Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair, also known as a pram, buggy or stroller, is the Swiss army knife of infant transport. From navigating busy streets to navigating rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of terrain.
A quality pushchair provides safety and comfort for your baby, convenience for you, and an opportunity to bond and explore the world together. Read on to find out what to look for when choosing one.
Folding
When it comes to choosing a stroller many parents are concerned with the ease to fold it. The EeZeFold is unique because it features a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don't need to juggle the two. The buggy is stable when folded, meaning you don't have to be concerned about your child slipping out.
Some of the smaller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they can fit into the trunk of your car, which means they're ideal for frequent traveler or have a smaller car boot. There are also day-today buggies that require less of space than the typical pushchair, but have good features such as a great recline and light-weight wheels. They're also typically lightweight enough to carry on your own and can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.
Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, as some come with a lie-flat seats or carrycot option. Some are travel system compatible and allow you to attach an automobile seat to your baby with just a click.
Many compact pushchairs are very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're great for people who have limited storage space at home, or who live in apartments. They're also light, and they often come with a raincover to protect them against the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another really popular pushchair in this category that is an excellent option for travel because it can be folded one-handed with a simple press of a button. It's also extremely light, making it simple to handle on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can be rotated to face either the world or towards the parent, and the hood can also be extended to offer additional sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller changes shape to meet the demands of families that are growing. It can begin as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for siblings, and even become a
triple stroller by the addition of a third seat or ride-along boards. Our top pick is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that can be converted to accommodate a bassinet or car seat for infants and toddlers, as well as two toddler seats and even a third child with the use of adapters.
Convertible strollers should have adjustable features, including height and reclining settings. They should also come with large handles that are easy to hold, making it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs because they have more parts.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a full-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the need for parents to invest in separate products. It is quick and easy to convert to a double or single stroller with no tools or conversion kits. It also offers plenty of seating versatility with the second seat and pull handle when used in wagon mode. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and can easily handle hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage space under the seat. Click here for more information.
Safety
A quality pushchair should include many safety features including a five point harness for babies. The harness should fit over shoulders and around the waist, as well as between the legs. It is essential that the harness doesn't fall off, and that there aren't any areas where fingers of children could be stuck.
There are a variety of different brakes for
twin pushchairs, so pick the one that best fits your needs. The most popular brake is one that is a foot brake. It's great if you frequently stop such as when you go to the shops. A lot of jogger-style pushchairs come with a hand brake. This is useful in situations where you have to change your momentum frequently, for example when you run. Some pushchairs come with an active handbrake that you can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a good option for parents who are likely to be stopping and starting more frequently as it makes it easier to keep your balance while still applying pressure on the wheels.
Examine if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas that have uneven terrain or steep slopes. A front wheel that locks can help to prevent the pushchair from rolling away in a hurry or there is a large amount of luggage in the back.
Although it may seem like a minor consideration but the weight of the pushchair is something to bear in mind too. Even a lightweight pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when it is loaded with a growing baby and shopping bags. Take a look at the weight of your pushchair and see whether you can carry it up the stairs and into the boot of your car, while carrying an infant.
Buggy or pram are designed for babies that can sit up. They are usually used after the age of six months. The seat can be positioned towards you or away from you depending on how much you want your child to be close to you or explore the world. Many
twin pushchairs can be adjusted to seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.
Comfort
There are a variety of pushchairs with features that are comfortable for parents. Some are better suited for rough terrain or city streets but others are not. The type of brake is another aspect to take into consideration. For instance, a hand brake is ideal for easy daily use, while the hand brake that is active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and easier to operate when out on adventures.
The capacity of your pushchair to allow newborns to lie flat is one of the most important features. Babies should be lying flat in a position to help them develop their spine, and it's worth choosing a pushchair that has this feature from the beginning. This will give your baby a peaceful nap or
triple stroller a rest, allowing the ideal choice for more extended outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.
It's important to choose the right pushchair with the infant car seat you have selected. This will make it easy 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. You can use the seat from birth to toddlerhood and save time and money. Many brands also offer a travel system bundles that include infant car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.
Another crucial comfort feature is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can make all the difference when you drive on rough roads or in urban areas that allow you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while ensuring your baby is comfortable.
Other useful comfort features you might want to check for include a large shopping basket (or even an additional bag), adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat, and a the hood that is ventilated. All of these features will allow you to navigate your way to the city or out in the country and ensure that your child has the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.
