Part 3 – Types of Pushchair
Types of Pushchair
Pushchairs
Your average pushchair will normally have a fully reclined seat back facility (usually suitable for newborns) and can be used up to when your child is a toddler. There are a variety of pushchair components across the different brands but a general list of features normally includes:
- A lightweight frame
- Very easy to fold (flat fold for storage purposes is common)
- Swivel wheels that have a locking facility
- Adjustable footrest and handle bars
- Shopping basket
- A bumper bar
- Many reclining seat positions (including full lie back)
- A reversible seat unit (so baby can face towards or away from you)
- Come with a carry handle
- The feature to use a carrycot and car seat as part of a travel system
Strollers & Buggies
Strollers and buggies differ from pushchairs in that they are normally one use only (although some recline) and very rarely have the ability to use a carrycot or car seat. However, what they lack in versatility they make up for in terms of being very lightweight, easy to transport, very easy to fold and are traditionally used for holidays and travelling. Although they are also commonly used for shopping you should be aware that many of them do not have very large storage capabilities. Generally strollers & buggies have a combination of these features:
- Strong & lightweight
- Reclining seat
- Swivel wheels that have a locking facility
- Adjustable footrest and handle bar
- Very compact
- A carry handle
This is a pushchair that will convert into a pram when fully reclined, and so incorporates the welcomed comfort of a pram with the practicality of a pushchair. This pushchair/pram is suitable for newborns to toddlers. Generally a 2 in 1 pram will feature some of the following:
- Suitable for newborns to toddlers
- Reversible seat unit to either face toward or away from you
- Can have swivel or fixed wheels
- Easy fold options
- Handles on the seat to lift in carrycot mode
This is a pushchair which incorporates the 2 in 1 pushchair with the added feature of having a separate carrycot for transporting your baby around and letting him/her sleep in. The features are very similar to those of the 2 in 1 pram/pushchair and include:
- Reversible seat unit
- Swivel or fixed wheels
- Easy fold
- Large shopping basket/tray
- Co-ordinating accessories
- Seat unit retracts into lie flat position
Three Wheeler and Jogging pushchairs
These sporty looking pushchairs are designed to give a bit of extra sturdiness and comfort when pushing around town, walking in the country, or jogging. Most have very soft tyres and give much better suspension as a result. Most are only suitable for babies over 3 months although there are some that do provide a fully reclined experience and are therefore suitable form birth. One thing to watch out for when considering a 3 wheeler is the higher chance of getting a puncture. Even if the 3 wheeler isn’t suitable from birth, many are car seat compatible and will hold the baby until he/she is old enough to sit in the pushchair. Many of the models incorporate the following features:
- Pneumatic tyres designed for comfort
- Quick release wheels
- Ability to fold flat
- Car seat compatible
- Rain cover, shopping basket and foot muff
These can be the best solution for your transport needs, as the Travel System provides complete versatility that adapts with your growing baby. They are extremely durable and can last up to the age of 4 years old. They normally include a carrycot and car seat and are suitable from birth. The beauty of a Travel System is you are able to and from a car and pushchair without waking him/her. The Travel System normally comes with a combination of these features:
- Matching styles of pushchair, carrycot and car seat
- Multiple recline positions
- Swivel or fixed wheels
- Adjustable footrest and handle bars
- Large shopping tray or basket
- Pushchair, carrycot and car seat
The tandem pushchair allows two babies to sit one behind the other, which makes the buggy much narrower, a bonus when you are constantly going through open doorways or tight gaps. It is much longer than most other chairs so many have quite a large folded size, however with modern technology most tandems fold down to a reasonable size. They are suitable from birth upwards, some are suitable for twins and some are more suited for a baby & toddler combination. Generally the Tandem pushchair consists of:
- Multiple recline positions
- Independent moveable seats
- Adjustable foot rests
- Suitable for children of different ages
- Fits car seat to the frame
- Lockable swivel wheels
- Padded liners
Double buggies will cater for two babies or children side by side. Some are suitable from birth and will cater for children up to four years old. They are available with wither three, four or six wheels. You would be well advised to check the size of your boot as some brands of double buggies are quite large, even when folded. Double Buggies generally come with a combination of the following:
- Multiple independent recline positions
- Swivel wheels with lock facility
- Umbrella fold facility (makes it very compact for storage)
- Suitable for two babies or children of differing ages
- Fit a car seat to the frame
With the growing number of women having triplets, triple pushchairs have burst onto the pushchair scene. Be aware that brands are limited and the folded size is quite large so you will need plenty of space and a large car boot. Generally triple buggies have a combination of the following:
- Umbrella fold facility
- Large shopping basket
- Multi position seat units
- Suitable from 3 months to 3 years
Wheel size and movement
The larger the wheels on the pushchair, generally the softer and more comfortable the ride will be for your baby. This is of particular importance when you are doing lots of walking, either in town or off road.
Swivel wheels provide much better manoeuvrability, great for tight corners and in and around town. Fixed wheels are much better for off road use.
Weight
This is an especially important factor when you consider how difficult it is to move a baby around all day. If you consider yourself to be quite strong then you can opt for a chair that is slightly heavier, whereas if you are not very strong a lighter chair would be best suited.
Comfort of the baby
Ultimately, the right pushchair should be base upon how comfortable the pushchair is for the baby, and therefore you should consider carefully comfort factors such as multiple recline positions, well padded seats, rain covers and foot muffs. These accessories are normally available as extras if they do not come as standard with the pushchair.
Important Pushchair Accessories
Although there are a vast range of accessories that you can attach or use in conjunction with your pushchair, it is very important to include the following essentials:
- Rain cover- especially important in the UK (with our wet weather) a rain cover will keep your little one fry when the rains come. Many brands include a rain cover as standard.
- Foot muff – these are little sleeping bags that will keep your baby warm when it gets cold. Some brands provide these with the pushchair.
- Car seats – If you are buying a pushchair and using the car as your primary mode of transport it is advisable to buy a car seat in conjunction.
Safety Features to be aware of
Although your budget will pay a crucial part in which pushchair you choose, please try to pay close attention to the following safety features and advice as you choose your pushchair and when you are using it:
- Make sure the pushchair is sturdy enough to protect your child
- Ensure the chair has a 5 point safety harness, ensuring it is used every time you start a new journey
- If you stop your pushchair, always put the brake on
- Do not hang shopping bags on the handlebars, as this could cause your pushchair to topple over injuring your child and damaging your pushchair
- Always check the tyres each time you start a journey
Finally
If you are having trouble finding a pushchair, pay a visit to your local pram shop to get professional advice. Alternatively an online pushchair assistant can help guide you towards the right chairs based upon your strict criteria.
Finally, I wish you well in your search, and I hope I have been able to clear up any confusion and given you the confidence to go out there and choose a pushchair.
Happy hunting
Babygear Team
Tags: pushchairs, double buggy, 2 in 1