Choosing a Pushchair Stroller

A pushchair or pram is a must-have for any baby's gear. Choosing the right one for you is dependent on your child's age and lifestyle requirements.

Check the seat recliner. Some pushchairs are suitable to newborns and can be used as early as birth. Others are only recommended after six months.

Comfort

A good prams pushchair should be comfortable for both baby as well as the parent. This is where the suspension system comes into play. It may not be important when you are only planning to use your pushchair for local trips to the shops however if you plan on going on country walks and other adventures, then a higher-quality suspension will be required. The seat design and quality of padding are important factors in this regard.

The recline mechanism is another important aspect. The backrest should be adjustable to recline flat enough that your baby can lie in a flat position for sleeping. It is also important to consider the ease of operation. Some systems come with a drawstring or strap that is difficult to operate using one hand. Others are more user-friendly thanks to levered mechanisms.

Many pushchairs are equipped with storage to store all those important baby items, like diapers, wipes and snacks. When selecting a pushchair, you should consider this feature, since it can make your life more efficient and organized. It is important to ensure that the storage is accessible and opens and closed with one hand - especially when you're holding a child and juggling shopping bags!

The size and type wheels of your pushchair can be important, depending on how you intend to use it. The larger wheels provide more stability while smaller wheels are lighter and more maneuverable. They are also more light. Test the ease of maneuvering a pushchair by adding some weight to the seat and then pushing it around. Check the brakes and swivel locks, to see whether they work. These features are often overlooked, but they can make an enormous difference in how usable your pushchair is. Check that the pushchair is easily foldable, especially when it is used for transportation and getting on and off trains and buses. A lot of manufacturers make lightweight pushchairs that can be folded down in just a few seconds and tucked into a compact space for transportation. These are a real bonus for busy parents!

Safety

A good pushchair will have a number of safety features to make sure your child is safe in the seat. A five-point harness is vital - it has two straps that fit around the shoulders, two around the hips, and one between the legs. This is the most effective way to stop your child being able to slide out of the seat, however it's important that you always secure it properly.

Flexible tyres: Depending upon your lifestyle, your pushchair may need to be able handle various surfaces and terrains. Some tyres work better in the city, while others are more rugged. You might also choose all-terrain wheels that are equally effective both on and off the road.

Simple-to-use brakes A pushchair should have brakes long periods of time in the same position. It is also beneficial to be able to lock the swivel wheels, which will improve maneuverability on uneven surfaces.

Consider the size of the storage container as it will impact on how much you can carry. You may want to choose an extra large basket if you are planning on shopping or carrying other baby items, such as bottles or changing pad. Leg rests that are adjustable are a helpful feature that will aid in positioning your child in the most comfortable position. Many pushchairs come with a sunshade that can aid in keeping your child safe from the sun. If you don't, you can purchase an extendable parasol with SPF 50+ to be attached to the frame.

The main difference between the two is that a pushchair has a lie-down seat that is suitable for newborns and infants while a pushchair is designed for toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some models are a mixture of the two. For example 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 models come with a seat that can be oriented either towards the user or towards you.

You should be able to move your pushchair up and down stairs and escalators and through doors. Some pushchairs may be difficult to manage this and you should test it before you buy it.

Folding

A pushchair twin is a baby vehicle with wheels that can be used by newborns, older infants and children as young as three or four. Some pushchairs are suitable for babies from birth and let them lie flat, with the front facing upwards. Some come with an adapter for infant seats which allows you to connect an infant car seat or carrycot.

A quality pushchair is easy to maneuver and folds flat when not in use. It should also feature a responsive brake system for security and comfort and an hood that protects your baby from the sun and wind. It is important to remember that a pushchair will need regular cleaning to keep it in good working condition.

The fabric and any removable components like the hood need to be simple to wash. The hood can be cleaned by using the attachment of a vacuum cleaner and you can soak the fabric in cool soapy water and then scrub off any mildew or dirt with a soft brush (do this outdoors to prevent spreading mould). The pushchair should be allowed to dry completely before being returned to use.

The cheapest and most popular pushchairs travel systems have a lightweight stroller aluminum frame with rubber tires that are hard. They are suitable for use on a variety of surfaces, including city streets as well as country trails. Some pushchairs feature particular features for different terrains. For instance they might include lockable or swivel wheels for rough terrain.

When not in use, an easy-to-fold pushchair can be folded away to save space. It can be tucked away in your living room or tucked away in a trunk for transportation. Certain models can be folded by one hand, transforming them from baby chariot to luggage in just a few seconds.

The Cybex Priam pushchair is an example, and it is also compatible with the UPPAbaby Piggyback ride-along board that allows siblings to join in the fun. This stroller is ideal for those looking for a small but practical pushchair. It has a large basket and is built to last.