Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

If you frequently use public transport or travel by plane, a light and comfortable pushchair is crucial. Choose models that fold flat and compactly and is machine-washable to deal with spilled drinks and leaky diaper staining.

We love strollers that glide smoothly on pavements and kerbs effortlessly. Look for car seat attachments that almost appear to be self-installing and a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of all sizes.

User-Friendliness

There are various types of pushchairs for all budgets and lifestyles. Some are extremely light and compact, making them easy to fold and carry, while others have larger frames that are more durable for long walks and use on rough terrain. Many come with a basket that can carry your shopping items or a bag to change your clothes in so that you'll have everything that you require. Some are designed for urban living, whereas others are made for rural living or traveling across the globe.

Strollers are typically suitable for babies from birth, allowing them to recline flat and is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. Many can also attach a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat which makes them travel systems and suitable from birth to toddlerhood. Some models have extra design features, like a height-adjustable handbar for parents with various heights, or a large basket, or rain cover that will ensure your baby is dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs are more suited to city dwellers as they are light, agile, and easy to move. Four-wheeled pushchairs are more durable and suitable for families living in rural areas, or who plan to spend much of their time outdoors. When you're choosing a new pushchair, you should look for reviews from parents who discuss the ease of using it - for example, how much it weighs and how easy it is to control. It's also important to consider how big the base is and whether it feels sturdy enough for your child to use, especially if you plan to take the pushchair off-road or on difficult terrain.

Safety

Strollers must be safe for infants and toddlers to avoid entrapment and other injuries. Find a base that won't tip easily and be sure to test the safety harness by placing weight on it, or hanging bags over it, to test how stable it is. Make sure that the leg openings on the stroller aren't enough that children's legs don't slide through. Also, make sure the handlebars sit at waist level or just below to allow for a more ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and secures the back wheels is another essential feature. Find models that have 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 the position of a lie-flat, making them suitable for babies. For head control and breathing it is recommended that infants lay flat for the first few months. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclining seat, but they don't actually offer this be sure to check.

Ensure the stroller has a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps that go over shoulders, two straps for the thighs, and one for the crotch) Similar to the ones used in car seats. This is important to protect the child from falling out and being pulled away by pedestrians or vehicles.

Make sure the stroller has a convenient parking brake that's simple to use and locks the front wheels. This will stop the stroller from slipping away when you are unloading or loading a child, or stopping to rest.

Comfort

You want to be comfortable regardless of whether you're pushing a toddler, or carrying a backpack full of nappies and takeaway coffee. Choosing a stroller with big robust, puncture-proof wheels that glide over rough terrain and a super-smooth suspension will help you do just that.

A pushchair that is small and folds easily can help. It can be a real hassle to squeeze the bulky stroller in and out of the car's boot or climb a flight of stairs, especially with a toddler growing in tow. Be aware of what you will use it for, and the weather conditions. A stroller that has a hood will protect your child from wind, rain, and sunbeams.

The final aspect to consider is how easy the pushchair deals is to steer and control. Keep an eye out for our reviewers' feedback regarding maneuverability. This is a way to gauge how the stroller pirouettes over different surfaces, and how it is easy to push up hills.

Many pushchairs come with accessories that can aid in keeping your baby warm or cool like fans and footmuffs. Some brands even come with their own nappy changing bags that make travelling with baby even simpler.

A travel system provides greater flexibility. It is comprised of a stroller chassis (called the chassis) as well as a seat which can be positioned either forward or facing the parent as well as a bassinet or carrycot. You can pop the car seat out and put it back on the chassis as required without disturbing your baby. The ideal solution for parents who are on the go regularly and often have to alter your plan of travel.

Style

While the jargon around prams, strollers, pushchairs and buggies can be confusing, there are some things that all have in common. Remember that they are designed to transport your child from point A to point B. Consider how you will use it and select features that are compatible with your lifestyle.

For instance, if likely to spend a lot of time walking on uneven surfaces such as sand or muddy fields you may want an all-terrain pushchair that has large, sturdy puncture proof wheels and suspension to make it more comfortable for your baby. If your baby gets hot after long walks, you may need to think about a shade that will shade them from the sun or a fan to help them stay cool.

Some pushchairs come with adjustable seat positions so you can choose whether your baby faces you to reassure them or faces the world to see it. Some carrycots have a seat that can flip to face you or away from you and some come with the full lie-flat recline, which is ideal for babies. Some also come with a car seat adapter and are compatible with Isofix or are 3 in 1 systems that allow you to use them from the time of birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair that allows you to transport two children at the same at the same time. You can find models that have two or more independent seats, are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, bigger canopies and more movable wheels. Our testers liked the concept of a dual pushchair however, they found the handbar adjustments difficult to use with one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which caused some to put their hands into the frame. Other systems that telescopically move in and out of frame's sides were simpler to use, even for taller parents.

Stores

The amount of storage space available in a stroller can influence your decision to buy it. Examine the space available under the seat, the footwell, as well as the large basket. This is a crucial aspect if you plan to buy additional pushchair accessories like the tray for parents or an extra travel bag for changing.

A tray for parents can improve the ease of use by offering additional storage space for snacks and other necessities. However, it can add weight to the stroller and its folding pushchair dimensions, making it heavy and awkward. It's also important to note that the majority of tray for parents have shallow cup holders, which can cause things to fall out of the tray during transport or when strolling.

If you are planning to carry your baby until birth, you should consider buying a full-sized stroller that can accommodate the bassinet. These models come with larger storage baskets, canopies that cover the entire area and reclined seats. However, they typically come with prices that are much higher than a smaller or lighter stroller.

Maneuverability is an essential feature of any stroller. It determines how easy it is to steer when empty, and how well it rolls over different surfaces, like grass or pavements. This quality will degrade as you and your child grow, and the weight of the pushchair grows.

Some pushchairs can be transformed into a toddler pushchair by making use of adapters. They are designed to work with car seats for infants. This can make it easier to make it easier to transition from stroller to pram as your child ages, which is particularly helpful in the event that you're lacking storage space at home.