Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who regularly use public transport or travel via plane, a lightweight and user-friendly pushchair is crucial. Pick a model that can be folded flat and compactly and is machine washable to remove staining from spilled drinks or leaking nappy.

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

Easy of Use

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Some are light and compact, making them easy to fold and carry some feature strong frames that are more robust for long walks and use on uneven terrain. A lot of them come with a basket that can carry your shopping items or a bag for changing clothes so you'll have everything you require. Some are designed for use in the city, while others are designed for travel or for country living.

Strollers are generally suitable for babies from birth, allowing them to recline in a flat posture and is recommended for their health lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be fitted with a carrycot or infant seat to create travel systems. They are suitable for babies up to toddlers. Certain models come with extra design features, like a height-adjustable handbar for parents with different heights or a spacious basket or rain cover that can ensure your baby is dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs are more suitable for urban dwellers because they are lightweight and agile. They are also easy to maneuver. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and ideal for families who live in rural areas or those who plan to spend a lot of their time in the outdoors. When choosing a pushchair, you should look for reviews from other parents that review the ease of using it - for example, the weight of the pushchair and how easy to control. It's also worth noticing how big the base is and whether it's solid enough for your child to use, particularly if you're planning to take the pushchair off-road or over rough terrain.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants and toddlers to prevent the possibility of entrapment. Find a base that won't tip easily and make sure you can test the safety harness by putting weight on it, or hanging bags from it to see how stable it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller aren't enough so that a child's legs aren't slipping through. Also, ensure that the handlebars sit at waist level or a little below for ergonomic use. Another essential feature is a brake that locks the back wheels and is simple to use. Look for one that has brakes integrated into the wheels rather than only on the frame as this can help to keep them away from choking and pinch point hazards.

Many strollers come with seats that recline to a lie-flat position which makes them suitable for babies. It is recommended that babies lie flat for the first few months for breathing and head control reasons. Some cheap pushchairs for sale may be described as having a reclined seat, however, they aren't. Check carefully.

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

Check that the stroller has a convenient parking brake that's easy to use and locks the front wheels. This will stop the stroller from slipping away when you are loading or unloading children or stopping to rest.

Comfort

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

A compact pushchair and folds up easily can be helpful. It can be difficult to cram a large pushchair in the trunk of your car or struggle up a flight of stairs, especially if you have a child with you. It's also worth considering what you'll be using it for and what the weather forecast will be like. So selecting a stroller with a hood that protects your little one from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is a good idea.

The final aspect to consider is how easy the pushchair is to control and steer. Be sure to check out our reviewers' opinions regarding maneuverability, taking into account factors like how well strollers pirouette across different surfaces and how easy it is to push up hills.

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

For greater flexibility, opt for a travel system that includes the frame of a stroller (called the chassis) with an adjustable seat that can be front-facing or rear-facing and a carrycot or bassinet. It is easy to remove and replace the car seat on the chassis without waking your baby. This is a great solution if you're frequently on the move and often have to alter your plan of travel.

Style

While the terminology used for strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are a few things that they all have in common. Keep in mind that they're made to get your baby from point A to point B. Think about how you'll use it and select features that fit your needs.

For instance, if you're going to spend lots of time on uneven surfaces like sandy fields or muddy fields, you might consider an all-terrain pushchair with large, sturdy puncture proof wheels and a suspension to make it more comfortable for your infant. If your child gets hot during long walks, you may want to consider a parasol that will shade them from the sun's rays or a cooling device to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs come with adjustable seat positions, so you can choose whether your baby is facing you to give them a sense of security or the world to explore it. Some have a carrycot or seat unit that can flip to face you or away from you and some offer a full lie-flat recline 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 alternative is a twin pushchair that lets you transport two children at the same time. There are models that have two or one seat that are independent, which are lightweight, compact, and have plenty of storage space, larger canopy, and a more maneuverable wheel. Our testers liked the concept of a dual pushchair but found some handlebar adjustments difficult to operate with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point and this resulted in many pushing their hands towards the frame. Other systems that telescopically move in and out of frames' sides were more convenient to use even for parents who are taller.

Storage

The amount of storage space available on a stroller or a pushchair could influence the choice of buying it. Take note of the space under the seat, the footwell, and the large basket. If you are planning to purchase any additional accessories for your newborn pushchair, like a tray for parents or a travel changing bag it will be a major consideration.

A tray for parents can improve the ease of use by offering additional storage space for snacks and other essentials. It can also make the stroller bulky and difficult to fold. It is important to keep in mind that most parent trays come with small cup holders. This can cause items to fall from the tray when traveling or walking.

Think about purchasing a larger stroller that is bassinet-compatible If you are planning to carry your baby from birth. These products have more spacious storage baskets, full-coverage canopies and reclined seats. However, they often have the price of a stroller that is substantially higher than a compact or lightweight stroller.

Maneuverability is an essential feature of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, and how easily the stroller can be rolled over various surfaces such as grass or pavements. It's worth noting that this quality decreases over time as your child grows and you increase the weight of the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are designed to work as an entire travel system that is, they can be paired with an infant car seat and changed to an adult pushchair by using adapters. This can make it easier to make the transition easier from stroller to pram as your child grows older and is particularly beneficial when you're running out of storage space at home.