Choosing Strollers Pushchairs
A light and easy-to-use pushchair is essential to those who often use public transport or hop on and off flights. Select a model that is able to be folded flat and compactly and machine washable to get rid of staining from spilled drinks or leaking nappy.
We love strollers that glide easily across pavements and can be mounted on kerbs ease. Find car seat attachments that install themselves, and a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of all heights.
Easy of Use
There are a variety of
strollers pushchairs to suit every budget and lifestyle. Some are very lightweight and compact, making them easy to fold and carry, while others have an extra sturdy frame that's more robust for long walks or use on rough terrain. Many also feature a basket for shopping or a changing bag so you can carry everything you need. Some are designed to be used in urban areas, while others are designed for rural living or traveling abroad.
Strollers can be used as early as the moment of birth. They allow the infant to recline flat, which is beneficial for spinal and lung development. Many strollers can be paired with an infant seat or carrycot to create travel systems. They are suitable for infants up to toddlers. Some models have extra features that are designed to be attractive, like the ability to adjust the height of the handbar for parents with various heights, or a spacious basket or rain cover that can help keep your baby dry.
Generally, three-wheel pushchairs are ideal for urban dwellers, as they're usually lightweight, agile and easy to manoeuvre. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, making them ideal for families that live in rural areas or are planning on spending a lot of time in the outdoors. Look for reviews by parents who express their opinions on how simple the pushchair is to use, such as how much it weighs or how easy it can be to navigate. It is also important to consider the size of the base and whether your child is stable in it, especially when you intend to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.
Safety
Strollers must be safe for toddlers and infants to prevent entrapment or other injuries. Make sure you choose a sturdy base that doesn't easily tip and ensure you test the safety harness by placing weight on it or hanging bags from it, to determine how stable it is. Check that the leg openings on the stroller aren't enough to ensure that a child's legs aren't slipping through. Also, ensure the handlebars sit at waist level or slightly below to allow for a more ergonomic use. A brake that is simple to operate and locks the back wheels is another essential feature. Look for a model that has the brakes built into the wheels rather than only on the frame, as this can help to keep them free from pinch points and choke dangers.
Many strollers come with seats that recline into an upright position, which makes them suitable for infants. It is recommended that babies lie down during the first few months for breathing and head control. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclined seat however, they aren't. Make sure you check.
Ensure the stroller has a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders, two for the thighs, and one for the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is crucial to protect the child from falling out or being pulled out by vehicles or pedestrians.
Make sure that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake that's easy to turn on and locks the front wheels. This will stop the stroller from rolling away when you are unloading or loading children, or stopping to rest.
Comfort
When you're pushing your toddler around, or carrying a shopping bag filled with nappies and takeaway coffee, you want to feel comfortable when out and about. Choosing a stroller with big sturdy, puncture-proof wheels that can glide across rough terrain and have a super-smooth suspension will help you do just that.
A pushchair that folds up easily and compactly will also help. It can be a hassle to fit a big pushchair into the boot of your car or climb a flight of stairs, particularly if you have a toddler along with you. It's also important to consider what you'll use it for and what the weather will be like. So opting for a stroller with a hood that protects your child from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is an excellent idea.
The final aspect to consider is how easy it is to steer and control. Look out for our reviewers' opinions regarding maneuverability, taking into consideration things like the ease with which strollers pirouette across various surfaces and how it is easy to push it up hills.
Many pushchairs have accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool like footmuffs and fans. Some brands even come with their own nappy changing bags to make traveling with your baby easier.
A travel system offers greater flexibility. It comprises a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit that can be set up parent-facing or forward-facing and a bassinet as well as a carrycot. You can pop the car seat out and put it back on the chassis as necessary without having to wake your baby. This is the ideal solution for those who are constantly on the move and need to alter their journey plans.
Style
Although the jargon surrounding strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are certain things that they all have in common. Keep in mind that they're designed to get your baby from point A to B. Think about how you'll use it and choose features that are compatible with your lifestyle.
If you plan to walk on uneven surfaces, such as sand and muddy fields it is possible to require a stroller with all-terrain tires that are puncture-proof. They should also feature a suspension system to make the stroller more comfortable for your child. If your baby gets hot during long walks, you might want to use a shade to shield them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.
Some pushchairs let you choose to have your baby facing you to provide reassurance or if they want to go out and explore the world. Others have a carrycot or seat that can flip to face you or away from you, and some offer an all-flat recline that is suitable for babies. Some also have an adapter for car seats, are Isofix compatible or are 3 in 1 systems so you can use them from birth.
A twin pushchair allows you to carry both children at once. There are models that have two or one seat that are independent, which are lightweight compact and have plenty of storage, larger canopies, and more maneuverable wheel. Many of our test subjects liked the idea of a double pushchair, but found that some adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to operate with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which led some to push their hands into the frame. Other systems that allow telescopically moving in and out of frames' sides were more convenient to use even for parents with larger hands.
Stores
The amount of storage available on a stroller or pushchair can impact your decision to purchase it. Take a look at the space under the seat or in the footwell, and in the basket to see how much you can fit. This is a major factor if you're planning on purchase additional
Pushchair sale uk accessories like a tray for parents or a travel changing bag.
A tray for the parent can enhance ease of use by providing extra storage for snacks and other essentials. However, it can also add weight to the stroller and increase its folding size, making it heavy and awkward. It's important to keep it in mind that most parent trays come with small cup holders. This can cause things to fall from the tray when you travel or walking.
Consider buying a full-sized stroller that can be used with a bassinet for if you intend to carry your baby's stroller from birth. These strollers come with larger storage baskets, canopies with complete coverage and reclining seats. However, they usually come with a price tag that's substantially higher than a smaller or lighter stroller.
Maneuverability is an essential feature of any stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer when empty, and how smoothly it moves over various surfaces, like grass or pavements. This quality will degrade over time as you and your child increase in size, and the weight of the pushchair increases.
Some pushchairs are designed as an entire travel system that is, they can be paired with an infant car seat and converted to a toddler pushchair with adapters. This can make the transition easier from stroller to pram as your child ages and more independent, which is especially beneficial when you're running out of storage space at home.
