Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A running pushchair is also referred to as a stroller, buggy or pram. It's like the Swiss knife of baby transportation. From navigating busy streets to navigating rough terrain, these baby-chariots have been built to conquer all types of surfaces.

A good pushchair offers safety and comfort for your baby, convenience for you and the chance to spend time together and explore the world together. Find out what to look for when picking one.

Folding

When choosing a stroller, parents are often concerned about how easy it is to fold it. The EeZeFold is an exceptional model because it features a one-handed fold that allows you to hold your baby while folding the buggy. This means you don't have to balance the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, meaning you don't have to be concerned about your child falling out.

Some of the most compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so compactly that they can fit into the trunk of your car, which means they're ideal if you're a frequent traveler or have a smaller car boot. Others are day-to-day buggies that are smaller in size of space than the typical pushchair but still come with decent features, like a comfortable recline and light-weight wheels. They are typically light enough to be carried by hand, so Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.

The majority of these pushchairs are designed at toddlers and older children because they can sit up, but some have a lie-flat chair and the option of adding a carrycot to make them suitable from birth. They might also be compatible with travel systems and allow you to attach an infant car seat to the frame with just a click.

Many compact pushchairs are still extremely compact when folded with the seat attached. They're great for people who have a limited storage space at home or in apartments. They're also lightweight and frequently have a rain cover to shield them from the elements.

The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category is foldable with one hand by pressing a button. It's ideal for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also extremely light, making it simple to handle on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat can rotate to turn from parent-facing to the world, and the hood can be extended for extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can change form to meet the requirements of growing families. It can be one stroller that converts into a double stroller in order to accommodate siblings, or even a triple pram stroller with the addition of a third seat. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a versatile single-to-double stroller that converts to accommodate a ba option for parents who will be stopping and starting their pushchairs more often. It allows you to stay in your position while applying pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth checking whether the stroller has a lockable front wheel. This can be very helpful for those who live in uneven terrain or steep hills. A wheel lockable in the front of the pushchair can prevent the pushchair from rolling away when you are in a rush or have lots of baggage in the rear.

While it might appear to be a minor issue it is important to consider the weight of the stroller. Even a light pushchair can become quite heavy when it is loaded with a growing baby and shopping bags. Check the weight of your stroller 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 designed for babies who are able to sit and can be used from 6 months. They come with a seat that can face towards you for bonding and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs come with adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

There are many pushchairs with features for comfort that parents love. Certain models are better suited for rough terrain or city streets than others, and the brake type is another factor to take into consideration. A foot brake, for example is ideal for everyday use. A hand brake that is active used on jogger-style pushchairs can be more responsive when on an adventure.

The capability of your pushchair to allow newborns to lie completely flat is among the most important features. Babies need to be in a completely flat position to develop their spine, so it's important to select a stroller with this feature from birth. This will give your baby a comfortable nap or rest, making more time for outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.

If you're going to be using a car seat in conjunction with your pushchair, you need to select a model that is compatible with the infant car seat. This makes it fast and easy to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair, reducing fuss and ensuring he's calm during his outings.

Some pushchairs come with an adaptor for car seats that allows you to easily fix your chosen car seat to the frame. It is possible to use the seat from birth until toddlerhood, and save money and time. Many brands offer a travel pushchair package which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot and adaptors, along with an infant footmuff, all in one purchase.

Another important aspect of comfort is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can make a huge difference when driving through rough roads or in city streets, allowing you navigate bumps and uneven surface with ease while keeping baby comfortable.

Other useful comfort features you should look for include a large shopping basket (or even a separate bag) as well as a adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat and a the hood that is ventilated. The combination of these features will assist you navigate your way through the country or town, and ensure your child has the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.