|
Buying a Pushchair - How to find the right pushchair?
Spoilt for choice - when it comes to pushchair's, there are a lot of different models to chose from. The right one is there to suit every taste and every requirement. But which is it? There are pushchair's, sports pushchair's, combi-pushchairs, buggies, shoppers, joggers, large wheel versions, small wheel versions, solid rubber tyres, air tyres, double wheeled models, swivel wheel models, models with lockable swivel wheels. And all the other features also vary to a minor or major degree. It all makes the choice less simple. But, anyone who decides, at the outset, exactly what his or her requirements are, makes the decision easier. All the same, let’s start at the beginning - what are the major differences?
|
Buggy
Pushchair of light construction: small, narrow, lightweight and maneuverable. Easily folded together and put away. The small wheels can swivel or be locked in position, sometimes with double tyres. The seat is normally adjustable but cannot be brought to a lying position. This type of pushchair is suitable for children already able to sit (from at least 9 months onwards) and already starting to learn to walk. This is the most practical of all pushchair's and provides parents with the ultimate in flexibility. The ideal pushchair to travel with. |
Combi-Pushchair
In this pushchair, babies travel lying down until the age when they are able to sit, i.e. when they are at least 9 months old. Before this, babies are better traveling lying down so as not to put strain on the spine too early. Once the child can sit, the pushchair can be converted in such a way that the child can sit facing away from the direction of travel. On some models the handlebar is reversible enabling the child to sit facing forwards or backwards towards Mum. Combi-pushchairs are regarded as able to “grow-along” and can therefore be used from birth to around the third year. These pushchair's are easily folded together or taken apart for easy transport in the car.
|
|
Jogger
This falls into the sports pushchair category and is particularly suitable for active, sporty parents. Its three wheel design make it ideal for off roading. It is easy to steer and runs well on asphalt even at higher speeds. With a compatible car seat, many a Jogger model converts to a shop´n drive system and can thus be used as a combi-pushchair.
Please visit our Baby Jogger Stroller site
|
Shopper Pushchair
The Shopper is the ideal pushchair for day-to-day “city cruising”. Its four wheels make this pushchair particularly stable yet very maneuverable. Top priority is given to ease of use and added comfort in the company of baby, day to day. With a compatible car seat, many a Shopper model converts to a shop´n drive system and can thus be used as a combi-pushchair.
|
Sports Pushchair
The term “Sports Pushchair” applies to all pushchair's which transport children sitting up. This category includes shoppers, joggers, combi-pushchairs and buggies.
|
|
Pushchair's
This means all pushchair's in which newborns and babies can be transported lying down. With matching, compatible seats, these pushchair's can be made into combi-pushchairs as well as shoppers and joggers. Today, classic prams are hardly to be found as they can only be used for a few months. They have been largely replaces by Shop´n Drive Systems / combi-pushchairs.
|
|
Special Models
These are pushchair's for particular family situations. People with twins will most certainly need a so-called twin pushchair. On these, the seats are either arranged side by side or one behind the other.
|
Shop´n Drive System
The Shop´n Drive System is a practical combination of car seat and pushchair. Compatible adaptors make it possible to fit the matching car seat to the pushchair frame in a trice. Equipped with a handle, you can safely transport your child in the car, take it shopping or for a ride in the pushchair.
|
|
But which of these pushchair's is the right one?
Uses
Where and how is the pushchair to be used? If intended for use straight from front door to playground or shop, then the likelihood is that it will always be on a made surface. In this case, a buggy with its steer able wheels and maneuverability is ideal, especially when shopping between narrow shelves. Unfortunately, there is no generous shopping basket. A net fixed to the grips has to suffice. If you frequently off-road, e.g. in the woods, small wheels are an absolute disadvantage; large (air) wheels are the best option for this.
|
|
Size and Weight
It is also important to consider size and weight. Anyone who frequently uses public transport will have problems getting on and off with a large pushchair. Stairs are also an obstacle, sometimes only mastered with the help of another pair of hands. Weight is a factor when pushing as well as when carrying and affects maneuverability.
Tall people are likely only to be really happy with a pushchair if handle height is adjustable and if there is enough room to clear the back axle with the feet.
|
|
Comfort
How comfortable is the pushchair? The important thing is that the pushchair is a help in day to day life with baby and affords maximum comfort. If any number of small lever adjustments first have to be mastered before the pushchair can be put into the car, the pleasure of using it will soon be lost.
In addition, always make sure you have a large, solid shopping basket with a sturdy base beneath the pushchair. You will never want to be without this.
As the pushchair is primarily intended for the comfort of you child, always give thought to a facility for locking the adjustable backrest in place.
Your baby will be very grateful.
Finally, always find out if matching accessories such as sun parasol, shopping net, weather shield or toys are available for the pushchair and can be easily fitted to it.
Apropos sun: A hood which projects as far forward as possible is very useful because many small children do not like to wear sunglasses and the parasol sometimes does not always do its job. If the hood has a window which opens and closes, all the better. With pushchair's, the carry cot in which the baby lies, ought always to be able to be removed without any problems. Never forget though that more robust models are markedly more heavy.
|
|
Safety
What about safety? Brakes are very important. There are various systems. With Hauck products, all brakes are subjected to a safety test and are awarded a TÜV [Technical Inspection Agency] badge. They perform their function perfectly and last for years. From experience we know that well-made hard plastic parts stand up superbly to everyday wear and tear. Metal elements, which might be thought more durable, make pushchair's heavier. A balance has to be found - but in the end the choice is yours.
|
|
|
Safety
|
- Choose a pushchair with a TÜV [Technical Inspection Agency] badge. All Hauck pushchair's are subjected to an independent safety test.
- Make sure the pushchair is well sprung.
- The further apart the wheels, the less likely it is to tip over.
- There should be a robust, easy to use handbrake which operates on at least two wheels.
- The pushchair frame should be fitted with an appropriate means of ensuring that it cannot unexpectedly fold.
- A child safety belt is a great advantage that no pushchair should be without.
|
Features
|
- Does the pushchair fit into the boot of your car?
- Is the pushchair easy to fold up?
- Can you carry the weight of the pushchair?
- Is the hood effective against the weather?
- Do you need accessories for the pushchair, such as a change bag, parasol, weather shield, insect net or cosy toe?
- Can a kiddy board be fitted for a sibling, if necessary?
- What kind of tyres is the pushchair fitted with? Air tyres provide better suspension, whereas smaller buggy wheels are lighter.
|
Comfort
|
- Is the pushchair fitted with a height-adjustable handlebar, able to be adjusted to suit your height? The best posture is achieved when the lower arm is at 90° to the upper arm.
- Is the fabric cover made of robust material, is it removable and washable?
- Are any additional services included?
|
To sum up
One size fits all? No, there is no universally applicable solution. Combi-pushchairs might be sold as all-rounder's that grow-along, but in the end they are a mere compromise. Quite often one has to settle for less as soon as the child is older. The sitting position is not exactly the same as that of a pure sports pushchair or even that of a buggy, where the seat is very low and the child can get in and out on its own. But such pushchair's are always a good temporary solution because, sooner or later, the chances are you will have to opt for a special sports pushchair or buggy. |
