Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair is also known as a stroller, buggy or pram bag. It's the Swiss Army knife of infant transport. These baby-chariots can be used on any surface, from busy streets to rough terrain.

A good pushchair will offer safety and comfort to your baby, convenience to you, and a opportunity for you and your baby to bond and explore together. Learn more about what to look for when picking one.

Folding

When selecting a stroller, many parents are concerned with how easy it is to fold. The EeZeFold is a standout because it features a one-handed fold, which enables you to hold the baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don't have to balance the two. The buggy is stable when folded so you don't need to worry about your child slipping out.

Some of the smaller folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they can fit into the trunk of your car, so they're ideal for frequent traveller or have a smaller car boot. There are also day-today buggies that are smaller in size of space than a standard pushchair but still have decent features such as a great recline and wheels that are lightweight. They're also usually lightweight enough to be carried by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad when needed.

The majority of these pushchairs are targeted towards toddlers and older infants because they can sit upright, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option of adding a carrycot to make them suitable from birth. They may also be travel system compatible which means you can connect an infant car seat to the frame in a single click.

Many compact pushchairs are still very compact when folded with the seat attached. They're ideal for those who have limited storage space at home, or who live in apartments. They are also lightweight, and many have a rain cover to protect them against the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category can be folded using just one hand by pressing a button. It's great for travel because it is easy to fold. It's also extremely light, making it easy to maneuver on uneven surfaces, and it has excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the world or the parent and the hood can also be extended to give you extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller transforms its shape to fit the needs of families growing. It could be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller to accommodate more siblings, or a triple pram stroller by adding the third seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top pick. It's a flexible stroller that can be converted to accommodate a car seat, a bassinet for infants or two toddler seats or even a third child by using adapters.

Aside from transforming shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features such as reclining and height settings. They should also have large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. These strollers are more stable than traditional pushchairs because they have more parts.

Larktale's cross-over stroller/wagon, a first of its kind that is a stroller that can be used as a wagon. Parents do not have to purchase separate products. It is quick and easy to convert to a double or single stroller without tools or additional conversion kits, and offers plenty of seating versatility with its second seat as well as a pull handle when in wagon mode. While the Larktale is a little heavier than the other top-rated convertibles, it has great maneuverability and maneuvers well over hills. The main drawback is the lack of storage under the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A good pushchair will have numerous safety features, such as a five-point harness for the infant. This should fit over the shoulders, around the waist and between the legs. It is also essential that the harness doesn't come loose and has no areas where a child may get their fingers stuck.

Select the brake that best prams suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and ideal for those who are likely to stop frequently for shopping. A hand brake is seen on a lot of jogger-style pushchairs, and is more appropriate in situations where you'll be changing momentum often like when you go for a run. Some pushchairs have an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a good choice for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more frequently. It allows you to stay in your position while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth checking whether the pushchair comes with a lockable front wheel. This is a great feature for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable wheel in the front of the pushchair can prevent the pushchair from slipping away if you are in a rush or have lots of baggage in the rear.

Although it might seem like a minor consideration, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a light pushchair can be quite heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to check the weight of the pushchair and consider whether you would be able to lift it into the car boot and then up a flight of stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway.

Buggy prams, pushchairs, or prams are designed for infants who can sit up. They are usually used after six months. They come with seats that can face toward you to bond with you and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs come with adjustable handlebars, seat positions and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents love the comfort of pushchairs - and there are many to choose from. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets and others aren't. The brake type is another aspect to take into consideration. For instance, a foot brake is great for daily use, while the hand brake that is active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and simpler to operate when out on adventures.

One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not the pushchair features a fully lie flat position for babies. Babies need to be in a completely flat position to help them develop their spine, so it's worth choosing a pushchair that has this feature from the beginning. This will allow your baby to sleep or relax comfortably, allowing for longer outdoor excursions and a happier and healthier child.

It's important to choose the right pushchair travel system with the car seat for infants you've selected. This makes it quick and easy to move your baby from the car to the pushchair, reducing fuss and keeping him calm throughout his excursions.

Some pushchairs have an intelligent adaptor for car seats that allows you to connect your car seat. This means you can use the same seat from birth until toddlerhood, saving money and hassle. Many brands also offer a travel bundles that include a carrycot, baby 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 a huge difference when driving over rough roads or in urban areas that allow you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces without difficulty while ensuring your baby is comfortable.

Other features for comfort that you may want to look out for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag), adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat, and a ventilated hood. All of these features can assist you in navigating across the country or around town and make sure that your child gets the best travel pram sleep possible for the longest naps.