What to Look For in pushchairs and strollers

A small folding pushchair is a secure mode of transport for your baby. They are also comfortable and offer a smooth ride.

Consider buying a sun shade for your child's safety to shield them from the sun. Most pushchairs come with one, however, if not the brands will sell it as an accessory.

You should consider a pushchair that can be transformed into a double if you plan to have a second child. Some travel systems come with an infant carry cot or seat unit.

Safety

It's important that your pushchair is secure as it's the baby's place of residence when they travel. All prams, strollers and buggies must comply with British standard BS7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. This certification must be displayed on the product information of a reputable brand.

A five-point harness is essential for the safety of your baby. It should be snugly positioned over their shoulders, around their waist and between their legs. Check that the buckles are simple to clip and remove, and ensure that the straps are secure connections.

Check that the brakes on your pushchair are accessible and work as intended. It's also worth investing in an reflective strip for your pushchair to aid other road users see you and your baby during the winter's dark and gloomy days.

If your pushchair is made to hold two children, make sure that it has one footrest that runs along the length of both seats. This will stop children from slipping their feet between the footrests, and potentially falling out of the pushchair.

All pushchairs, prams and buggys have a maximum weight limit. It's important to know this limit before you start using the pushchair as putting a heavy child in a pushchair may cause it to become unstable.

A good pushchair suitable from birth will be able to take the strain of being pushed on different surfaces. Choose one with sturdy, large wheels. The tyres must be made of durable materials that be resistant to puncturing and have excellent traction to help you continue on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are made for use off-road and come with specially designed suspensions to provide an even more comfortable ride.

Comfort

It's essential to find a pushchair shops near me that is comfortable for your little one. This could be as simple as ensuring it is padded enough to keep them comfortable and safe, or a footmuff to keep them warm and cozy in the colder months. Many pushchairs have reversible seats that let you decide if they face your child for bonding or reassuring them, or away from them to explore the world.

For parents who are new it's also worth looking for a baby stroller that has an adjustable seat. Experts advise that babies sleep flat for the first few months of their lives to assist in breathing and lung development. Many pushchairs claim to recline completely, but it's crucial to verify that the seat actually offers a lie-flat position and is safe for infants.

Some pushchairs are lightweight and easy to lift in and out of the car and can be inserted into narrow doorways. They might also fit inside overhead luggage racks on planes and trains. They are usually equipped with a quick and simple fold mechanism, which allows you to fold it using just one hand. They can also accommodate the infant car seat which makes them suitable for use from birth.

Other pushchairs, like the Silver Cross Adorra2 offer a extravagant and elegant design that is sure to turn heads. They also come with a range of baby accessories such as car seat adapters as well as rain covers to protect your children from the elements. They are designed to be able to cope with the real life of a family and come with a simple to adjust five-point safety harness and large, puncture-proof wheels.

Style

A pushchair is likely to be the baby product that you will use the most often and it's crucial to choose a model that both you and your little one love. It's worthwhile to think about the finer points such as how comfortable the cushion is and whether the handlebar features an adjustable height. There are plenty of additional little things that make an impact, such as the storage basket or a front wheel lock.

A pram is designed to transport two children at the same time, typically two children, a baby and a toddler. It is smaller than a pushchair and is easier to maneuver in tight spaces or on public transport. It may be a single-seater where the baby sits behind the parent or a tandem, where one child sits behind the other.

Both prams and pushchairs are suitable from the moment of birth. However, they are made for older children due to their larger and more spacious seat than buggies. They can also tilted to face you or away from it. There is often the option of adding an infant car seat, carry cot, or stroller to allow them to be used from birth up until your child becomes a toddler. This is a fantastic value travel system.

Some pushchairs have only one brake pedal while others have a foot brake and hand brake that work in tandem to stop your pushchair in a safe and controlled manner. The foot brake is generally situated on the rear axle while the handbrake is located near the rear wheels at the top of frame. The foot brake is great for parents who live on a slope or in the countryside as it helps prevent the parent from losing control of the pushchair.

Size

There are many different sizes of pushchairs. Some pushchairs are able to be used as early as the time of birth, since they have a lie-flat seating and an attachment to a bassinet or carrycot. Others are suitable when children are capable of sitting without assistance which is usually from around six months. They can sit facing towards the parents for bonding and reassurance or away from them in order for them to discover their surroundings.

The size of the wheel is also important. Some have larger wheels to enhance their ability to maneuver on rough surfaces. Other wheels are smaller and allow for an easier frame and are easier to push across smooth surfaces.

Some pushchairs feature a single brake pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is useful in the event that you need to stop for a coffee break or to shop. Other models have two brake pedals for greater control and safety. Your pushchair should have reliable brakes as it will be used in rough terrains. Make sure you check the brakes on a regular basis.

There are many features that can help you find the perfect pushchair to suit your family and Baby pushchair designs. Simple to use features such as one hand compact fold, easy to adjust safety harness or adjustable handlebars can make life with infants and toddlers much easier.

A good pushchair will ensure the security and comfort of your child. It's likely to be the product you'll use for the longest period of time, so it's important to take the time to think about which features are important to you and your family.

A pushchair to buy

Think carefully about the features you would like to have in your pushchair. It will be with you and your baby for many years, so you should make the right choice. Consider how it will fit into your lifestyle. A stroller that is all-terrain is great for country walks but not so great on a shiny shop floor. If you're planning to use it with grandparents and your parents, you may want something that they can control and steer without feeling like they require an academic degree to operate.

Newborn babies need to lie-flat so you'll need an infant pushchair that has a carrycot, infant car seat (travel system) or a reclining seat that is suitable from birth. Some models have an reversible seat, which means you can place your baby facing you or the world as they grow older.

You may also want to consider accessories like shopping trays, baskets and changing bags for the pram to make it easier for you to go on errands when your child is in your care. Some pushchairs have hoods that offer extra protection from the sun, whereas others come with rain covers to keep your baby dry when it starts to drizzle.

Some pushchairs can be converted, so they can be used as a double or a single and expand with your family by adding an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is a good choice when you're thinking on having another child shortly after baby number one, or if you're not sure what your plans for the future are just yet.