If you're currently in a situation where you'll soon have to choose between baby pushchairs (strollers) and prams, you've more than likely already noticed that there's a vast selection to decide between. However, with such a wide variety on offer, choosing the ideal baby pushchair can be a little daunting to say the least.

Of course, if you're expecting your first child, then this whole process becomes even more difficult, simply because you've never been through any of it before.

Essentially, when wading through the variety of baby pushchairs for the perfect one, there are certain things you need to be looking out for, and so we have gone into some detail to outline these important factors for you below.

What Is Your Intended Use

While it may seem obvious to some, many parents rush out and buy a pushchair, only to later discover that they should have bought a pram instead. Of course, the deciding factor here is, the age of your baby. Remember, new born babies will need to lie down so a pram would be a better choice than a stroller for example. Also, what is your main reason for wanting to buy one? Will you be using it daily, or do you want it for going on holiday. While light weight strollers are ideal to take with you on holiday, they are not so ideal for daily use. Instead, you may be better off buying a complete travel system.

How Big Is Your budget

If you haven't yet started shopping around, you'll soon learn just how much the price can vary between different brands, so of course your budget plays a big part in making your choice. While there are many good quality pushchairs available at affordable prices, there are others which cost a small fortune, particularly some of the designer brands. However, if you shop wisely, a good pushchair can last for years, and as such, one should really see it as an investment. The important thing is, you should always shop around rather than rush into anything.

Children Choices

Of course it goes without saying; the number of kids you have will also influence your decision with regards to purchasing a pushchair. For example, you may need a tandem or a twin pushchair. Having said that, there are also some models available which allow you to add on an additional seat, just as there are those to which a ride-on board can be attached. Even if you're not expecting twins, if you have more than one child and the age difference is not that great, buying a pushchair that can accommodate both is very often a wise decision.

Good Looks and Style

Of course, nobody in their right mind would argue that factors such as practicality and durability are more important than good looks. But then again, good looks and style are also quite important to many parents. Remember, you're going to be using your new pushchair for a few years so it's something you'll be looking at and being seen with each and every day. The good news is, there are a vast amount of styles available nowadays, from all terrain three wheelers, to contemporary three and four wheelers. The bottom line is, there's something to suit all tastes.

Consider the Weight Factor

That's right! Since you or your partner are going to be the ones pushing the pushchair most places you go, you should take it's weight into careful consideration. Remember, depending on where you live, you may well be faced with having to carry the pushchair up and down stairs each day. Then of course, if you use public transport, you'll have to lift it on and off buses and trains. So as can be seen, the weight factor can be very important to you.

Ease of Use

Clearly, you don't only have to concern yourself with maneuverability when you're investing in a new car. Those who live in the heart of the city have very different requirements when compared to those living out in the country, for example. Remember, if you constantly have to pass through narrow spaces or go in and out of shop doors, you'd almost certainly be better off choosing a pushchair with swiveling front wheels and a shorter wheel base. Likewise, if you're intending to go off-road very often then the swivel wheels may not be your best choice.

A Compact Design

Does it really make a difference whether or not a pushchair is of a compact design? Essentially, it depends largely on your lifestyle. If you've got lots of space in your home the storing a bulky pushchair poses no problem, but for those with limited space, a compact design is essential. Of course the same applies if you're going to be packing it in the car often. Remember, when you see them displayed in the store, they're fully unfolded in order for you to see all the features, so don't forget to fold them up before buying. Not only does this let you determine just how compact it is, but it allows you to determine how easy it is to fold away. Alternatively, if you are shopping online (as more and more people are) then you need to make sure that you get not just the open dimensions, but also the folded dimensions of the pushchair. This will ensure there are no disappointments when you finally start using it.

Comfort For Your Baby

While it seem hard to believe, many parents get so caught up in looks and design, they forget all about the comfort their baby will experience when in the pushchair. Of course, baby comfort is probably the most important factor of all, particularly if you foresee that your baby will be spending a lot of time inside the pushchair. Bear in mind that not all models will include a horizontal (lie-flat) position, and as this is essential for a new born baby, any pushchair which doesn't allow for this is simply not going to be suitable from birth. You should also try to ensure that the baby pushchair you choose has multiple back rest and restraint settings - as well as a changeable foot rest if possible. Additionally, you need to decide whether you want a front-facing pram capability, rear-facing or even the option of both.

Your Comfort as a Parent

Yes, your comfort counts as well- so it's quite important that you take your own comfort into consideration also. After all, you're the one who's going to be pushing the pushchair around, so make sure it's as easy a job as possible. Some ideas to use to test your own comfort with the pushchair are:

• Make sure you can push it and steer it comfortably using just one hand,
• Make sure the brake can be operated with ease without needing to strain yourself too much,
• And make sure that the handle or handles are at an appropriate height, or better yet, choose a model that allows for adjustable handles. This is particularly important if you're a tall person because having to crouch over while you push it could lead to future problems with your back.

Choice of Colours

Why is it necessary to decide on a good colour? Well, as has been mentioned, you're going to spend a considerable amount of time looking at it so yes, colour is important. Perhaps if you are traditionally orientated you will want blue for a little boy or pink for a little girl. On the other hand, you may want something more unisex, because who knows, just because your first child is a boy it doesn't mean your potential next one will also be. Of course, with so many different brands and styles available, pushchairs nowadays are available in every colour imaginable. As one more note, it is also worth considering the possible negatives associated with having a bright yellow or orange colour, as these will tend to attract many more bugs to your pushchair canopy. However, if you are in an area which does not have many insects then you could probably overlook this aspect- it's up to you.

What Extras

Many parents choose a basic model of pushchair in the beginning, whether for personal reasons, or whether it's due to financial restrictions. The fact is though, as parents, you'll more often than not want to enhance its appearance and/or features at some point so you're better off choosing one that allows for some diversifying. This can be extremely important further down the line should you need to add a large shopping basket, or even a carry-cot or car seat. The good thing is, many brands now offer an extensive range of matching extras which can be fitted with a minimum amount of effort and at a relatively low cost.

Accessories Available

While many accessories may not be that essential, they are for the most part, a lot of fun buying. Who wouldn't want to add on a few nice extras, thereby adding that personalized finish? Whether it’s a cup holder for that hot coffee or tea, or whether it's a sun shield, most modern brands offer a wide range of accessories for the discerning parent. While many accessories are more of a luxury than anything else, items such as an insect net can prove to be invaluable at times, especially if you plan on visiting warm tropical countries with your baby.

Of course, everybody's needs are different, just as everybody's circumstances are different, but providing you set aside enough time to shop around, there will almost certainly be some baby pushchairs out there which meet your needs. The tips provided in this article are essentially only intended to provide you with a starting point, so please, do yourself a favor, and make a list of all the points you feel are important. With a little effort, you can find a baby pushchair that will feel just perfect for you!