11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Pushchairs

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair is also referred to as a stroller, buggy or pram. It's like the Swiss Army knife of baby transportation. From navigating through crowded streets to traversing rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.

A good pushchair offers security and comfort for your baby, convenience for you, and an opportunity to bond and explore the world together. Find out what to consider when you are buying a pushchair.

Folding

When choosing a stroller, parents are often concerned about the ease to fold. The most notable is the EeZeFold that has an incredible one-handed fold that allows you to hold your child while folding the buggy, which means you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy is stable when folded, meaning 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 in the trunk of your car, so they're ideal for frequent traveller or have a tiny car boot. Others are day-to-day buggies that are smaller in size of space than the typical pushchair, but have good features such as a great recline and wheels that are lightweight. These buggies are usually lightweight enough to be carried by hand, so Grandma or Grandad can use them in the event of need.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, and some come with a lie-flat seats or carrycot option. They may also be travel system compatible, so you can attach an infant car seat to the frame in one click.

Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggy, the majority of compact stroller pushchairs require a small amount of space when they're folded with the seat in and are ideal for those who are tight of storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also lightweight and Prams Travel System frequently come with a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class can be folded with just the press of a button. It is great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to handle on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the outside world or the parent and the hood can be extended to provide extra sun protection.

Convertible

A convertible stroller changes shape to fit the needs of families growing. It can begin as a single stroller, change into a double pushchair stroller for siblings and even a triple stroller through the addition of a third seat or ride-along board. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a stroller that can be used as a single or double. It converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for newborns as well as one or two toddler seats, and even an additional child through the use of adapters.

Apart from changing shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features like reclining and height settings. They should also feature large, easy-to-grip handles that make it comfortable for mom, dad or grandma to push. Additionally, because these kinds of strollers typically have more parts than traditional pushchairs they need to be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of gear.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a full-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the necessity for parents to purchase separate products. It is quick and easy to convert to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits, and offers the flexibility of seating with its second seat and pull handle when in wagon mode. Although the Larktale is a bit heavier than the other top convertibles, it has great maneuverability and maneuvers well over hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more details.

Safety

A quality pushchair should include many safety features like the five-point harness for infants. This should fit over the shoulders as well as around the waist and between the legs. It is crucial that the harness doesn't become loose, and there are no areas where a child's fingers could get stuck.

There are a number of different pushchair brakes available so pick the one that best suits your lifestyle. The most common brake is a foot brake. It's a great option if you have to stop frequently such as when you go shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature a hand brake. This is helpful in situations where you have to change your momentum often, like when you run. Some pushchairs come with an active handbrake that you can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a good option for parents who will be frequent stop-and-starts because it allows you to maintain your balance while still applying pressure on the wheels.

It is also important to determine whether the pushchair comes with an adjustable front wheel that locks. This is especially useful for those who live in areas with uneven terrain or steep slopes. A lockable wheel on the front can stop the pushchair from rolling away when you're in a hurry or have lots of luggage in the rear.

Although it may seem like something of a minor issue, the weight of the pushchair is something you need to keep in mind. Even a lightweight pushchair can be quite heavy when loaded with a growing infant and shopping bags. Examine the weight of your pushchair and see if you can lift it up a flight of stairs and into the trunk of your car, while carrying a toddler.

A pram, buggy or pushchair is made for babies who are able to sit and can be used from 6 months. The seat can be placed towards you or away from you depending on the preference of your child to be close to you or explore the world. Many pushchairs feature adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs with features that are comfortable for parents. Some are more suitable for urban streets or rough terrain, while others are not. The brake type is another factor to consider. For example, a foot brake is great for daily use, while the hand brakes that are active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and simpler to use when on adventures.

The capability of your pushchair to allow infants to lie completely flat is among its most important characteristics. Babies need to be lying flat in a position to develop their spine, and it's worth choosing a pushchair with this feature from birth. This will allow your child to sleep or relax comfortably, allowing for more time outdoors and a happier and healthier child.

It is essential to select a pushchair that's compatible with the infant car seat you've chosen. This makes it quick and easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair, reducing stress and ensuring he's calm during his excursions.

Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats that allows you to connect your car seat. This means that you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, reducing costs and time. Many brands also offer a travel bundle that includes a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and a footmuff all in one purchase.

Another essential aspect for comfort is a great suspension - particularly on the front wheels. This can make all the difference when driving on rough terrain or city roads, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while ensuring your baby is comfortable.

Other practical comfort features that you may want to look for include a spacious shopping basket (or even a separate bag), the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat, and a an air-conditioned hood. Having 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 sleep possible for the longest nap possible.