Buying guide to pushchairs and strollers

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Finding the right pushchair or stroller

Preparing for your babies arrival is a hectic time as it is, before you even think about which pushchair is going to be right for you. These days there are so many to choose from that it can become a daunting task , not to mention trying to consider what you are going to be doing for the next 3 or 4 years – as thats how long you will be using it for!

Here at Baby and Toddler Advice we try to narrow down the options to help you find exactly what you are looking for without too much time and trouble...

Things to consider...

The seat

Newborn babies need to lie flat so if you are buying the pushchair to use from birth make sure that you can fully recline the seat.
After the first few months you can sit the child in a partly reclining position.
After six months your baby will be able to sit upright in the seat.
Do you want your baby to be facing a certain direction? Often seats can be reversed so your baby can face either direction.

Your lifestyle

Are you very active and walk everywhere? If you are big on walking then you will need a pushchair that has good manoeuvrability, sturdy wheels and suspension.
Do you catch the bus or use a car? You’ll need a lightweight, easy to fold type of pushchair – you can get pushchairs that can be folded with one hand now. Jumping onto a busy bus will mean that you need to be able to pack up your pushchair quickly.

What storage space do you have?

How big is the boot of your car? Measure this before you buy your pushchair so you don’t get caught not being able to fit!
Storage at home – if you live in a flat or a home with limited space and storage then you will need a pushchair that is compact and flat. And do you need to go up and down stairs to enter or exit your house? Some chairs will be easier than others with this.

How much do you want to spend?

Are you going to use the same one from birth through to being a toddler? If you are then you may want to spend a bit more.
Are you planning on having another child? Then you’ll want to get one that is durable and will last a long time, so it may be worth investing a bit more of your cash.
Find out what accessories are available with your babies pushchair – seat pads, footrest, raincover, sun shade, footmuffs, bumper bar, play tray? You may be able to get some of these included in your package to save money.

Key things to look for...

In the push chair

Sturdiness
Comfortable
Waterproof and well insulated
Manoeuvrability of wheels and material (rubber is usually smoother than plastic)

To fit your lifestyle

Where do you live?
What kind of trips will you be taking?
How do you want your baby to be sitting – in what direction, position etc

What are the options?

Travel systems - travel systems incorporate carry cot, car seat, and the pushchair. These travel systems can be used until about the age of three so are well worth the investment – although you will need to buy a larger seat as your baby grows!
Compare and buy Travel Systems from Baby Gear Heaven >

Strollers/Buggys – these are great if you use buses or trains alot as they are very easy to fold. They are also great for taking with you on holidays as are so compact. These days you can get them which can be adjusted to allow your baby to lie flat too so you can get them from the birth of your baby.
Compare and buy Strollers from Baby Gear Heaven >

Three Wheelers – no, we’re not talking Del Boy's favourite run around, we’re talking a sturdy, all-terrain pushchair that you can take on your long countryside walks, take jogging, and use for all those outdoor activities with total ease. They can prove a bit troublesome if using public transport as are a bit bulky.
Compare and buy Three Wheel Pushchairs from Baby Gear Heaven >

Tandems and double buggies – If you’ve been blessed with twins, or have a toddler and a baby then life will be much easier if you invest in a tandem or a double buggy. The tandem sits the babies one in front of the other whilst the double will sit them side by side. If you go for a tandem you will be able to move the seats independently, with the rear seat able to recline fully.
Compare and buy tandems and double buggies from Baby Gear Heaven >