight and hop off and on. Choose a model which can be folded flat and compact, and machine washable to clean stains from spilt beverages or leaky nappies.

We love strollers that glide smoothly over pavements and can be mounted effortlessly. Look for car seat attachements that install themselves, and a handlebar which can be adjusted to accommodate parents of all heights.

Easy of Use

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit every budget and lifestyle. Some are light and compact, and easy to fold and carry and store, while others feature solid frames that are more robust for long walks and use on rough terrain. A lot of them also come with a basket for shopping, or changing bags so that you can carry everything you require with you. Some are made for city living, while others are made for the country or across the globe.

Strollers are typically suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline flat and is recommended for healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with a carrycot or infant seat to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants to toddlers. Certain models come with additional design features, like a height-adjustable handbar for parents with different heights or a large basket or rain cover that will help keep your baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs are more suitable for urban dwellers as they're usually lightweight, agile and easy to maneuver. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and ideal for families who live in rural areas, or those who intend to spend a lot of their time in the outdoors. Find reviews from other parents who comment on how easy the stroller is to use - such as how heavy it is or how easy it can be to steer. It is also important to consider the size of the base and whether your child is comfortable in it, particularly in the event that you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs must be safe for infants or toddlers to prevent getting trapped. Look for a base that is sturdy and large enough. You can test it by placing weight on it or hanging bags to check how it feels. Also, make sure that the leg openings are small enough to keep the legs of a baby from sliding through and that the handles are at waist level or slightly lower to allow for a more ergonomic use. A brake that's easy to operate and secures the back wheels is another important feature. Find a model that has the brakes built into the wheels rather than only on the frame since this can help keep them away from pinch points and choking hazards.

Many strollers come with a seat that reclines into an upright position, which makes them suitable for babies. For head control and breathing, it is recommended that infants lie flat during their first few months. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclined seat but they don't. Check carefully.

The stroller should be equipped with an adjustable five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders and two straps for the thighs and one for the crotch) Similar to the ones found in car seats. This is important to protect the child from falling out and being pulled away by pedestrians or vehicles.

Check that the stroller comes with a parking brake that's easy to use and locks the front two wheels. This will stop the stroller from rolling away when you are unloading or loading your child or stopping to rest.

Comfort

Whether you're pushing your toddler around, or carrying a shopping cart full of nappies and a takeaway coffee, you'll want to feel at ease when out and about. Picking a stroller with large sturdy, puncture-proof wheels that can glide across rough terrain and a super-smooth suspension will ensure you do just that.

Having a pushchair that folds effortlessly and compactly can also aid. It can be a struggle to fit the bulky stroller in and out of the car's boot or struggle up flights of stairs, especially with a toddler growing in the back. It's also important to consider what you'll use it for and what the weather will be like - so choosing a stroller that has a hood that fully protects your child from wind, rain and sunbeams is an excellent idea.

The last factor that affects comfort is the ease to steer and control the stroller. Look out for our reviewers' opinions regarding maneuverability, taking into consideration things like how well a stroller pirouettes across different surfaces and how it is easy to push up hills.

Many pushchairs include accessories that can aid in keeping your baby cool or warm - such as footmuffs and fans. Some brands have their own nappy bags designed to help you travel with your baby.

To increase your flexibility, go for a travel set-up - a stroller frame (called the chassis) with the seat unit which can be front-facing or parent-facing and a bassinet or carrycot. You can take the car seat off and put it on the chassis when needed without having to wake your baby. The perfect solution if you're constantly on the move and frequently need to change your travel plan.

Style

Although the jargon surrounding strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are a few things that all have in common. Keep in mind that they're made to take your baby from point A to B. Think about how you will use it and select features that suit your lifestyle.

If you intend 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 systems to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot during long walks, you may want to consider a parasol to shade them from the sun or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs allow you to choose whether you want your baby to face you for safety or if they want to go out and explore the world. Some carrycots have a seat unit that can be turned to face you or away from you, and some come with an all-flat recline that is suitable for infants. Some come with a car adapter and Isofix compatibility, or 3 in 1 systems that can be used from the time of birth.

Another option is a Hauck Swift X Twin Pushchair - Black Compact And Folding - Best pick for twins! pushchair which lets you transport two children at the time. There are models with two or more seats, which are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage, larger canopies, and more easily maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants loved the idea of a dual-pushchair but found some handlebar adjustments difficult to operate with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which caused many to push their hands into the frame. Some 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 on a stroller or a pushchair will affect the decision to buy it. Look at the space under the seat, in the footwell and in the large basket to determine how much you can fit in. If you intend to purchase any additional accessories for your pushchair, such as a tray for parents or a travel changing pouch This is a crucial aspect to consider.

A tray for parents can improve ease of use by providing additional storage space for snacks as well as other necessities. However, it can also add weight to the stroller and its folding size, making it bulky and awkward. It's also important to note that most parent trays include shallow cup holders, which can cause items to fall out of the tray during transport or when walking.

If you intend to carry your baby until birth, you should consider buying a full-sized stroller that can accommodate the bassinet. These strollers come with more space for storage baskets, canopies that cover the entire area and reclined seats. They tend to be more expensive than a compact or a stroller that is lightweight.

Maneuverability is an essential feature of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering when empty, and how easily the stroller can be rolled over various surfaces such as grass or pavements. It's important to note that this quality degrades over time as your child grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.

Some pushchairs can be transformed to a toddler pushchair making use of adapters. They are designed to fit an infant car seats. This can help make the transition easier from pram to stroller as your child grows older and is particularly beneficial when you're running out of storage space at home.