10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Pushchairs
Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair can also be referred to as a twin stroller, buggy or pram. It's the Swiss knife of baby transportation. From navigating busy streets to traversing rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of terrain.
A good prams pushchair offers security and comfort for your child, ease for you, and an opportunity to bond and explore the world together. Learn more about what to look for when selecting one.
Folding
When selecting a stroller, many parents are concerned with how easy it will be to fold it. A true standout is the EeZeFold which features an amazing one-handed fold that allows you to hold your child while folding the buggy. This means you don't have to juggle between the two. The buggy also stays standing when folded, meaning you do not have to worry about the child falling out or getting harmed during this process.
Some folding pushchairs prams pushchairs are compact enough that they fit into the boot of your car. They're great for frequent travel or those with a small vehicle. There are also day-today buggies that take up a smaller amount of space than a standard pushchair but still come with decent features, like a comfortable recline and wheels that are lightweight. They're also generally light enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad when needed.
Some pushchairs can be used from birth, since some have a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They could also be compatible with travel systems, so you can attach an infant car seat to the frame with just a click.
While they don't have the tiny fold of a travel buggy the majority of compact pushchairs take up a tiny space when they're folded with the seat in, so they're perfect for those who are short of storage space in their home or live in an apartment. They're also light and usually have an umbrella to shield them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this category can be folded with one hand by pressing a button. It is great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also incredibly light, making it easy to handle on rough surfaces, and comes with excellent suspension. The seat can be turned to face either the outside world or the parent and the hood can also be extended to provide extra sun protection.
Convertible
A convertible stroller can be modified to meet the demands of families that are growing. It could be an individual stroller that can be transformed into a double stroller to accommodate siblings, or even a triple stroller by adding a third seat. The UppaBaby Vista V2 is our top choice. It's a versatile stroller that can be transformed to accommodate a car seat or bassinet for newborns as well as two toddler seats or even a third child using adapters.
Aside from transforming shape to accommodate different configurations, convertible strollers should offer adjustable features, such as height and reclining. They should also have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms, or grandmas to push. Also, since these types of strollers often have more parts than traditional pushchairs, they will be more stable and less likely to fall over when carrying several children or loads of equipment.
The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a first-of-its-kind that combines a full-featured single stroller with the pull wagon, removing the need for parents to invest in separate products. It is able to convert quickly and easily to one stroller or a double stroller, without the necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give ample seating space when being used as a wagon. The Larktale is bulkier than our other top convertibles, but it has excellent maneuverability and can easily handle hills. The biggest issue is the limited storage under the seat. Click here for more info.
Safety
A good prams pushchair will have numerous safety features, such as five-point harnesses for the baby. It should be able to fit over the shoulders over the waist, around the waist, and between the legs. It is important that the harness doesn't become loose, and there aren't any areas that children's fingers might be stuck.
There are many different pushchair brakes available so choose the one that best suits your needs. A foot brake is the most popular and is ideal if you are likely to stop a lot for shopping. A hand brake is found on a lot of jogger-style pushchairs and is more useful in situations where you'll be changing momentum often like when you go for a run. Some pushchairs come with an active hand brake that works by pressing a pedal using your foot. This is a great option for parents who will be frequent stop-and-starts since it helps to maintain your balance while applying pressure on the wheels.
Examine if the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is particularly useful for those who live in areas that have steep slopes or uneven terrain. A front wheel lockable can help stop the pushchair from slipping away when you are in a hurry or there is a lot of baggage in the back.
While it might seem like something of a minor issue but the weight of the pushchair is something to bear in mind too. Even a pushchair that is light can be quite heavy when loaded up with a growing child and shopping bags. Be sure to check the weight of the item and think about whether you'd be capable of lifting it into the car boot and up the stairs while balancing a toddler and juggling a takeaway coffee.
Buggy or pram are designed for babies that can sit up. They are generally used after the age of six months. The seat can be positioned to face you or away from you, depending on whether you want your child to connect with you or explore the world. Many pushchairs prams come with adjustable handles, seat positions, and other accessories.
Comfort
There are many pushchairs with features that are comfortable for parents. Some are better suited to rough terrain or city streets than others and the type of brake is also something to consider. A foot brake, for example is the best choice for daily use. An active hand brake, found on jogger-style pushchairs can be more responsive on an adventure.
One of the most important comfort features is whether or not your stroller has a full lie flat position for infants. Babies need to be lying flat in a position to help develop their spine, and it is important to choose a pushchair with this feature from birth. This will allow your child to sleep or relax comfortably, which will allow for longer outdoor excursions as well as a happier and healthier child.
If you're planning on 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 will make it easy for you to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep him calm and minimize the amount of fuss.
Some pushchairs have a smart adaptor for car seats that allows you to easily connect your car seat. It is possible to use the seat from birth to toddlerhood and save money and time. Many brands also offer a travel bundle that includes a carrycot, baby car seat, adaptors and footmuff all in one purchase.
A well-designed suspension system is also important particularly for the front wheels. This can really make the difference when you drive on rough terrain or city roads that allow you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfortable.
Other useful comfort features you may want to look for include a large shopping basket (or even an additional bag), adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat, and a the hood that is ventilated. All of these features will help you navigate around town or country and ensure that your child gets the best sleep possible for the longest nap possible.