12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Pushchairs
Pushchairs - The Swiss Army Knife of Baby Transport
A pushchair, also referred to as a pram, buggy or stroller, is the Swiss knife of infant transport. From navigating crowded streets to braving rough terrain, these baby-chariots are designed to conquer all kinds of terrain.
A good pushchair will offer comfort and safety to your baby, convenience to you, and a opportunity for you and your baby to explore and bond. Find out what to look for when choosing one.
Folding
One of the main features that a lot of parents are looking for when they choose a pushchair is how easy it folds. The EeZeFold is a standout because it features a one-handed fold that allows you to hold the baby while folding the buggy. This means that you don't have to balance the two. The buggy stays upright when folded, which means you don't have to worry about your child falling off or causing injury during this process.
Some of the really compact folding pushchairs (like the Babyzen YOYO) are designed to fold so small they can be tucked away in the trunk of your car, so they're ideal if you're a frequent traveler or have a small car boot. Others are day-to-day buggies that require less of space than the average pushchair but still come with decent features such as a great recline and lightweight wheels. They're also usually light enough to carry by hand, and therefore can be used by Grandma or Grandad in case they need to.
The majority of these pushchairs are designed at older babies and toddlers because they can sit up, but some come with a lie-flat seating option and the option of adding a carrycot that makes them suitable for babies from the time of birth. Some are travel system compatible so you can attach a car seat for your baby with just one click.
A lot of compact pushchairs are extremely compact strollers when folded with the seat attached. They're great for people who are limited in storage space at home or in apartments. They're also light and usually come with an umbrella to shield them from the elements.
The Ergobaby Pivot 360, another popular pushchair from this class, can be folded using just one hand by pressing the button. It's great for traveling as it is easy to fold. It's also extremely light, making it easy to maneuver on rough surfaces, and has great suspension. The seat rotates to turn from parent-facing to 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 growing families. It can begin as a single stroller, change into a double stroller for siblings, and even become a triple pram stroller by the addition of an additional seat or ride-along board. Our top choice, the UppaBaby Vista V2, is a versatile single-to-double pram and pushchair stroller that converts to accommodate a bassinet, car seat for newborns as well as one or two toddler seats and even a third child by the use of adapters.
Aside from transforming shape to accommodate different configurations convertible strollers must also offer adjustable features such as height and reclining. They should have large, easy to grip handles that are comfortable for dads, moms or grandmas to push. Also, since these types of strollers often contain more components than traditional pushchairs, they will be more sturdy 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 a pull wagon, eliminating the need for parents to purchase separate products. It can be converted quickly and easily to one stroller or a double stroller, with no necessity of tools or conversion kits. The second seat and pull handle give ample seating space when used as a wagon. While the Larktale is a bit heavier than the other top-rated convertibles is very maneuverable and can be maneuvered well over hills. Its biggest flaw is the small storage space underneath the seat. Click here for more information.
Safety
A well-constructed pushchair should have several safety features, including five-point harnesses for the baby. The harness should be able to fit over shoulders and around the waist as well as between the legs. It is also important that the harness doesn't come out of its place and that there are no places where a child may get their fingers stuck.
Select the brake that best suits your lifestyle. A foot brake is the most common and ideal for those who are likely to stop often such as when shopping. Many jogger-style pushchairs feature a hand brake. This is useful if you will be changing your speed frequently, for example when you run. Some pushchairs have an active hand brake which operates by pressing a pedal with your foot. This is a good option for parents who will be stopping and starting more frequently because it allows you to maintain your balance while still applying pressure on the wheels.
Verify that the front wheel of the pushchair can be locked. This is extremely beneficial for those who live on uneven terrain or steep hills. A lockable wheel on the front can stop the pushchair from slipping away if you are in a rush or have a lot of baggage in the rear.
While it might seem like a minor consideration however, the weight of the pushchair is something you need to be aware of. Even a light pushchair can become quite heavy when stuffed with a growing infant and shopping bags. Be sure to know the weight of the item and think about whether you'd be in a position to lift it into the car boot and up the stairs while balancing a toddler and juggling a takeaway coffee.
Buggy, pram, or pushchairs are designed for babies that can sit up. They are usually used after six months. They come with a seat that can face toward you to bond with you and away from you to explore the world. Many pushchairs can be adjusted to seating positions, handlebars, and other accessories.
Comfort
There are a variety of pushchairs with features for comfort that parents love. Some are better suited to urban streets or rough terrain than others and the brake type is also something to take into consideration. For example, a foot brake is perfect for simple daily use, whereas the hand brake that is active on pushchairs with joggers can be more responsive and easy to operate on adventures.
One of the most important features of comfort is whether or not the pushchair is able to lie completely flat position for infants. Babies need to be lying flat in a position to help develop their spines, so it's worth choosing a pushchair with this feature right from the start. This will allow your baby to rest or nap comfortably, which will allow for longer outdoor excursions and a more relaxed and healthier child.
It is essential to select a pushchair that's compatible with the infant car seat you have chosen. This will make it easier to move your child from the car to the pushchair. It will also help keep the child calm and less agitated.
Some pushchairs have a smart adaptor for car seats, which allows you to easily connect 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 which includes a baby car seat, a carrycot, and adaptors, along with a footmuff, all in one purchase.
Another important aspect of comfort is a good suspension, especially on the front wheels. This can make all the difference when driving on rough roads or in urban areas, allowing you to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces easily while keeping your baby comfy.
Other features for comfort that you may want to look for include a large shopping basket (or even a separate bag) as well as a adjustable handle bar that can recline, adjustable seat position and an air-conditioned hood. Having all of these features will assist you navigate around town or country and ensure that your little one has the best sleep possible for his longest naps.