Pushchairs and Prams Buying Guide
Your pushchair or pram is likely be used on a daily basis well through the toddler years, so it is important to find one that best suits your needs. Naturally, safety and comfort should be high on your priority list, but here are a few more things you should consider:
Your Lifestyle: If you rely on public transportation, size, weight, and portability are essential factors. Test how easy it is to quickly fold the pushchair or pram for catching a bus, or negotiating a flight of stairs. If you walk more often than drive, look for a sturdy pushchair or pram with good suspension and easy maneuverability. If you're a frequent driver, try a lightweight pushchair or pram that stores compactly in your trunk. For athletic and outdoorsy types, a jogger might be perfect.
Space Limitations: How big is it, folded and unfolded? Will it fit in the trunk or back seat of your car? Will it fit through a standard-size door? Can you take it on a subway or bus?
Weight: If a lot of lifting and climbing of stairs is expected, choose a lightweight pushchair or pram. Trying to coerce a heavier model up or down stairs isn't safe for you or baby.
Childs Age: Only pushchair or prams that fully recline are appropriate for babies under 3 months, while a convertible pushchair or pram will take you through the toddler years. If you have more than one child, a double pushchair or pram is an obvious choice (buy one that fully reclines if you have one or more young infants). For toddlers, a lightweight or umbrella pushchair or pram is usually just right.
Your Height: While your baby's comfort and safety are most important, remember to also consider your height and stride. The pushchair or pram should be comfortable for you and any additional caregivers, so look for a model with adjustable handle height if you plan to share pushing responsibilities.
Wheel Type: Unless you need the additional stability offered by the fixed-position, oversize wheels found on joggers and larger prams, fully independent wheels are recommended.
Portability: Many parents have two pushchair or prams for various needs. A full-size pushchair or pram is great for longer, bumpier rides, while the ultracompact umbrella fits everywhere from trunks to overhead bins on planes. If you buy only one pushchair or pram, keep portability at the top of your list.
Sanity-Saving Features: As with cars, there are many innovative and time-saving pushchair or pram features available. Some models offer the beloved one-hand-fold feature; others have all-terrain wheels; others include parent trays. Plan ahead and think about what you can and cannot live without.
Budget: It is possible to find a great pushchair or pram without spending a fortune. (It is also possible to find subpar pushchair or prams at sky-high prices.) However, more often than not, you get what you pay for. Think carefully about the features you need and then narrow by budget. Your purchase could potentially last from your child's infancy well through the toddler years, so investing in a quality pushchair or pram may be more economical in the long run.
