Baby Pushchairs: Making the Best Buy Decision


Baby pushchairs have different names depending on where you’re from. Some people call them prams, others call them strollers, and Americans call them baby buggies while Australians call them pusher strollers.

Whatever name you give them, they are a vital part of baby’s early days, actually all the way into toddler-hood. They tend to be almost one of the most expensive but necessary purchases you’ll make for baby, and they usually need careful thinking about. The reason why you almost cannot do without them is that you and your baby have to move around, and unless you want to carry baby in your arms everywhere, they are the only other way.

When you go shopping, even if you drive there, you have to move baby from car to grocery store. You will need to use a baby push chair. If you want to go for a walk, you’ll need to take baby along and you’ll need one too. And that goes for any other thing that may need you to leave the house.

Like most baby products, there are numerous models on offer. They come with all sorts of accessories and add-ons, and the more the accessories, usually the more you’ll have to pay. You need to consider your needs carefully before you make a decision.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. Many new parents do not know this and only realize it when faced with the problem, but baby pushchairs must be useable from birth. This means that they should have a collapsible bottom that allows baby to lie flat as if he were in a cot. Later, as baby grows, you should be able to adjust to suitable angles at each age. As baby grows older and older, they will one day sit upright in the push chair so consider that too.
  2. Think about size. There are push chairs of all sizes, some really small and some large. When making your decision, think ahead into the time that baby will be a toddler and will need more room.
  3. You need to get one which can turn from front facing to rear facing should you wish to do that. Toddlers will be a bit more settled when they can see around them. Icandy prams have a range of these which you can choose from.
  4. You can get baby push chairs that come with detachable parts, and these are usually money well spent. If you can get the sitting area to detach into a car seat, you save money. Same if you can pull out a few bits and get a carrycot.
  5. Buy one with adjustable handle height. You’ll need it when doing different things. Also look for swivel wheels – they save you a lot of negotiating to get into position.

These are the most basic considerations you need to make. In addition, your lifestyle plays a big role when you are looking at baby pushchairs.

Think about the following:

  1. Do you live in a place where you may have to negotiate crowded areas? If you do, you might need a push chair with very articulate steering. You will also need to buy one that’s compact.
  2. If you take public transportation, look for a collapsible one that’s easy to work with when you are getting on and off.
  3. Think about the size of your car. Many times, parents to be buy push chairs only to realize that they cannot fit them in the car.
  4. If you live in the countryside, a rugged push chair is a good choice. You will be on unpaved roads and you need something that can take the wear and tear, and baby must be comfortable against all the bumps during the ride.
  5. Are you a jogger? There are special push chairs for joggers too. Look at Instep Jogging Stroller or Baby Trend Jogging Stroller – they have modern, trendy and safe jogging strollers at affordable prices.

Lastly, when thinking about baby pushchairs, think about color and fabric. You can’t launder them; the best you can do is go at the stains with a cloth. Remember baby is going to be using it for a couple of years at least, so choose a color that will not show dirt too much.