Question Time!

1. Do you need a pushchair for more than one child?
   • You might have twins (or more!) in which case you'll need a double/triple pushchair. Make sure it is suitable from birth and each seat can recline independently as needed. For twins a side by side double pushchair would be best.
   • You may already have a young child who still needs a pushchair but you also need wheels for the baby. In this case a tandem would probably be better suited where the toddler sits up front and the baby can lie or sit behind.
   • If the your second child is older and will walk some way, you might be able to use a buggy board attached to a single pushchair where the older child stands at the back of the pushchair.
   • You can also take along a baby carrier so if the the older child needs a rest you could carry the baby in a carrier while little legs are given a rest!
2. What age is the child/children?
   • A newborn will need a pushchair that has a full lie-back seat. This is essential for the proper development of their spine.
     
   • From 3-6 months a reclining pushchair is required but need not be a full recline.
     
   • From 6 months you don't need a reclining seat but if your baby is going to nap in it then a recline is definitely more comfortable.
3. What will you be using the pushchair for?
   • If you are using it for a holiday then something lightweight and compact when folded will be ideal. Make sure it does recline as you are more likely to be out and about during the day and naps will be taken in the pushchair. Also a compact model will be easier for public transport, planes and carrying up stairs in hotels!
     
   • If you are doing a lot of walking, large wheels make light work of rough terrain but will make the pushchair heavier overall for lifting into car boots etc. Jogging also becomes possible with large wheels.
     
   • Hopping on and off buses or trains will require a lightweight, easy fold option. Ideally look for something that you can fold with one hand!
     
   • Are you likely to be doing a lot of shopping? If so, look for something with a large basket so you're not hanging bags off the handles which can cause the pushchair to tip.
     
4. Who will be using the pushchair?
   • If more than one person is likely to be using the pushchair and you are of different heights, look for an option with adjustable handle heights so you can easily adjust them depending on who is doing the pushing!
     
5. How big is your car?
   • If you have a small boot then folded size will be very important to you. Make sure you look at the folded dimensions of the pushchair and check your boot dimensions. Will it fit?
   • Some models have removable wheels which may have been removed when the manufacturer stated the folded size. Also they can be fiddly to get on and off which might mean more time standing in the rain!
   • Some models have removable seat units which may have been removed when the manufacturer stated the folded size. You will obviously need to factor that in when making sure your boot is big enough.
   • If you have a larger boot still check the folded size to be sure it will fit.
6. Where will you keep the pushchair?
   • Think about how much space you have at home and where the pushchair is likely to be stored. You don't want to have to squeeze passed it in the hall everyday! Check the folded dimensions and ensure it will fit into that cupboard under the stairs.
     
7. How much do you want to spend?
   • You can get a stroller for well under £100 that is suitable from birth. This would see you through till they are up and walking without the need for another purchase. But you can set your own price and then blow the budget if you want!

Pram Speak!

2 in 1

• This has a detachable seat unit which initially allows the baby to lie flat and later converts to pushchair mode in which the baby can sit up.

3 in 1

• This has all the features of a 2 in 1 but with the addition of a detachable carrycot. The carrycot is used for very young babies. It allows the baby to lie flat and is generally more roomy than a 2 in 1. It is usually suitable for overnight sleeping and, if so, it is not necessary to purchase a separate moses basket or crib. The detachable carrycot enables a sleeping baby to be carried from the pram into the house without being disturbed.
• Once the baby is able to sit up, the seat unit would be used. This is usually adjustable so that the baby can still lie flat but has a five point harness for securing the baby. It can be placed on the chassis to either face yourself or to face forwards.

Pramette

• This has a fully reclining seat that can convert into a soft sided carrycot. It is not detachable as in the case for a 2 in 1.
  

Travel System

• A Travel System describes any pram or pushchair with a collapsible chassis that will allow a car seat to be fixed to it.
• The car seat can be attached to the chassis at the destination without disturbing the baby. It is important to remember however, that during the period of development before the baby is able to sit up, car seats which do not allow the baby to lie flat should not be used for long periods of time.

Tandem / Inline

• A tandem pushchair has one seat in front of the other and offers a practical solution to transporting your baby and toddler together. They're suitable for babies from birth onwards, and some are suitable for twins.
  

Double

• For carrying two babies, or a baby and toddler, side by side. Some are suitable for babies from birth.
  

Stroller / Buggy

• Strollers or buggies are lighter, smaller and cheaper than conventional pushchairs. They are generally not as robust so offer less protection than a pushchair but are ideal for holidays or as a second pushchair for the car etc.

3 Wheeler

• With one wheel at the front and two at the back, a 3 wheeler offers great manoeuvrability.
  
• Large sized wheels are generally air-filled offering better comfort for your child (often known as All Terrain Wheels) and are great for jogging. But these also take up more room in the boot of the car.

Chassis

• This is the frame of the pushchair on which the seat unit is attached. For some 2 in 1's and 3 in 1's the seat unit must be removed to fold the chassis. You will need to consider storage space for both the chassis and the seat unit in your car or home.

Umbrella Fold

• As in the case of an umbrella, the pushchair folds into a long thin unit, collapsing widthways. Most 4 wheel strollers / buggies fold in this way. The length of the pushchair is the critical dimension in terms of storage.
  

Tri-fold / 3D fold

• This type of pushchair folds up into a small unit, collapsing in all directions.
  

Cosytoes / Footmuff

• This can also be called an apron and fits over the legs and feet of the child. They generally come in 2 parts with a seat liner through which the seat harness is threaded and then the cover zipping onto the seat liner.
• Look to ensure they are machine washable.
• They can come in different sizes so check that they are suitable for the age of your child. e.g. JJ Cole Lite Bundle Me Footmuff
• They also come with different fastenings and places for straps to fit through. Unless specified as suitable for your model of pushchair, check the position of the holes to ensure it will fit your pushchair.

Cocoon / Carrycot

• This is used for a newborn baby and is fully removable from the chassis. A cocoon is generally soft in construction and slots into the seat unit of a pushchair. A Carrycot is more rigid and could be used as a moses basket when at home as long as it has been passed for overnight sleeping. This is normally purchased separately from the pushchair.

5 point harness

• This type of harness is fitted to the pushchair in 5 places: Over each shoulder, around the waist and between the legs making it the most secure harness you can use.

Infant support / Head-hugger

• This is a padded addition to the seat that fits around the head and back of an infant giving them a more secure and supportive seat. This is sometimes included with the pushchair.

Calf support

• Some pushchairs have adjustable calf support which is lovely for the child if they are taking a nap as their legs can also raised.

Hood

• The hood protects from rain and sun and will be adjustable in that it can fold up and down. Some will have a parent window so you can peek in while pushing the pushchair along. The hood may also be detachable.