Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who regularly use public transport or travel via plane, a lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is crucial. Choose models that fold into a compact and flat shape and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilt drinks or leaky nappies staining.

We love strollers that glide effortlessly on pavements and kerbs easily. Find car seat attachments that are self-installing, and a handlebar which can be adjusted to suit parents of any height.

Easy of Use

There are a variety of strollers pushchairs to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Some are lightweight and compact, and easy to fold and transport some are built with a sturdy frame that is more robust for long walks and use on rough terrain. A lot of them come with a basket that can carry your shopping, or a bag for changing clothes so you'll have everything you require. Some are designed to be used in urban areas, while others are designed for country life or travelling to other countries.

Strollers are generally suitable from birth, allowing baby to recline flat and is recommended for healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be paired with a carrycot or infant seat to create travel systems. They are suitable for babies up to toddlers. Some of them have additional design elements, like a height-adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents of different heights and a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to keep baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs are more suitable for urban dwellers as they're usually lightweight, agile and easy to manoeuvre. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and Pushchair egg perfect for families living in rural areas or those who plan to spend most of their time outdoors. Find reviews from other parents who have commented on how easy the stroller is to operate, such as how heavy it is or how easy it could be to navigate. It is also important to consider the dimensions of the base and whether your child is stable in it, especially 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 and toddlers in order to prevent getting trapped. Look for a wide base that doesn't easily tip and be sure to test the safety harness by putting weight on it, or hanging bags from it, to see how stable it is. Also make sure the leg openings aren't large enough to prevent the legs of a baby from sliding through and that the handles are at waist-level or a bit lower for more comfortable use. Another crucial feature is a brake that locks the rear wheels and is simple to use. Choose a model that has the brakes integrated into the wheels rather than only on the frame, since this can help keep them safe from choking and pinch point hazards.

A majority of strollers have seats that can recline into a flat, comfortable position which is ideal for newborns. To control breathing and head movement, it is recommended that babies lay flat for the first few months. However, some pushchairs advertise having a reclining seat but they don't actually offer this make sure you check.

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

Make sure the stroller comes with a parking brake that's easy to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will help to stop the stroller and pushchair from moving while you're loading or unloading your child or when you're taking a break to take a break.

Comfort

When you're pushing your toddler around, or carrying a shopping cart filled with nappies and takeaway coffee, you'll want to feel comfortable when out and about. Choosing a stroller with big sturdy, wheels that are puncture-proof and can easily glide over rough terrain and have a super-smooth suspension will help you have the ability to do that.

A pushchair that folds easily and compactly can also aid. It can be a pain to squeeze a large pushchair into the boot of your car, or to climb up a flight stairs, especially if you have a child with you. Consider what you will use it for, as well as the conditions. A stroller that has a hood will protect your child from rain, wind and sunbeams.

The final comfort factor is how easy it is to control and steer the stroller. Be sure to check out our reviewers' comments regarding maneuverability. This is a way to gauge how the stroller turns on different surfaces and how easily it can be pushed up hills.

Many pushchairs come with accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool like footmuffs and fans. Certain brands even have their own nappy bags that make travelling easier with baby.

For greater flexibility, opt for a travel system - a stroller frame (called the chassis) with an adjustable seat that can be parent-facing or front-facing and a bassinet or carrycot. It is easy to remove and put the car seat back on the chassis without waking your baby. The ideal solution for parents who are constantly on the move and often need to alter your journey plan.

Style

Although the jargon surrounding strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that all of them have in common. Keep in mind that they're designed to get your baby from point A to B. Think about how you'll utilize it and pick features that are compatible with your lifestyle.

If you plan to walk on uneven surfaces, like fields that are muddy or sand-covered, you may need a stroller with all-terrain wheels that are puncture resistant. They should also feature a suspension system to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your child gets hot during long walks, you might want a parasol to shade them from the sun or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs come with adjustable seat positions so you can decide if your baby faces you to reassure them or faces the world to discover it. Others have a carrycot or seat that can flip to face you or away from you and some come with a full lie-flat recline suitable for infants. Some have an adapter for car seats and are compatible with Isofix or are 3 in 1 systems that allow you to use them from birth.

A twin pushchair lets you to carry both children at the same time. There are models with two or more seats that are light and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopy, and a more easily maneuverable wheels. Many of our test subjects liked the idea of a double pushchair, but discovered that some adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to use with one hand. Some adjust by rotating around the pivot point, which resulted in many pushing their hands closer to the frame. Certain systems that allow parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were simpler to use by taller parents.

Storage

The amount of storage space on a pushchair or stroller will affect your decision to purchase it. Take note of the space under the seat, the footwell, as well as the large basket. This is a crucial factor if you're planning on purchase additional pushchair accessories, such as a tray for parents or the travel changing bag.

A parent tray makes it easier to use the stroller by providing extra storage space for snacks and other necessities. However, it could also add weight to the stroller and its folding size can make it bulky and awkward. It's important to keep it in mind that many of the trays for parents feature small cup holders. This could cause items to fall out of the tray while traveling or strolling.

Consider buying a full-sized stroller that is bassinet-compatible If you are planning to carry your baby's stroller from birth. These models come with larger storage baskets, canopies that cover the entire area and reclined seats. However, they usually come with a price tag that's significantly higher than a smaller or lighter stroller.

The ability to maneuver is an essential feature of a stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, and how easily the stroller glides over various surfaces such as grass or pavements. It is important to note that this quality decreases with time as your child grows and you increase the weight of the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are designed as an entire travel system meaning they can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat, and transformed into a toddler pushchair using adapters. This makes the transition from stroller into pram easier as your child develops.