A Productive Rant About Pushchairs
Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair is also referred to as a buggy, stroller or pram double. It's the Swiss Army knife of infant transportation. From navigating crowded streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of surfaces.
A quality pushchair will provide safety and comfort for your baby, ease for you, and the opportunity for you and your baby to explore and bond. Find out what to look prams for newborns when selecting one.
Folding
When choosing a stroller, many parents are concerned with how easy it is to fold it. The EeZeFold is unique because it has a one-handed fold, which enables you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't need to juggle the two. The buggy also stays standing when folded, which means you do not have to worry about your child falling out or getting harmed during this process.
Some of the really compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold down so small that they can be tucked away in the trunk of your car, which means they're ideal for frequent traveler or have a tiny car boot. Others are day-to-day buggies that take up a smaller amount of space than the average pushchair but still have decent features like a good recline and light-weight wheels. They're also generally lightweight enough to carry by hand and so can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.
The majority of these pushchairs are aimed towards toddlers and older infants since they can sit upright, but some come with a lie-flat seating option and the option to add an infant carrycot, making them suitable from birth. They could also be compatible with travel systems, 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 pushchairs take up a tiny space when they're folded with the seat on, so they're perfect for those who are tight on storage space in their homes or an apartment. They're also light, and they often have a rain cover to protect them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360 is another very well-known pushchair in this category that is an ideal choice for travelling as it can fold one-handed with a simple press of a button. It is also extremely light, making it easy to maneuver even on rough surfaces. It also comes with an outstanding suspension. The seat rotates to switch between parent-facing and world-facing. The hood can be extended for extra protection and coverage from the sun.
Convertible
A convertible stroller changes shape to meet the demands of families growing. It can start as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for siblings and even a triple stroller through the addition of an additional seat or ride-along boards. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for infants 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 have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms or grandmas to push. These strollers are more sturdy than traditional pushchairs due to the fact that they are made up of more components.
Larktale's new crossover stroller/wagon is the first of its kind, is a stroller that can be used as a wagon. Parents no longer need to purchase separate items. It is quick and easy to convert to a double or single stroller without the need for tools or conversion kits. It also offers ample seating options with the second seat and pull handle when it is in wagon mode. The Larktale is bulkier than our other top-rated convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and can easily handle the hills. The main issue is the lack of storage space underneath the seat. Click here for more info.
Safety
A good pushchair should have several safety features, including five-point harnesses for baby. The harness should be able to fit over the shoulders and around the waist, and also between the legs. It is important that the harness does not fall off, and that there are no areas where a child's fingers could be stuck.
Pick the brake that is best suited to your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most commonly used and is ideal if you are likely to stop often like when you go shopping. A hand brake is found on a variety of jogger style pushchairs and is more useful if you are going to frequently change your momentum, like when you go for a run. Some pushchairs have an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a button on the bottom of your foot. This is a useful option for parents who will be stopping and starting more often because it allows you to keep your balance while still applying pressure on the wheels.
Check if the front wheel of the twin pushchair can be locked. This is extremely beneficial for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A front wheel lockable can help to prevent the pushchair from rolling away in a hurry or if there is a lot of baggage 3 in one pushchair the back.
Although it may seem an unimportant thing to consider but the weight of the pushchair is something to keep in mind. Even a pushchair that is light can be surprisingly heavy when loaded up with an expanding child and shopping bags. Take a look at the weight of your stroller and see whether you can carry it up the stairs and into the boot of your car while carrying the toddler.
Buggy, pram, or pushchairs are made for babies who can sit up. They are usually used after the age of six months. The seat can be positioned to face you or away from you depending on how much you want your child to connect with you or explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seat positions, handlebars and other accessories.
Comfort
Many parents enjoy the comfort of pushchairs - and there are plenty to pick from. Certain models are better suited for urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is also something to take into consideration. For instance, a foot brake is great for daily use, whereas an active hand brake found on jogger-style pushchairs may be more responsive and easy to operate when out on adventures.
The ability of your pushchair to allow newborns to lie flat is among the most important characteristics. Babies must be in a flat position to help them develop their spine, and it's worth choosing a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your baby a comfortable nap or rest, making for longer outdoor excursions and a healthier, happier child.
If you're going to be using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, it's important to get a model that is compatible with your infant car seat. This makes it quick and easy to transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair, reducing stress and ensuring he's calm during his excursions.
Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats, which allows you to connect your car seat. This means that you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, saving money and time. Many brands offer a travel package that includes a baby car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, along with the footmuff in one purchase.
A solid suspension system is also essential, especially for the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving through rough roads or city streets, allowing you move over bumps and uneven surfaces with ease while keeping the baby in a comfortable position.
You might also want to consider other practical comfort features, such as an ample basket (or separate bag) as well as reclining handles as well as an adjustable seat and a ventilated hood. Having all of these features will help you navigate through the country or town, and ensure your little one has the best sleep possible for his longest naps.