With all the possible baby pushchairs available, it can be beyond just a bit confusing to know which style to buy. The first step you might take is to narrow down the choices by examining the many broad categories that baby pushchairs come in, as well as the different names used to describe very similar things.
You must realize that the names stroller and buggy are interchangeable with baby pushchairs and they may all point to differing types of carriages.
Below is a more concise description of the different types that will help you determine which style fits your lifestyle and needs.
Strollers or Pushchairs?
Stroller is the more American term used to describe small and light baby pushchairs and are known for folding down for easy transportation. Different models of stroller will recline in varying degrees, some may be appropriate for newborn use while others will recline only slightly. Most strollers are appropriate for older babies only since they face forward. The average age for use is between six to nine months for a stroller that does not recline at all. These types of buggies are often a lot less padded than the more full-bodied variety of baby carriages. Another reason they are not very suitable for extremely small babies is the lack of back support that children this young require. This is not the case with all strollers in this style so you will definitely want to check the back support if you are buying the stroller for a baby less than six months of age. A good choice among these strollers is one with an easy to use fold down mechanism, one handed preferably with a large basket underneath. Many times the size of the basket is overlooked in favor of color, design and overall size of the carriage itself but remember all of the baby’s things must be stored down there so it will need to be adequate. Finally make sure the stroller is well padded and includes a weather guard for times when you are caught in the rain or for winter use.
Forward Facing Pushchairs
This baby pushchair will be a bit heavier than the standard stroller above will, but many models are still fairly light nowadays. Forward facing pushchairs come in a hundred varieties and each will have its own special features. Some features you will want to look for are:
• Small swivel wheels in the front for easy navigation in tight or crowded areas that will lock for safety concerns.
• A good five-point seat belt system that will keep baby securely seated in the carriage.
• Wide wheelbase for stability.
• At least a three position seat recline
• Adequate padding
• Removable washable fabric
These are just a few of the features you will find on the many models of forward facing pushchairs. Generally speaking, you will find that all provide deep heavily padded seating, large rear wheels, swivel wheels on the front at least and large storage area underneath for baby’s things as well as light shopping needs. As you can probably deduce this pushchair has baby facing away from you so it is more suitable for older children, though a few will recline fully for newborn babies.
Two-in-Ones and Three-in-Ones
Two in one pushchairs are models that will convert from stroller to pram quite easily. This makes them ideal for growing with your child. In the beginning you can use it as a pram or carrycot for a newborn and then as the child grows the carriage converts again to a rear facing carriage and then finally to a forward facing model. With all the possibilities, this style will be slightly heavier than the first two listed here, but are well worth considering for many families.
Three Wheelers for All-Terrain
These pushchairs are usually all-terrain versions with larger wheels that allow you to transverse rougher territory. As the name suggests these carriages are built to take more rugged conditions, they are built sturdily to handle bumpy terrain. A few of these models can be used for a newborn because they come equipped with a fully reclining seat however they are not recommended until at least three months old. If you live in the country or simply do quite a bit of walking these pushchairs are very handy. One thing you must consider is the size; these can be heavy and bulky not fitting easily in the boot of your car. Despite their bulk, they are very easy to maneuver and you can purchase attachments to make them more suitable for newborns.
Tandem Pushchairs
Tandem pushchairs are just what they sound like a buggy with one seat directly behind the other. These can be comfortably used by children of varying ages. Most models offer reclining seats that can be adjusted independently, several will have as many as four or five settings to choose from. These of course are larger and you will need to make sure that it will fit easily in your vehicle before you buy.
Double / Twin Pushchairs
Similar to the tandem above the double pushchair was created for use with two children. This buggy is rated for use by children up to four years old and like the tandem may offer four or more seat positions. The difference between a double and a tandem is the manner in which the seats are arranged, tandem is one behind the other while a double has them side by side. This arrangement makes them less than ideal for small openings or store aisles.
The Good Old-Fashioned Upright Pram
The traditional pram is the image that most people have in mind when they think of a baby carriage. These are elegant bassinet style carriages with four large wheels to carry them. Grandparents are particularly fond of these antique style carriages. The down side is they will not be practical for very long. Children will begin moving around and trying to look out of the carriage at a very young age making a pram dangerous. In addition, they seldom fold up and require a lot of room for storage.
Triple Pushchairs
In this age, there has come a new type of pushchair designed to carry three children. You can expect a weight limit of about 50kg and a rating of four years of age. These are perfect for the parents of triplets or those who have three children extremely close in age. Built like a combination tandem and double stroller you can imagine how easy these are to fold or store, not to mention the wide berth they will require. Still parents with multiple children will be happy to have an easy method by which to corral the children for a nice walk.
Travel Systems
Travel system pushchairs come with a convenient matching infant car seat. The nice thing about these is the ease with which you can transfer your sleepy baby from the car to the stroller. These models are available in either three or four wheel variations and many have swivels built in for ease of use. These come with some of the same optional amenities as other pushchairs such as parent and toddler trays, adjustable handles and shopping carrier underneath. The main problem with these types of carriages is the price, since they are a combination buggy and car seat they are often times more expensive than other carriages.
Another travel transport option which suits some parents is the baby carrier. We recommend taking a look at something like the Kid Comfort III which offers excellent support and also great comfort for your baby. There are obviously many options but yoou should try to wear the one you want to buy before comitting to it, as some carriers just don’t feel comfortable or are too small unfortunately.
There are many options for parents looking for baby pushchairs today. They come in styles suitable for small and large families as well as handy combinations. This reality gives mums and dads much more flexibility in choosing baby pushchairs. You may not find one singular model which is going to offer every feature you would ever like, however you should always still be able to pick a baby pushchair that meets your needs very well, whatever they are.