Buying the wrong baby pushchair for you is actually very easy to do, especially if it’s your first time to shop for one.

It’s a common mistake to end buying a pushchair just because it looked good or that just because Posh was pictured on last week’s magazine with it.

When buying a pushchair, the most essential thing is to inspect the features and analyze how well it will be able to meet your needs.

Generally speaking, when you’re looking at pushchair features, bear in mind that one advantage usually has a corresponding disadvantage so be prepared to find out first

1) What that disadvantage is, and

2) How that disadvantage will affect you.

Most of the time these disadvantages could be of trivial consequence to you, but it pays to know what you will be dealing with so you can make an informed decision.

For example, big chunky wheels may be heavy and takes up more boot space, but if you’re looking for a pushchair to use off road and one that you can take jogging with, then you may decide that for you the benefits of buying an off-road buggy far outweighs the inconvenience its size may cause you.

The key is to know exactly what you are looking for, and hunt for that perfect pushchair that ticks all the boxes!

Folding Mechanism

As parents, we’re always multi tasking, so having a pushchair that we can fold simply and easily with one hand is high on our list of must-have features. Imagine holding your baby on one hand and having to struggle with complicated clips, buttons and accessories that need to be detached first before you can fold or unfold your pushchair? Not easy.

So when buying a pushchair look for those that you can adjust and fold and access easily with one hand. There are even some models now that fold and/or unfold by itself.

Brakes

Opt for pushchairs with simple brakes that are easy to switch on or off. When looking at brakes, be particularly aware of foot brakes that protrude – they can get caught on stair steps as you try to push it down the stairs, or they could get in the way of your feet particularly if you are long legged. There are some pushchairs with bike-style handbrakes, but most pushchairs have footbrakes.

Handles

Handles come in different shapes, sizes, height and even angle so choose a pushchair with handles that support the natural position of your wrists. Some pushchairs have adjustable handles, some don’t. Pushchairs with adjustable handle height can be very convenient if people of varying heights will be pushing the pushchair. Also, some pushchairs are foam covered, while some are metal handles, while others are covered with plastic. You may not think much about it now, but handles could play a role in how comfortable you’ll find pushing the pushchair several hours a day every day, so bear this in mind when buying.

Wheels

Wheels that are big and spoked may give a more comfortable ride for your baby, but they can also be big and heavy, and therefore more difficult to move around and require more space for storage.

Swivel wheels can improve manoeuverability as it will let you change direction easily but are best used on smooth surfaces. When used on rougher terrains, it can get easily knocked off course by the uneven ground surface. If you want the best of both worlds, choose a pushchair with lockable swivel wheels.

Bulkier tyres are better for rougher terrains (off-road use). If you’ll use the pushchair mostly on bumpy terrains, get a 3 wheeler pushchair (also known as all-terrain pushchairs). They usually have pneumatic tyres which give a much comfortable and smoother ride for your baby. Be aware that it can be a nightmare when punctured though so always keep a puncture kit handy.

Seat

Of course, it pays to check if your child will be comfortable and snug inside the pushchair. Some pushchairs have small seats while others provide more space. Always check if the materials and fabrics used to pad the seat are of good enough quality.

Protective Covers

Always check that the hood could provide ample protection for your child whatever the weather. There are some models that now have UV protective hoods, and some that allows you to see through so you can always check up on your child.

Hoods, canopies, parasols may or may not be included in the package you are buying, so check what your package includes.

Covers that are machine-washable and removable are best.

Leg Support

Having leg support will ensure your child is comfortable inside the buggy. Not all pushchairs have adjustable leg rests. If you’re eyeing one that does, find out whether the leg rest is easily adjustable.

Fabric

You can almost guarantee that your stroller will suffer from frequent spillages and food stains, that’s why it’s always prudent to check if the pushchair you’re considering has removable and easy to clean fabric and accessories. This can make a lot of difference to extending the life and good looks of your pushchair. Believe it or not, there are some pushchairs with fabrics that are easily soiled and not so easy to clean or are not machine washable. In our reviews, we’ll always alert you when this is the case.

Backrests

If you’re buying for a newborn baby, look for pushchairs with reclining backrests so your baby can lie flat on his or her back. Pushchairs that can be reclined for more than 150 degrees is the standard for newborn babies.

If you’re buying for older children, it’s worth considering whether you find it easy to adjust the backrests smoothly even while your child is sitting inside the pushchair.

Baby Pushchairs Storage Baskets

Believe us when we say that the size and accessibility of the pushchair’s shopping basket can directly affect your stress levels, and even  your sanity. Pushchair Models that come with big shopping baskets that are easy to access and  models with clever functional pockets are life-savers, in our experience. The shopping basket size does not necessarily count as massively important to every parent, but having storage space can always come in handy.

Baby Pushchair Accessories

Finally you may want to check which pushchair accessories are included in the package you plan to buy and which ones you need to get. Some pushchair accessories that may be included with your pushchair purchase are:

• Apron
• Footmuff
• Parasols
• Raincover
• Changing Bag
• Carry Cot
• Liner and Mattress
• Hood
• Reflective strips

Conclusion

Buying a pushchair is not as simple and as straightforward as it may seem. You need to be clear on which features you need and which features don’t really matter much to you. When you decide which pushchair to buy based on the tips we have outlined here, you have more chances of  buying the right pushchair with the right  features and with our help, you can also get them at the right price.

Happy shopping!