Buying a Pushchair Stroller

A good pushchair stroller should be easy to use. Find one that is comfortable for your feet and has a parking brake that's easy to adjust and release, and can stand upright without you needing to lift it up.

Some pushchairs convert to doubles and have separate carrycots and seat units to allow you to expand with your family. Look for a hood with SPF/UPF50+ as well as a parasol.

Comfort

The pushchair is likely to be used for long durations of time, so it's crucial to make it comfortable for both the child as well as the parent. The padding for the seat must be suitable for your child and the handlebars need to be adjustable to a suitable height. You may also want consider recline mechanisms Some have multiple positions whereas others only provide an upright position that is suitable for babies.

Different manufacturers employ different terminology to describe their products, but generally a pram is designed to be used by newborns and infants, whereas a pushchair and stroller are made for older infants and toddlers. Prams are more traditional and come with a larger frames. Strollers are generally lighter and compact. Prams can often convert into a stroller seat for infants, so you can continue to use them as your child develops.

Many parents choose to use a pram with their infant because it comes with a large carrycot that allows the baby to lie down flat and in a bed like environment. This is great for travelling and naps. They can be set to face either parent facing or to be orientated towards the world, making them ideal for parents who want to keep their baby in sight throughout their journeys.

If your pram doesn't offer a lie-flat option, you should consider investing in a separate carrycot that can be attached to your pram's chassis. These carrycots allow your baby to sleep in an upright position, which is crucial for the development of the lungs and spine.

A best pushchair for newborn or stroller should be easy to maneuver and come with a lightweight, sturdy frame that's well built and designed for smooth surfaces. Test out a friend’s pushchair to see how it handles, and if you can easily turn it and navigate it around tight corners. It is recommended to select a single-handed steering system which allows you to hold your shopping bags and the handlebars.

Strollers are generally designed to be lighter and more compact than prams, and can fold up neatly to store and transport. They are better suited for long distances and jogging. Some have additional features like sunshades, cup holders or adjustable hoods. They're a great option for families with toddlers and older infants who can sit up straight and take in the scenery.

Safety

Never leave a stroller in the car with children inside. Avoid carrying heavy bags and ensure that it is not overloaded, as this could cause it to topple over, particularly when you're climbing up or down slopes. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for the maximum weight limit for the basket and other areas that you could hang things from since it is essential to keep baby safe. Choose the basket with a lid that closes securely to keep toddlers or infants from getting their fingers caught in the gap.

A pushchair, also known as a pram or buggy, should always be equipped with a five-point harness that fits around the waist, shoulders and between the legs. It is also recommended to buy a rain cover to shield your baby from the elements. Straps and plastic links are an excellent option to stop toys from falling out or getting lost.

Pick a stroller with air-filled tires instead of solid rubber tyres for an easy and comfortable ride. These tyres work similar to bicycle tyres and offer a more comfortable ride. They will also absorb road bumps without feeling them. However, they are more prone to punctures than rubber tyres, so it is recommended to carry a puncture repair kit with you just in case.

Many parents choose to buy an infant stroller with a reclined seat to allow the baby to lie back and relax during a walk or outing. This is due to recent research that has shown that babies who are confined to an upright position may have breathing issues. It is recommended to only use a pushchair that has a reclining seat once your baby has reached six months old.

Find strollers with brakes that can be easily operated and remain locked when not in use. If you purchase a second-hand model, check that the brakes are in good working condition prior to using it with your child. Certain older models could have a high brake lever that toddlers are able to reach. This is a potential danger and you should replace the brake lever with a brand new one so that your child is unable to reach it when they are in the pushchair.

Style

If you're looking for a stroller that is suitable for rough and uneven terrain, you need to consider whether it has locks for swivel wheels. If you don't have a suspension, you will need one. It could cost more, but it's worth it if you're going to be using the pushchair off-road or on vacation where the terrain is rough.

If your baby is young, you should choose a pram that has a seat that can be set at a level. Research suggests that young babies who are not lying flat can be stressed when traveling for long periods of time and be experiencing breathing issues. It is therefore recommended that you travel only short distances in a stroller that does not lay flat with an infant.

If your baby is getting older and can sit up on their own, you can consider a pushchair stroller. They are generally less complicated than prams and can be folded to fit into your car's boot. They are also suitable for toddlers who are able to walk independently.

Both types of pushchair are available in a variety of styles and colors to fit your individual preferences and style. Many pushchairs are equipped with matching accessories to make your baby's experience more enjoyable. You can purchase a matching bag to keep your baby warm and cozy on outings. Or, you could include a Platinum Winter Footmuff which is made of real feather and down filling to withstand cold winter temperatures.

If you're planning to buy a 3-in-1 or 2-in-1 pushchair that is able to transform or recline, be sure to read the guidelines of the manufacturer for how to clean and maintain it. It will differ from one brand to manufacturer, but generally it is recommended to look for a fabric with a soft wash that is easily cleaned by a damp cloth. If your pushchair is exposed to dust or mud and dirt, it's better to wash your wheels with a hosepipe and soapy water to keep scuff marks from appearing.

Accessories

There are a variety of accessories for pushchairs that can improve comfort, functionality and style. Some are essential for all parents, while others can be customized to meet your specific needs.

A carrycot is a must-have accessory, offering newborns a secure environment to rest in. It can be attached easily to a pushchair, and comes with handles to be used when not being used. Carrycots also have a large hoods that shield children from the elements.

A changing bag is an additional essential item to have. It's designed to hold everything you need during the day you spend with your child. They come with handy straps and are perfect for keeping wipes, diapers clothes, bottles and snacks in reach.

A pushchair umbrella can be a great investment for rainy days. Most often made of waterproof material, they are designed to fit the pushchair frame for an accurate and protective fit. Raincovers are also a great addition to cars, as they're able to be used with all strollers and car seats.

As your family grows, you might want to add a second seat or a ride-on board to your pushchair. These items that resemble skateboards can be connected to the lower part of the stroller frame to let older children ride along. Most brands have adapters for their ride-on boards ensuring the easiest user experience.

A footmuff is a crucial accessory in winter that keeps babies warm with its soft liner and waterproof exterior. A majority of pushchairs come with an accessory for feet in their accessories selection or they can be purchased separately.

Stroller mittens are ideal for colder weather and allow parents to grip the handlebars and not take off their gloves or putting them on again every time they need to utilize the brake pedal. To make life easier the stroller organizer is a fantastic accessory that keeps essentials such as phones, keys bus passes, a slew of tickets and travel flasks all in one place for easy access.

A luggage tag can be a useful way to identify your stroller when you're out and out and about. Having your name and contact information on hand can be useful should your pushchair be lost or stolen It's worth the investment.