Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A light and easy-to-use pushchair is essential for people who often use public transportation or hop on and off flights. Choose one that folds flat and compactly, and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilled drinks or leaky nappies stains.

We love strollers which can easily glide across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs with ease. Look for car seat attachments that almost seem like they are installed and a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of all sizes.

Easy of Use

There are a variety of strollers and pushchairs that will suit every budget and lifestyle. Some are light and compact which makes them easy to fold and carry, while others have a more substantial frame that's more sturdy for long walks or use on rough terrain. Some also have shopping baskets or changing bags so that you can carry everything you need. Some are designed for urban living, whereas others are designed for rural living or traveling to other countries.

Strollers are suitable from the moment of birth. They allow babies to recline flat, which is good for lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with a carrycot or infant seat to make them travel systems. They are suitable for babies up to toddlers. Some models have extra design features, such as the ability to adjust the height of the handbar for parents with different heights or a spacious basket or rain cover that can ensure your baby is dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs work ideal for urban dwellers, because they're typically light and agile, making them easy to maneuver. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and suitable for families living in rural areas or who plan to spend most of their time in the outdoors. Look for reviews by parents who express their opinions on how easy the pushchair is to use, like the weight of the pushchair or how easy it could be to steer. You should also consider the size of the base as well as whether your child feels stable in it, particularly when you intend to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants or toddlers to avoid getting trapped. Make sure the base is sturdy and large enough. You can test it by putting the weight on it or hanging bags to test how it feels. Also, make sure that the leg openings are small enough to prevent a baby's legs from slipping through, and ensure that the handlebars are at waist level or slightly lower to allow for a more ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and locks the back wheels is another important feature. Look for a model that has the brakes integrated into the wheels rather than just on the frame, because this will help keep them safe from pinch points and choking hazards.

A majority of strollers have a seat that can recline to a flat position which makes them suitable for newborns. For better control of the head and breathing it is recommended that newborns lie flat during their first few months. However, some pushchairs are advertised as having a reclining seat, but do not actually have this feature make sure you check.

The stroller should have a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one for the crotch) Similar to the straps found in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out and being pulled away by vehicles or pedestrians.

Check that the stroller has a parking brake that's easy to use and locks the two front wheels. This will stop the stroller from moving when you're loading or unloading your child or taking a break to take a break.

Comfort

If you're pushing your toddler around or lugging a shopping bag packed with nappies and a takeaway coffee, you'll want to feel secure when you're out and about. Choosing a stroller with big sturdy, puncture-proof wheels that can glide across rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will ensure you do just that.

A pushchair that is small and folds easily can be helpful. It can be a real struggle to fit an enormous pushchair into and out of the car boot or struggle up flights of stairs - especially with a growing toddler in the rear. It's also worth thinking about what you'll be using it for and what the weather forecast will be like - so opting for a stroller with a hood that fully protects your child from wind, rain and sunbeams is a good idea.

The last factor that affects comfort is the ease to steer and control the pushchair. Be sure to check out our reviewers’ comments on maneuverability. This includes things like how the stroller pirouettes over various surfaces and how easily it can be pushed up hills.

Many pushchairs have accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool like fans and footmuffs. Some brands have their own nappy bags to help you travel with your baby.

For added flexibility, opt for a travel system - the frame of a stroller (called the chassis) with a seat unit that can be parent facing pushchair-facing or front-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. You can easily remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without disturbing your baby. The perfect solution if you're constantly on the move and often need to alter your travel plan.

Style

There are some commonalities between all the different types of strollers, buggies pushchairs and prams. Remember that they are designed to take your baby from point A to B. Think about how you'll use it and select features that are compatible with your lifestyle.

If you intend to walk on uneven surfaces, such as fields with muddy soil, you may need a stroller with all-terrain wheels that are puncture resistant. They should also come with suspension systems to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your child gets hot after long walks, you might think about a parasol that can shade them from the sunlight or a fan to help them stay cool.

Some pushchairs have adjustable seat positions, so you can decide if your baby is facing you to reassure them or faces the world to see it. Some carrycots have a seat that can flip to face you or away from you and some come with the full lie-flat recline, which is ideal for newborns. Some have an adapter for cars and Isofix compatibility, or 3 in 1 systems that can be used from the time of birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair, which allows you to carry two children at the same at the same time. You can find models with two or more independent seat units, which are light and compact with plenty of storage space, bigger canopies and more maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants liked the idea of a double pushchair however they found that certain adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to use with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating on the pivot point, which led to many pushing their hands towards the frame. Other systems that telescopically move into and out of frames' sides were more convenient to use even for parents with larger hands.

Storage

The amount of storage space available in a stroller could affect your decision to purchase it. Look at the space under the seat, in the footwell and in the large basket to determine how much you can fit. This will be a big aspect if you plan to purchase additional pushchair accessories, such as a tray for parents or a travel changing bag.

A tray for parents helps to make it easier to use the stroller by offering extra storage space for snacks and essentials. It can make the stroller heavy and difficult to fold. It is important to keep in mind that many of the trays for parents have shallow cup holders. This could cause items to fall out of the tray when traveling or strolling.

Think about purchasing a larger stroller that is bassinet-compatible if you plan to carry your baby's weight from birth. These products feature larger storage baskets, canopies with complete coverage and reclining seats. They tend to be more expensive than a compact or lightweight stroller.

Maneuverability is a critical feature of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering when empty, and how easily the stroller glides over various surfaces, such as grass or pavements. It's important to note that this quality diminishes with time as your child grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.

Some pushchairs can be converted into a toddler pushchair by making use of adapters. They are specifically designed to work with an infant car seats. This can make it easier to make it easier to transition from stroller to pram as your child grows older and more independent, which is especially beneficial in the event that you're lacking storage space at home.