Don't Buy Into These “Trends” Concerning Pushchairs
Pushchairs – The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport A pushchair is also referred to as a buggy, stroller or pram. It's the Swiss knife of baby transportation. These baby-chariots can handle any surface, from crowded streets to rough terrain. A good pushchair will offer safety and comfort to your child, convenience to you, and the opportunity for you and your baby to bond and explore together. Learn more about what to look for when choosing one. Folding When choosing a stroller, parents are often concerned about the ease to fold. double pram pushchair pushchairsandprams is a standout because it features a one-handed fold, which allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't have to balance the two. The buggy stays upright when folded so you don't have to worry about your child getting out. Some folding pushchairs are so compact that they can be tucked away into the boot of your car. They're perfect for frequent travelers or when you have a smaller vehicle. There are some compact buggies that are ideal for everyday use, which have smaller footprints than standard pushchair, but offer decent features such as a good recline or lightweight wheels. They're also usually lightweight enough to be carried by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad if needed. Some pushchairs can be used from birth, and some come with a lie-flat seats or carrycot option. Some are travel system compatible so you can attach a car seat for your infant with just a click. Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggy, the majority of compact pushchairs take up a tiny space when folded with the seat on which is why they're ideal for those who are tight of storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also lightweight and often come with a rain cover to shield them from the elements. The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair in this category, can be folded with just the press of the button. It is great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also incredibly light, making it simple to handle on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat rotates to switch between parent-facing and world-facing, while the hood can be extended to provide extra protection and coverage from the sun. Convertible A convertible stroller can be altered to meet the demands of growing families. It can begin as an individual stroller, then transform into a double stroller for children and even a triple stroller through the addition of a third seat or ride-along boards. Our top pick is the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a versatile single-to-double stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for infants, one or two toddler seats and even a third child by the use of adapters. Convertible strollers must have adjustable features, including height and reclining settings. They should also have large, easy-to-grip handles that make it easy for dad, mom or grandma to push. These strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they have more parts. The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind that combines a fully-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the necessity for parents to purchase separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily to a single stroller or a double stroller, without the need for tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give plenty of seating flexibility when it is used as wagon. While the Larktale is a little heavier than our other top-rated convertibles has great maneuverability and maneuvers well over hills. The main drawback is the lack of storage space under the seat. Click here for more information. Safety A great pushchair should come with several safety features including five-point harnesses for babies. It should be able to fit over the shoulders as well as around the waist and between the legs. It is crucial that the harness doesn't come loose, and that there aren't any places where fingers of children could be stuck. Pick the brake that is best suited to your lifestyle. The most commonly used brake is one that is a foot brake. It's great if you stop a lot such as when you go to the shops. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature the option of a hand brake. This is helpful if you will be changing your speed frequently, for example when you run. Some pushchairs come with an active hand brake that operates by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a good option for parents who will be stopping and beginning their pushchairs more frequently. It allows you to stay in your position while still applying the pressure to the wheels. Check if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This can be very helpful for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A front wheel lockable can help to prevent the pushchair from rolling away in a hurry or if there is a large amount of luggage in the back. Even though it might appear to be a minor issue, you should also consider the weight of the stroller. Even a small pushchair can become surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the item and think about whether you'd be capable of lifting it into your car boot and then up a flight of stairs with a toddler in your arms and juggling a cup of coffee from a takeaway. A buggy, pram or pushchair is designed for babies who can sit up and is generally used from 6 months. They come with a seat that can face toward you to bond with you and away from you to explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable handles, seat positions, and other accessories. Comfort Many parents appreciate the comfort features of pushchairs – and there are a variety to pick from. Some are more suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others, and the brake type is also a factor to take into consideration. For instance, a foot brake is ideal for easy, everyday use, whereas the hand brakes that are active on jogger style pushchairs can be more responsive and easier to operate on adventures. The ability of your pushchair to allow infants to lie completely flat is among the most crucial features. Babies should be lying flat in a position to help them develop their spine, so it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will give your baby a peaceful nap or rest, making more time for outdoor adventures and a healthier, happier child. It is crucial to select a pushchair that is compatible with the car seat for infants you've chosen. This makes it fast and simple to move your baby from the car into the pushchair, which reduces fuss and keeping him calm throughout his outings. Some pushchairs feature a smart car seat adaptor that allows you to easily fix your chosen car seat to the frame. The seat can be used from birth to toddlerhood and save money and time. Many brands also offer a travel system bundle that includes infant car seat, adaptors and footmuff all in one purchase. A solid suspension system is also crucial particularly for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving through rough roads or urban streets, allowing you to get over bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby safe. You might also want to think about other practical comfort features, like the capacity of a large basket (or separate bag), reclined handles with an adjustable seat, as well as a ventilated hood. All of these features will assist you navigate to the city or out in the country and ensure that your little one has the best possible sleep for the longest nap possible.