Buying a push chair (helpful resources)

A push chair (also known as buggy or stroller) is among the most commonly used baby products. Designed to provide support and security for newborns and their parents, most pushchairs offer the option of facing towards parents.

Powerchairs are typically controlled by a joystick mounted to the armrest. The joystick can be adapted for users with low upper body strength, or sip and puff controllers (which are operated by blowing into a tube). The chair is also equipped with the climbing kerb.

Seating

Alongside the baby's changing mat and carrier a push chair will be one of the most frequently used baby items you purchase, therefore it is essential to think about all the finer details that make it comfortable for both parents and child. Be aware of the seating options, whether you wish to sit in front of your child or the world, and also the adjustable handlebar.

Some pushchairs (also known as prams or buggies) are suitable for babies and come with a fully reclined seat unit that can be laid flat to allow babies to sleep. Some travel systems include an infant carrycot, a car seat, a pushchair and reclining seat unit. This makes it easier for you to move around your growing family.

Other pushchairs feature the option of a reversible seat which gives you the option of placing your baby facing you or the world. This is particularly beneficial for babies who are more comfortable with familiar faces. It is also easier to watch them. If you opt for a pushchair with this option it is crucial to ensure that the seat will give your child a flat, completely supported, lying flat position.

There are various types of seats for toddlers and older children to suit their needs and their age. Certain seats can recline and tilt their backrests without changing posture, which helps to prevent pressure sores. Some have a built-in foot rest that can elevate the user's head to eye level with other people, which is especially useful when traveling with children or for parents who have difficulty lifting their child into the car.

There are also powerchairs that come with several power options which can be controlled using a control panel located on the armrest, which is programmable to be adjusted to suit the individual user and their abilities. Your assessment specialist can help you choose the right seating system and power options that will work with your wheelchair.

The seat fabric is usually machine washable and is cleaned with a damp cloth or a soft sponge, allowing you to keep it looking clean. Some manufacturers offer additional accessories, for example the footmuff, which keeps your feet warm during colder months, and a seat cover that can be slid over the existing seat. This will shield it against spillages, crumbs, and accidents during the potty training.

Wheels

If you're new to the pushchair world the range of choices for brands and models can seem overwhelming. It's not surprising that purchasing the right pushchair can be a confusing experience.

The wheels of your pushchair are one of the most important things to take into account as they affect the way your pushchair performs. For instance larger wheels are better in handling bumpy surfaces and rough pavements, while smaller wheels can be better suited to urban environments.

The type of tyres that you select will be dependent on your lifestyle and the terrain you prefer. If you intend to use your pushchair while jogging pushchair, you will need air-filled tires that will absorb vibrations and keep your child comfortable. These are a standard feature on all-terrain pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport that includes 3 tyres with air filled.

If you're not planning to run but want your child to be comfortable on uneven or rough surfaces, then you may want to consider rubber or foam tyres that are more resilient than plastic ones and provide more shock absorption. They are typically found on all-terrain pushchairs and three-wheelers. However, they can also be found on lightweight strollers pushchairs.

A set of wheels for a pushchair that is designed to last should be strong and easy to maintain. A routine spray down with a hose or bucket of lukewarm water is enough to get rid of most of the dirt and debris, although you can also use products like WD-40 that work as penetrating oils, assisting to grease your wheels for smoother movement.

Some pushchairs have removable wheels for a smaller fold, which is useful when you have to transport or store your pushchair in tight spaces. In most cases, you'll need to remove the front wheel of the pushchair to accomplish this, but make sure to check the instructions of the manufacturer before taking the steps.

If you want to make your pushchair even more comfortable to use, check for a handlebar tilting that allows you to adjust it lower or higher to meet the size of the users. This is a great feature to have if plan on sharing the pushchair with your spouse or your child's grandparent(s) as it can make it easier for them to be able to drive.

Suspension

The suspension on a pushchair is designed to soften the bumps in your journey. This is a particularly important feature for those handicapped as it aids to lessen the amount of energy needed to sit in the chair and offers the best postural support.

The type of suspension used on a stroller can vary from model to model, so it's advisable to take into account your preferences and the terrain you'll be navigating in deciding which one is right for you. Suspension that is strong is ideal for those who reside in rural areas and are using their stroller for long walks, but might not be required for those who live in urban areas where smooth pavements are the norm.

Larger wheels may provide better suspension than smaller ones as they are more likely to be able to absorb shocks. You will also find that some pushchairs have the combination of various kinds of tyres, including pneumatic, foam-filled, or PU which can offer shock absorption without the danger of punctures.

There is also the possibility that some models come with a swivel front wheel which can help to improve mobility. You will also need to think about whether your pushchair is machine washable, based on the materials used. It is important to keep the fabric of your stroller clean as it will prevent any bacterial build-up that could cause dampness or mold.

You can easily clean your pushchair by using a mild detergent or disinfectant. Make sure you scrub off any loose mildew and mould with a soft bristle brush. Do this outside to avoid it spreading. If you can, allow it to air dry in the sun. If your pushchair has been hidden away in a storage unit for a while, you could also try a gentle sterilising fluid to help prevent the growth of mould and damp.

Controls

A egg push chair chair is the baby item you will use most frequently so it's crucial to have controls that are easy to grasp and operate. It is usually able to fold from front to back (like the shell) and may come with an auto-lock that holds it tightly closed. Some will have a handlebar that can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate parents of different age and heights.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow the seat to be positioned either facing the parent (parent facing) or away from them, (world facing), so that parents and their children can connect. Some pushchairs have extra features, for example, the ability to recline the seat back, which helps reduce the amount of energy spent by children sitting down. This can help improve their posture.

The type of brake used is an important consideration for a pushchair user. The type of brake will differ from model to model. The most commonly used type of brake is a pedal for the foot that is located on the rear axle. It works by putting your foot on the pedal to stop the wheels. Some models have an active handbrake which you can manage by moving your hand in the direction of movement. This is ideal for users who require a reliable and sensitive brake that they can use quickly and reliably when they move around in a busy area.

Some models come with an option to swivel the front wheel. This is a great feature when you're going to be driving on rough terrain. This is due to the swivel allowing you to maneuver better on uneven surfaces or when traveling on busy roads. The highest-quality pushchair tyres will be made of a rubber material like PU or EVA and will offer the same ride quality as air tyres but without the risk of punctures.