How to Choose a Pushchair

Choosing a pushchair comes down to what features will be most beneficial to you as a parent. During the first few weeks with your newborn, chances are you will want to enjoy some well earned rest. This will allow you to draw up your new family routines and create a lovely family dynamic. Leaving your cosy home can be one of the last things on your mind.

Once you regain your strength and sleep, you'll be craving to get out and introduce your baby to the wonders of the world. Yes, it is possible to carry your child in a sling at first. But once your baby starts growing, this option can become a little tiring! You will need a suitable alternative. This is where a quality pushchair come in handy.

A quality pushchair allows you to get your child comfortably from point A to point B with minimal fuss and backache. That is the beauty of a pushchair. It carries out this duty very safely. You can also get your pushchair with plenty of storage space to help store things such as your changing bag or help with your essential shopping trips for milk and nappies.

We understand that deciding on a pushchair is not easy. There are many things to consider and contrast between. The pushchair world even seems to have a vocabulary of its own. When looking after a newborn, learning a new language is not the first thing on your mind. But, we are here to help you save yourself the headache of getting lost in hours of pushchair research. Here we will discuss the most critical factors to look for when choosing a pushchair.

Adaptability

It’s always best to opt for a pushchair with adaptable features. This ensures you will be getting good use out of it for several months or years. We give this advice for most baby products. Because in general, it makes the challenging parenting life a little bit simpler.

Most people think that prams and pushchairs are the same things. But they are actually different. Prams are used for newborns who need to lay flat and are usually designed to have the baby facing the parents. On the other hand, pushchairs are forward-facing and designed for older babies and toddlers who are already or currently learning to sit up. So the primary difference is the target age. This means that you may need to buy a completely new pushchair once your child reaches a certain age. But, having an adaptable pushchair saves you time and finances. So we definitely recommend this.

Pram/pushchair combos can come with a host of adaptable features. Some can even change to a carrycot or seat unit for when the time is right. Again this makes your tasks as a parent that little bit simpler. 

Another factor you’ll want to think about is whether the pushchair can be folded and stored easily. This is especially true for parents who regularly commute via public transport and those with minimal living or car-boot space.

Terrain

Your pushchair needs to be equipped to handle the terrains you will cross as a family. It also needs to do this safely and comfortably. Think of it like this. When buying a car, you would not buy a sports car for off-roading

If you are a city-liver and tend not to venture into different terrains, this feature will not be as important. All pushchairs can handle flat and even surfaces. In this case, look at getting a pushchair that stands out from the crowd.

However, for those who like to go off-grid often, for example, hiking through rocky terrains or walking along sandy beaches, you will need an all-terrain pushchair. Requiring features such as big, robust wheels.

There are even pushchairs designed explicitly for sporty parents. If you like to exercise and struggle to find the time as a parent, this is perfect for you. These are called jogging strollers, and they come with three wheels. The front-wheel swivels, allowing for swift turns and movements. Most jogging strollers come equipped with a handbrake and a foot-operated parking-brake for optimal safety.

While these jogging strollers are ideal for active parents. They are not recommendable for simple every-day use as the manoeuvrability is limited.

Add-Ons

There are certain accessories you simply can’t go without. While some pushchairs include everything you need to get you through all types of weathers and situations, others don’t.

Two of the most important things you’ll need to keep your baby safe and comfortable through all temperatures are a UV sunshade.

UV sunshades for prams can be mounted to different parts of the pram. They come with a flexible handle that allows you to position them to keep your baby protected at all times. At the same time, allowing for visibility so your baby can see the world go by.

Rain covers or hoods will get your baby through wet seasons. There are different types of rain covers and hoods available. Some only cover the front part of the pushchair. Others cover the pushchair in its entirety.

It’s always a good idea for the super-cold winter months to invest in a warm lining. Keeping your baby snug even when it’s freezing out. Remember, your baby is not as good at regulating their temperature as you are yet.

Footmuffs are very popular. Cold feet stop us from warming up the rest of our bodies. Keeping your baby tucked in a footmuff will ensure their feet will stay nice and toasty.

You may also want to consider older siblings or whether you are planning on having another baby in the future. Specific add-ons could really facilitate your every-day life and end up saving you money. Look into pushchairs that feature attachable double options or a step on which an older sibling can hitch a ride.

Finally, clip-on toys for the pushchair’s bumper are always a fantastic add-on. They keep your baby happy, occupied and stimulated. 

Making An Informed Pushchair Choice

So, before making a decision on which type of pushchair to buy, consider your needs. All your personal circumstances are relevant. There are so many types of pushchairs now suited to all different lifestyles. You will be sure to find one right for you.

Think about the features outlined above and ensure you invest in the right pushchair for you.