The Ten things you should look out for before you buy
1. Comfort - One of the first things to do is to consider how comfortable your child is going to be in the baby pushchair you choose. If you have a brand spanking new baby then you need a buggy or pushchair that has a lie flat option. A pushchair with a lie flat option is also more benficial if you are transporting your baby for long periods of time. Bottom line is your baby needs to be comfortable so choose a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 lie flat pushchair that suits your child. Check the padding of the seat and the safety straps.
2. Ease of Use - Where do you live? In a flat up many flights of steps or in as country house with bumpy tracks and roads. Be aware of your surroundings and choose a pushchair that best suits your situation. If you live in a block of flats then you should be looking at lightweight Pushchairs and if you live in the country then chances are an All Terrain Buggy will best suit. How do you travel, by car, bus, or by foot? Again, have a look at how best you travel and
buy a pushchair that best suits your transport needs.
3. Storage - We are not all blessed with masses of space, so it's important to consider where you are going to store your Pushchair when it's not in use. If you live where space is at a minimum then you should be considering getting a Compact Pushchair that folds down nice and small. If you are fortunate to have oodles of space then this is less important, and therefore you may want to go for a pushchair that is slightly bigger and more durable.
4. Durability - This depends on your lifestyle. If you are only using your pushchair to move the kids from car to front door then you may want something less durable than someone who will be out jogging in the countryside. A slightly less durable, lightweight Umbrella Fold Buggy will best suit you should you only poodle around the shops, whereas a solid three wheeler would better suit if you are galavanting around the countryside. You should be aware that the more sturdy a pushchair, the heavier and more cumbersome it normally becomes.
5. Protection - It is important that your little one looks and feels protected form the elements. Check to see if the pushchair comes with a raincover, safety harness and adequate protection from any bumps and knocks. Modern pushchairs all conform to very strict safety standards so you can buy in confidence that they will protect your little one.
6. Flexibility - Do you need the pushchair to be easily operated with one hand and fold with a one hand system ? Do you need it to quickly and easily attach a variety of carrycots and carseats. If so be aware that the more flexible and intricate the pushchair set up, the heavier and less compact the pushchair normally is.
7. Handle Height - One of the most overlooked problems is the push handle height and position. If the handles are not adjustable then you need to make sure they are at a height that suits you. If you and your husband are both going to be pushing the pushchair then make sure it suits you both. A big problem is the handles are too high or too low and can cause blisters.
8. Suitable Storage - are you going shopping or planning to store plenty of bits and bobs within the pushchair. If so, then you need to get a pushchair with a large shopping basket. Different brands vary with some providing large baskets and storage and other with very little. As a rule of thumb, the bigger and heavier the pushchair the larger the shopping basket.
9. Braking - How are the brakes set up. Be aware of how they work on the pushchair and that arrangement suits you. Most modern pushchairs have simple one touch braking systems, but just check and assess the brakes as and when you go pushchair shopping.
10. Lockable Wheels - Most modern pushchairs have a wheel locking system. Make sure it is configured right for you. If you are regularly on steep hills then you would be better suited to a full 4 wheel locking system, whereas if you are mainly on the flat you may prefer independent wheel locking.
Kind Regards
Team Babygear
