Choosing a Pushchair

Spoilt for choice - when it comes to pushchairs, there are a lot of different models to choose from. The right one is there to suit every taste and every requirement. But which is it? There are pushchairs, sports pushchairs, 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. Increasingly manifacturere are able to include features from a number of these categories in a single chair making a very versatile package. All the same, let’s start at the beginning - what are the major differences?

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 travelling 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, others have the seat unit being reversible. Combi-pushchairs are regarded as able to "grow-along" and can therefore be used from birth to around the third year. These pushchairs are easily folded together or taken apart for easy transport in the car. The weight and size of these pushchairs differs considerably so mkae sure that you think about how and where you will use the pushchair and how you will transport it before making your purchase.

Country Models

These are designed for people with a more outdoor life who will find the city pushchairs difficult to handle over rougher ground. These are fitted with large normally pneumatic wheels, front steering systems rather than small swivelling wheels and better suspension to be able to handle more uneven terrain with ease and comfort but still retain the stability of 4 wheels

Jogger

This falls into the sports pushchair category and is particularly suitable for active, sporty parents. Their three wheel design makes them 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 be used as a combi-pushchair.

Shopper

The Shopper is the ideal pushchair for day-to-day "city cruising". Its four wheels make this pushchair particularly stable yet very manoeuvrable. 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 Travel system and can be used as a combi-pushchair.

Pushchairs

This means all pushchairs in which newborns and babies can be transported lying down. With matching, compatible seats, these pushchairs 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 Travel Systems / combi-pushchairs.

Special Models

These are pushchairs 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. Other clever designs allow more versatile use for two. Some models can be adapted for a double seat without increasing the overall size of the pushchair, ideal for a tired set of legs or a quick nap whilst brother or sister is in the main chair.