Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

A lightweight and comfortable pushchair is essential to those who frequently use public transport or take flights that are frequently hopping on and off. Choose one that folds flat and compactly, and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilled drinks or leaky diaper stains.

We love strollers that glide smoothly over pavements and can be mounted easily. Look for car seat attachments that almost appear to be self-installing and a handlebar that is adjustable to fit parents of all heights.

Simple to Use

There are various types of pushchairs for all budgets and lifestyles. Some are lightweight and compact, making them easy to fold and move some feature a sturdy frame that is more durable for long walks and use on rough terrain. Many come with a basket for your shopping items or bags to change your clothes in so that you'll have everything that you need. Some are designed for use in cities, whereas others are for travelling or country living.

Strollers can be used from the moment of birth. They allow the infant to recline flat, which is good for spinal and lung development. Some can also be connected to a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat which makes them transport systems that are suitable from birth until toddlerhood. Some of them have additional design elements like a handlebar that can be adjusted in height to accommodate parents of different heights, as well as a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to help keep baby dry.

Generally, three-wheel pushchairs are better for city dwellers, since they're generally light and nimble, making them easy to manoeuvre. Four-wheel pushchairs tend to be more durable, making them perfect for families who live in rural areas or plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. Look for reviews by other parents who comment on how easy the stroller is to use - like the weight of the pushchair or how easy it can be to navigate. Also, consider the size of the base and whether your child is stable in it, particularly in the event that you plan to use the pushchair on rough terrain or off-road.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs need to be safe for infants and toddlers to prevent getting trapped. Make sure the base is sturdy and large enough. You can test it by placing the weight on it or hanging bags to check how it feels. Also check the leg openings aren't large enough to keep a baby's legs from slipping through and that the handles are at waist-level or a bit lower for ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and locks the back wheels is another essential feature. You should search for a brake that is integrated into the wheels, instead of on the frame. This will help stop pinch points and choke dangers.

Many strollers come with seats that recline into a flat, comfortable position, making them ideal for newborns. It is recommended that babies lie down for their first few months for breathing and head control reasons. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclining chair, but don't actually provide this be sure to check.

The stroller should be equipped with a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps for the shoulders, two straps for the thighs and one strap around the crotch) Similar to the straps used in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out and being pulled away by pedestrians or vehicles.

Make sure that the stroller comes with an easy parking brake that's easy to use and locks the two front wheels. This will stop the stroller from slipping away when you are loading or unloading children, or stopping to rest.

Comfort

When you're pushing your toddler around or lugging a shopping bag full of nappies and a takeaway coffee, you need to feel at ease when out and about. Selecting a stroller that has big, tough wheels that are puncture-proof and can easily glide over rough terrain and have a super-smooth suspension will allow you to get the best pushchair for newborn results.

Having a pushchair that folds up easily and compactly will help. It can be a real hassle to squeeze a bulky pushchair in and out of the car boot or climb a flight of stairs - especially with a toddler growing in the back. Consider what you will use it for, as well as the conditions. A stroller that has a hood can protect your child from wind, rain, and sunbeams.

The final comfort consideration is how easy it is to control and steer. Keep an eye out for our reviewers’ comments regarding maneuverability. This is a way to gauge how the stroller pirouettes over different surfaces, and how easily it can be pushed up hills.

Many pushchairs come with handy accessories to keep your baby warm or cool - from footmuffs to fans. Certain brands even have their own nappy bags to aid in travel with baby.

A travel system offers greater flexibility. It comprises a stroller chassis (called the chassis) and a seat unit which can be positioned either front-facing or parent-facing and a bassinet as well as a carrycot. It is simple to remove and put the car seat back on the chassis without disturbing your baby. This is the ideal solution for parents who are always moving and have to alter their journey plans.

Style

There are some commonalities between all the different kinds of strollers, buggies, pushchairs and prams. The most important thing to remember is that they're designed to take your baby from A to B. Think about how you'll be using it and search for features that are appropriate to your life style.

For instance, if you're going to spend lots of time walking on uneven surfaces, such as fields that are muddy or sand-covered, you might consider an all-terrain stroller with big tough puncture proof wheels and suspension to ensure it is more comfortable for your baby. If your baby is hot during long walks, you might want a parasol to shield them from the sun or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs can be adjusted in their seat positions, so you can decide if your baby is facing you to reassure them or faces the world to discover it. Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that can be flipped to face you or away from you. Others offer a lie-flat recline for newborns. Some also have a car seat adapter that is Isofix compatible, or are 3 in 1 systems so you can use them from birth.

Another option is a twin pushchair, which allows you to transport two children at the simultaneously. There are models with two or more seats, which are lightweight and compact, with plenty of storage space, larger canopy, and a more moveable wheels. Our testers liked the idea of a dual-pushchair however, they found the adjustments to the handlebar difficult to control with just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point, which caused some to put their hands against the frame. Other systems that allow telescopically moving in and out of frames' sides were more convenient to use even for parents who are taller.

Stores

The amount of storage space on a stroller or a pushchair can impact the choice of buying it. Take a look at the space under the seat or in the footwell, and in the large basket to determine how much you can fit in. If you are planning to purchase any additional accessories for your pushchair, like a tray for parents or a travel changing bag it is a crucial aspect to consider.

A tray for parents can improve the ease of use by offering additional storage space for snacks and other necessities. It can make the stroller heavy and difficult to fold. It's also important to remember that most parent trays include shallow cup holders, which can cause things to fall out of the tray during transport or when strolling.

If you intend to carry your baby until birth, you should consider buying a stroller that is large enough to accommodate bassinets. These strollers come with more space for storage baskets, full-coverage canopies and reclining seats. They tend to be more expensive than a compact or lightweight stroller.

Maneuverability is a critical feature of any stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer when empty, and how well it rolls over various surfaces like grass or pavements. It's important to note that this quality degrades over time as your baby grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.

Some pushchairs are designed as an entire travel system, meaning they can be used with an infant car seat and converted to an adult pushchair by using adapters. This can help 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.