Pushchairs Buyers Guide

Finding the travel system that suits your lifestyle and budget may seem like quite a task because there is so much to choose from. Making the right choice is staightforward if you take into consideration the following points;

- Types of pushchairs,
- Baby's age,
- Suitability to your lifestyle,
- Size,
- Comfort, and
- Ease of use.

Combination Pushchairs

2-in-1 or 2-in-1-plus: A pushchair plus car seat has forward and rear facing seat positions with a lie-flat facility, making it suitable from birth. The plus models have a removable seat unit which can be used as a carrycot. The car seat clips onto the pushchair unit, which can make it rather bulky.

3-in-1: A chassis plus pushchair unit, plus car seat - the car seat or pushchair clips straight onto the chassis, so it's a much less bulky option. Has all the features of a 2 in 1, plus a separate carrycot which can fit onto the chassis.

Double Pushchairs: Can be bought with seats one behind the other or side by side. The "tandem" model is designed for children of different ages and comes with a fully reclinable seat unit at the back; the "twin" style has two fully reclinable seat units, so is suitable for either two babies, or two children of different ages.

All Terrain Pushchair (ATP)
Has three or four large, air-filled wheels. They are larger than normal buggies and can operate on lumpy, rugged, country terrain and sandy beaches, as well as city pavements. Some are suitable from birth, but they are usually more suitable from 3 or 6 months. If you want to use an all terrain pushchair from birth, some manufacturers provide cot seats, carrycots or conversion seats as extras.

Strollers
Off-road strollers are a cross between an ATP and an ordinary pushchair. They are designed to be used beyond the high street and come with large, chunky wheels suitable for grass, but are not as capable of tackling very rough ground as an ATP. They often have more seat padding than ATPs, which makes them more suitable for younger babies. They are also less expensive.

Buggies
Lightweight buggies are reasonably priced, simple to fold and light, usually more suitable for babies from 6 months. Great for short trips and easier to take on public transport.

Travel System - Car Seats
The infant car seat is suitable from birth to around 10 or 12 months old. These car seats can usually be attached to the pushchair or chassis by a locking system or strap. As your baby develops, it can adapt to become a toddler's pushchair. It is handy if the baby falls asleep in the car as you can simply lift him/her out and secure the car seat to the pushchair or chassis, and vice versa.

Many pushchairs are designed to see your child through several developmental stages, making them more economical. Some tips for various ages:

Newborns
Newborns often sleep in a horizontal position and have weak spines and necks, so need a buggy that has a lie flat facility. British Standards require that a buggy back must recline to an angle of 120 degrees, otherwise the manufacturer is legally required to state that it isn't suitable for a baby under six months.

Four months
Once the baby is able to sit up, and has more control of his neck, usually at about four months old, it is reassuring for the parent and child to be able to make eye contact, so a rear facing model is preferable.

12+ months
Later on when they are more alert, babies enjoy sitting up and looking around at the big wide world, so it's best to have a buggy that has a forward facing position. Some buggies state they are not suitable from birth, and others, which say they are, just don't look cosy or padded enough, especially if you have a winter baby which needs wrapping up for an outing (see comfort below).

Tips:
If you are buying a travel system, remember not to leave your newborn for long periods in the seat, as it is better for their spines if they lie flat. For parents with older children, always check the maximum weight limit of your buggy if they want a ride, as they are designed only to withstand a prescribed weight.

Before you buy this high cost item it is worth considering your way of life, and how you intend to use the travel system.

Using public transport
If you use public transport, have steps up to your home or use a small car, choose a carrier that easily folds down into a compact size. If you are leaping on and off buses and trains, check that you can collapse it with one hand. Some models have a carry strap which is also handy for travelling on public transport. It's best to look at the lightest models on the market.

Shopping on foot
If you do most of your shopping on foot or public transport go for a carrier with a good sized shopping basket. You can buy mesh shopping baskets as accessories, however, these tend not to hold that much, so you are better off going for one designed with a sturdy, spacious basket included. Remember, it is dangerous to hang shopping bags on carrier handles, as they are prone to tip over, especially when the child hops out.

Living in the country
Country dwellers would be better off with an ATP, and if you are planning on going for hearty walks in all weathers, a rain cover is a must. A handy tip for ATP users is to carry a bicycle pump with you as air-filled tyres can puncture. Be aware that ATPs are bulky and often quite difficult to collapse, so if you use public transport or want to bung a buggy in the back of your car for a quick trip, it might be worth investing in an extra cheap, lightweight one, when the baby is over 6 months.

Active lifestyles
If you lead an active life, but are not planning on tackling very rugged terrain, it's worth considering an off-road stroller.

Town life
Models with front swivel wheels are great for towns as these make them more manoeuvrable in crowds.

Using a car
If you use the car a lot, a travel system might be your preferred option. These can be fairly cumbersome and heavy, and by the time your baby reaches one year, you might want to swap to a lightweight buggy that is easier to put in the back of the car.

For a small budget
If you are working to a budget, check what is included in the price - some come with a rain cover and shopping basket, for instance, but many manufacturers make you pay extra for all the accessories, which can work out to be more expensive.

If space is tight at home and in the boot of the car, it is crucial that you measure the size of the boot, and your door widths before you buy the buggy. This is especially important if you are buying a double buggy, ATP or Travel System as these are particularly bulky. Measure the buggy's dimensions both when it is assembled and folded. The buggies with bar handles either collapse straight down, or fold over and down. Umbrella fold buggies have two handles and are able to fold into the most compact size. For storage at home, you can hang smaller designs on a coat hook, or there are free standing models.

Check that the material is well padded. How many recline positions are there? Does it come with foot muffs and rain hoods to protect your child from the elements? If not, can you buy these separately? If you are planning on using the pushchair for some time, check that it is roomy enough for a toddler.

Check for the following:
- Is it easy to fold and put up?
- Are the handles a comfortable height for you and your partner, and anybody else who will be caring for your child regularly? For taller people, there are some models that allow you to extend the handles to a more comfortable length.
- Are the handles soft and do they absorb shock?
- Can you apply the brake easily, and does it feel secure once the brake is on?
- Is the harness easy to adjust, clip together and undo?
- If there is a recline mechanism, does it slide down easily?

- Measure front door and car boot dimensions - make sure it will fit in.
- Think about ease of use - check folding mechanisms, brake, harness, manoeuvrability, the feel of the handle and height.
- Think about overall comfort - check the padding on the seat and sides, the recline positions, suspension and weather proof accessories.
- Think about whether your choice will suit your lifestyle.
- Check whether the price includes all the accessories you need.
- If you are buying second-hand, check for wear and tear - check if the harness is still strong, whether the brakes work and the wheels are secure and that there are no jutting out bits.