14 Questions You Shouldn't Be Afraid To Ask About Pushchairs

Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who frequently take public transport or travel via plane, a light and user-friendly pushchair is essential. Choose models that fold flat and compactly, and is machine washable to take care of spilt drinks or leaky nappies stains.

We love strollers that can easily glide across pavements and can mount kerbs with ease. Look for car seat attachments that are self-installing, and the handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of any height.

Ease of Use

There are a variety of strollers pushchairs to suit every budget and lifestyle. Some are very lightweight and compact and easy to fold and transport, while others feature a more substantial frame that's more sturdy for long walks or use on rough terrain. A lot of them also come with a basket for shopping, or changing bags so that you can carry everything you require with you. Some are made to be used in the city, while others are intended for traveling or country living.

Strollers are typically suitable for babies from birth, allowing them to recline flat, which is recommended for healthy lung and spinal development. Many strollers can be paired with an infant seat or carrycot to create travel systems. They are suitable for infants to toddlers. Certain models come with extra features that are designed to be attractive, 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 since they are lightweight and agile, making them easy to move. Four-wheel pushchairs are generally more durable, which makes them ideal for families living in rural areas or plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. When selecting a pushchair, look for reviews from other parents that discuss the ease of using it such as how heavy it is and how easy to steer. It's also important to consider the size of the base and if it's sturdy enough for your child to use, particularly if you're planning to take the pushchair off-road or on rough terrain.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants or toddlers to avoid getting trapped. Check for a base that is stable and wide. You can test it by placing the weight on it or hanging bags to see how it feels. Also, make sure that the leg openings aren't enough to keep a baby's legs from slipping through, and ensure that the handlebars are at waist-level or slightly lower for more comfortable use. Another essential feature is brakes that lock the rear wheels and strollers pushchairs is easy to use. You should look for a model that has brakes built into the wheels instead of on the frame. This will help avoid pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers have a seat that reclines into a lie-flat position which makes them suitable for babies. It is recommended that babies lie down for the first few months to allow head control and breathing reasons. However, some pushchairs are described as having a reclining seat but don't actually provide this, so check carefully.

Ensure the stroller has an adjustable five-point harness (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 essential to protect a child from falling out of the pushchair and also to protect them from being pushed over or out by passing vehicles or other pedestrians.

Make sure the stroller comes with an easy parking brake to use and locks the front two wheels. This will help to stop the stroller from moving while you're unloading or loading your child, or while you're taking a break to take a break.

Comfort

You'll want to feel at ease whether you're pushing a toddler or carrying a backpack full of nappies and coffee for takeaway. Choosing a stroller with big robust, wheels that are puncture-proof and can easily glide over rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will allow you to do just that.

A compact pushchair and folds easily can help. It can be a hassle to fit a big pushchair into the boot of your car, or to climb a flight of stairs, particularly if you have a toddler along with you. It's also worth thinking about the purpose for which you'll use it and what the weather forecast will be like - so opting for a stroller with a hood that protects your child from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is a great idea.

The last aspect of comfort is how easy the pushchair is to control and steer. Look out for our reviewers' comments regarding maneuverability, taking into account things like the ease with which strollers pirouette across various surfaces and how it is easy to push it up hills.

Many pushchairs come with useful accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool from fans to footmuffs. Some brands have their own nappy bags that make travelling easier with baby.

A travel system offers greater flexibility. It is comprised of a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit which can be positioned either front-facing or parent-facing, and a bassinet or carrycot. You can take the car seat out and put it back on the chassis as required without having to wake your baby. This is the ideal solution for those who are always in motion and require to alter their journey plans.

Style

While the jargon around strollers pushchairs, prams 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 B. Think about how you'll be using it and then look for features that fit your lifestyle.

For instance, if going to spend lots of time walking on uneven surfaces, such as sandy fields or strollers pushchairs muddy fields, you might consider an all-terrain stroller with big, tough puncture-proof wheels and a suspension to ensure it is more comfortable for your baby. If your baby gets hot on 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 have adjustable seats so you can choose whether your baby is facing you to give them a sense of security or the world to explore it. Others have a carrycot or seat unit that can be turned to face you or away from you, and some offer a full lie-flat recline suitable for babies. Some models have a car adapter, Isofix compatibility or 3 in 1 systems that can be used from the time of birth.

Another alternative is a twin pushchair which allows you to carry two children at the same simultaneously. There are models with two or more independent seat units, are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopies, and more maneuverable wheels. A few of our test participants liked the idea of a double pushchair, but they found that certain adjustable handlebars were difficult to use with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which caused many to push their hands up against the frame. Some systems that permit parents to telescopically move into and out of the frame were simpler to use for parents with larger hands.

Stores

The amount of storage space available on a pushchair or stroller can impact your decision to purchase it. Examine the space available under the seat, the footwell, and the large basket. This will be a big aspect if you plan to buy additional collapsible pushchair accessories, such as the tray for parents or the travel changing bag.

A tray for the parent can enhance the ease of use by offering extra storage for snacks and other essentials. It can also make the stroller heavier and difficult to fold. It's important to keep in mind that most parent trays come with shallow cup holders. This can cause items to fall from the tray when traveling or walking.

You should consider purchasing a large stroller that can be used with a bassinet if you plan to carry your baby from birth. These products feature larger storage baskets, canopies that have full coverage and reclined seats. They can be more expensive than a compact stroller or lightweight stroller.

Maneuverability is an essential feature of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, as well as how smoothly the stroller rolls over different surfaces such as grass or pavements. This quality will degrade as you and your baby grow, and the weight of the pushchair increases.

Some pushchairs are designed as a complete travel system, which means they can be paired with an infant car seat, and converted 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, which is particularly helpful when you're running out of storage space at home.