Pushchair Features

There's a bamboozling array of pushchairs for babies and you don't want to spend the next two years wishing you had a different one!  Here are some of the key features to look for when choosing your pushchair:-

• Style: pushchairs, prams, strollers, travel systems; different classes of buggy exist for different purposes.  You can buy a different style for each occasion, but our advice is just to buy the one most practical to what you believe you main usage to be.  Your baby will grow through two or maybe three pushchairs, so choose one that fits the stage you're at.
• Weight: the heavier the pushchair, the harder it is to push!  Heavyweight pushchairs offer robustness, but if you're going to have to lift it frequently (up stairs to a flat? Into a car boot?  Onto buses or trains?) then err on the cautious side and select a lighter model.
• Compactness: again if you have restricted space in the home or need to fit your pushchair in the car, make sure it folds down to a suitable size.
• Wheels: three wheel all-terrain pushchairs are popular, but not always practical - if you suffer a puncture then you'll struggle to get the contraption back home!
• Accessories: some pushchairs come with accessories, some don't.  Consider cosy-toes blankets, sun and rain parasols, a rain hood and drinks holder (for baby and/or mother).  When comparing on price, factor in any additional accessories that are included with different models.
• Storage: you're going to be pushing your pushchair around shops for the foreseeable future.  Most models warn against carrying backs on the back, but you're going to store your shopping on the back sooner or later!  Establish how easy to stack your shopping on the back, and do you have storage underneath?  A basket beneath your baby can come in very handy!
• Colour: probably the least important factor!  Baby's going to love it whatever, go for the colour or design you like the most!

Prices vary enormously - our advice is to decide on the model you want to buy, and then use Google Product Search to find the cheapest supplier.  Don't forget to add on delivery costs when comparing.  You'll save a small fortune buying baby equipment if you use comparison shopping sites online!

There's generally nothing wrong with picking up a pushchair second hand, or buying from eBay or any other 'Used' market.  However, you should avoid buying second hand travel systems because you don't know the history of the car seat element - if it has ever been involved in an accident then it may have been weakened making it potentially dangerous.