Buyers Guide - which pushchair to choose?
Buying a pushchair can seem like a daunting task as there is so much choice out there at a price to suit everyone's pocket. It's easy to be overwhelmed by it all and just walk out with the first model the sales assistant shows you that has everything including a car seat, at a price you're happy with. But what if after a few months you discover it's not for you? Why buy a travel system if you don't drive for example?
Is It Suitable From Birth?
There are a few key points which will make your decision a whole lot easier. A primary consideration should be: Is it suitable from birth? Some systems are only suitable from 3 or 6 months so check it is suitable if it's for your newborn. This means it should have lie flat features as babies should ideally lay flat for the first few months. Rear facing is also a good idea so you can be reassured baby is OK without constantly stopping to peer in. This is where the Mamas & Papas Pliko Pramette type pushchairs are ideal as baby is rear facing and flat for the early months but the pram turns into a comfy forward facing pushchair when baby is older.
A pushchair can be a pricey purchase so you want to get as much use out of it as possible. Many people will expect to use their pram until baby becomes a toddler. This will cut down on your choice as lots of prams are lovely and cosy for a newborn but you'd be hard pushed to put a 2 year old in them. An option some people choose is to buy a 3in1 pram with carrycot for their newborn but when baby gets older proceed to a stroller type pushchair such as the Mamas & Papas Ziko.
Travel Systems
Do you want a travel system? Travel systems are OK if you want to quickly pop to the shops or post office without disturbing a sleeping baby. However, they shouldn't really be used as a way of having baby facing you, as babies should ideally be in a car seat for less than 2 hours at a time. The exception being the Jane Matrix lie flat car seat which is compatible with the Jane range of pushchairs. If you do want a travel system most makes of prams have these features and the manufacturers will advise you which car seat is appropriate. Do check to see that the car seat is compatible with your car, as not all car seats fit all makes. It is important the car seat is the correct fit for your car rather than the priority being that it fits your pram.
Three Wheelers
Three wheelers are ideal for the parent who enjoys the country walks but not all three wheelers are off roaders. Some are nippy urban movers like the Quinny range. The Buzz is suitable from birth and the Zapp from 6 months. The Phil & Ted are good all rounders and have the option of being a double with the size of a single for the growing family, and can revert back to a single when a double is no longer needed.
The Out 'n' About Nipper is a highly acclaimed double and single too, as is the Jane Powertwin which is a comfy option that can be travel system compatible when used as a double. Check to see if width is an issue; get a tape measure and make sure it fits through your door!
How Easy To Lift?
Consider the weight of your pram as the novelty of lifting a heavy system in and out of the car can soon become a back breaking chore. This is where the Bugaboos are fantastic as they weigh only 9kgs and are a comfy 3 in 1 that can handle any terrain yet turn on a sixpence around the shops. The even lighter 7kgs Bugaboo Bee can fold in one piece with one hand so is handy for lifting onto the bus or into the boot of the car whilst holding baby.
How Much Will It Cost?
Price is another factor but in the majority of cases, as with most things in life, you do get what you pay for.
However, if a Bugaboo is out of your price range but you don't need all of its fancy features, a pram such as the Hauck Infinity is a well priced option for your baby.