Part 1 – Your Child’s Requirements
How old is your child?
You really need to take this into consideration as the needs or a newborn are very different from those of a toddler (I’m sure you already know this), and so the choice of pushchair is of paramount importance. You should be aware that there are many models of pushchair that will change and adapt as your child grows, removing the need to constantly buy new pushchairs.
Newborns need to be able to lie flat and therefore you should be looking at:
- 2-in-1pushchairs -which will have a fully recline to a flat position
- 3-in-1 pushchairs -which have all the above plus a flat based carrycot
- Travel systems- which will normally have all the above plus a car seat
The above selections will easily accommodate a newborn right the way through to a toddler, as your child grows the pushchairs change and adapt to accommodate them. The full travel systems incorporate a car seat which is very useful when moving your baby from car to pushchair, allowing you an easy move without waking your little one.
Toddlers need a pushchair that is comfortable enough, waterproof (especially in the UK), sturdy, and well insulated (this would include having a foot muff with your chair). Many of the pushchairs and strollers on the market come with rain covers and foot muffs included, but be sure to check this. If you are buying for a toddler you should be looking at:
- Strollers or buggies- lightweight pushchairs that are easy to transport and compact
- 3 wheeler- sturdy off road or bumpy ground pushchairs with soft tyres and good suspension
- Jogging Stroller-very sturdy off roader, 3 wheeler, with air tyres and good suspension
Multiple babies need a pushchair with two or more seats. It is possible you have had twins or triplets, or you may have a toddler and a newborn. If you are buying for more than one baby you will be looking at:
- Tandem pushchairs- two seats, one seat in front of the other
- Double buggy- two seats, side by side
- Triple buggy- pushchairs for three children, side by side
Your lifestyle
You are vastly different to any other parents in the way that you lead your life and therefore you should be looking at pushchairs that are well matched to your unique situation.
If you mostly use public transport you would be advised to look for a pushchair that is lightweight, easy to fold, compact and very easy to carry (with one hand). This type of pushchair would also be useful in any situation where you need these specific attributes. E.g. regularly walking up and down flights of stairs.
If you mostly use a car you should be considering how big the car boot is compared to the folded size of the pushchair, it can be a real pain to find out after buying your pushchair it does not fit in your car. A useful consideration when travelling by car is to use a pushchair that is car seat compatible or use a complete travel system.
If you mostly walk around town you should be choosing a pushchair that is quite sturdy with swivel wheels, increasing the pushchairs manoeuvrability. If you are pushing for long periods of time it is also important to have adjustable handles. You will find most of the modern pushchairs incorporate this facility as standard, but it is something to check.
If you mostly walk in the countryside you should be again looking for a very sturdy pushchair, preferably with fixed wheels, making it easier for the chair to handle the rough terrain. Handle height is again something to consider as well as looking at buggies with larger wheels (soft air filled) and suspension. There are many good 3 wheeler and 4 wheeler options to choose from that meet these requirements.
If you mostly go jogging you should only consider pushchairs specifically designed for this purpose. They are very sturdy, have large air filled tyres, are 3 wheelers and have very good suspension.
If you lack space at home then it is wise to look for a pushchair that can fold into a very compact unit and stored easily.
Tags: double buggy, New Born, Jogging Stroller
The best are 3-in-1 pushchairs. You have to invest more money but you get what you want.