How The 10 Worst Pushchairs Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented

Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport

A pushchair, also referred to as a pram, buggy or stroller, is the Swiss army knife of infant transport. From navigating through crowded streets to navigating rough terrain, these baby-chariots are built to conquer all types of surfaces.

A quality pushchair provides security and comfort for your child, ease for you and a chance to spend time together and explore the world together. Find out what to consider when purchasing one.

Folding

One of the key aspects that a lot of parents are looking for when selecting a buggy is how easy it is to fold. A true standout is the EeZeFold which features an amazing one-handed fold that lets you hold your baby while folding the buggy, which means you don't need to move between the two. The buggy is also stable when folded, meaning 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 so small they fit into the boot of your car, which means they're ideal for frequent traveller or have a smaller car boot. There are also day-today buggies that are smaller in size of space than the average pushchair but still have decent features such as a great recline and light-weight wheels. They are usually light enough to be carried with hand which means that Grandma or Grandad can use them if necessary.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, and some have a lie-flat seat or carrycot option. They might also be travel strollers system compatible and allow you to attach an infant car seat to the frame with a single click.

Although they're not as tiny fold of a travel buggie, the majority of compact pushchairs take up very little space when they're folded with the seat in and are ideal for those who are tight on storage space at their homes or an apartment. They're also lightweight and often 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 the button. It's ideal for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also light, making it easy to use even on rough surfaces. It also has an outstanding suspension. The seat can rotate to change between parent facing pram-facing and world-facing, while the hood can be extended for extra protection and coverage from the sun.

Convertible

A convertible stroller can be reshaped to meet the needs of families that are growing. It can start as a single stroller, transform into a double stroller for siblings, and even turn into a triple stroller by the addition of an additional seat or ride-along board. Our top pick, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a multi-functional stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for infants and toddlers, as well as two toddler seats, and even a third child by the use of adapters.

Convertible strollers must have adjustable features, like the height and reclining setting. They should also come with large handles that are easy to hold, making it comfortable for dad, mom or grandma to push. And because these types of strollers often contain more parts than traditional pushchairs, they will be more stable and less likely to tip over when carrying multiple children or loads of equipment.

The Larktale crossover stroller/wagon is a unique model that combines a fully-featured single stroller with a pull wagon, eliminating the necessity for parents to purchase separate products. It quickly and easily converts to a double or single stroller with no tools or conversion kits, and offers plenty of seating versatility with its second seat as well as a pull handle when used in wagon mode. The Larktale is more bulky than our other top-rated convertibles however it is a great maneuverability and can easily handle uphills. The main issue is the lack of storage space under the seat. Click here for additional information.

Safety

A good pushchair will have several safety features, including five-point harnesses for the baby. It should be placed over the shoulders as well as around the waist and between the legs. It is also important that the harness doesn't come loose and has no areas where a baby may get their fingers stuck.

There are many different pushchair brakes available and you should choose one that best travel pram suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most popular and ideal for those who are likely to stop often like when you go shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature a hand brake. This is useful if you will be changing your momentum frequently, for example when running. Some pushchairs come with an active handbrake that can activate by pressing a pedal at the bottom of your foot. This is a good choice for parents who need to stop and starting their pushchairs more often. It allows you to stay in your position while still applying the pressure to the wheels.

It is also worth checking whether the stroller has an adjustable front wheel that locks. This is especially useful for those who live in areas with uneven terrain or steep slopes. A front wheel lockable can help to prevent the pushchair from rolling away when you are in a rush or there is a lot of baggage in the back.

Although it may seem like something of a minor issue however, the weight of the pushchair is something to be aware of. Even a light pushchair can be surprisingly heavy when stuffed with a growing child and shopping bags. Make sure you know the weight of the pushchair and think about whether you'd be able to lift it into the car boot and up flights of stairs while holding a toddler and juggling a coffee from a takeaway.

A buggy, pram or pushchair is designed for babies who sit up and is typically used from 6 months. The seat can be set to face you or away from you, depending on how much you want your child to connect with you or explore the world. A lot of pushchairs have adjustable seats, handlebars and other accessories.

Comfort

Many parents enjoy the convenience features of pushchairs, and there are many to pick from. Some are better suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is also something to take into consideration. A foot brake, for example, is best suited to everyday use. An active hand brake used on jogger-style pushchairs is more responsive during an adventure.

One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not your pushchair is able to lie completely flat position for newborns. It's important to choose a pushchair that has this feature right from birth. This will enable your baby to develop their spine into a flat position. This will give your baby a relaxing nap or time to rest, which will allow more time for outdoor adventures and a happier, healthier child.

It is essential to select a pushchair that is compatible with the infant car seat you have selected. This will make it easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also keep him calm and reduce fuss.

Some pushchairs have an adaptor for car seats, which allows you to attach your car seat. This means you can use the same seat from birth to toddlerhood, which saves money and hassle. Many brands offer a travel package that includes a car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, along with a footmuff, all in one purchase.

A good suspension system is also crucial, especially for the front wheels. This can make a big difference when driving over rough roads or in urban streets, allowing you to get over bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby safe.

Other useful comfort features you might want to check for include a large shopping basket (or even an additional bag) and a the reclining handle bar, an adjustable seat, and a ventilated hood. These features will aid you in your travels through the city or country and make sure that your child gets the best sleep possible for the longest naps.