A Tesco guide to buying a pushchair
Buying a pushchair
Having a baby can be a bit overwhelming, as can deciding on all the equipment that arrives with the little one! The pushchair is one of the all-important things to get right and it can be one of the most expensive, so it should meet all your needs, be safe and practical. Here are some things you might want to consider before buying your baby or toddler's new transport:
Child's age and needs
Firstly, How old is the child you're buying for. The needs of a small baby are very different to those of a toddler, however, many pushchair models are designed to adapt as your child grows.
New-born babies need either a 2-in-1 pushchair with a seat that will fully recline flat, or a cot or travel system with a compatible car seat that fits onto a pushchair frame. Travel systems are handy as it avoids having to wake baby when moving to and from the car and pushchair.
If you have a toddler and a baby or twins, you will need to choose the type of double pushchair, either side by side or tandem (one in front of the other). Find out more about buying for two.
However old your child, the pushchair needs to be sturdy, comfortable, waterproof and well insulated for cold weather. Foot muffs, raincovers and parasols are useful accessories depending on the season and are available in our baby Hardlines range.
Your lifestyle
All parents lead different lifestyles and have different needs from their pushchair. parents who mainly use a car or public transport to get around would benefit from a pushchair that's lightweight, compact and portable. For parents who are active and walk rather than drive, a sturdier pushchair with good suspension might be more important. You might also want to consider models with three or four wheels, depending how often you use the pushchair.
Getting around
Improved suspension and large wheels will provide a smoother, more cushioned ride, particularly important if you do a lot of walking. Swivel wheels make light work of negotiating crowds and tight spaces. Three wheels may also be appropriate in this instance.
Weight
Weight is an important consideration when carrying a baby, especially as it can be pretty hard work if, for example, you have to hold your baby, changing bag and pushchair onto public transport. You might really benefit from a lightweight easy to fold model.
Comfort
The right pushchair is ultimately all about baby's comfort. After all, an unhappy baby makes for a stressed out parent! There are lots of features designed for comfort so think about: adjustable seat positions, particularly a lie-back seat for newborns, well padded seat, sturdiness and weatherproof material.
Value for money
Some pushchairs will come with more accessories than others. Choose one that has what you really need.
Types of pushchair
Complete travel systems
These are, in many ways, the ideal solution to your transport needs, as they provide a complete travel package which will grow with your baby. They are also long-lasting, as they can be used for children up to 4 years old.
Benefits:
- They usually include a carrycot so your newborn can travel reclined until able to sit up.
- They include a car seat suitable up to the age of 9 months.
- A pushchair is also included.
2-in-1 pushchair
A pushchair that converts to a pram when fully reclined to allow your baby to have a sleep, and a pushchair when upright.
Benefits:
- Suitable from birth
- Can seat baby forward or rear facing
- Carry handles on the seat allow it to be lifted on and off in the carrycot position.
Forward facing pushchair
Perfect for showing off baby and allowing them to see where they're going, and versatile for mum and dad too! These lightweight, compact models may recline for newborns as well as adapt to older babies and toddlers.
Benefits:
- Most models have large swivel wheels for easy manoeuvrability.
- A simple folding mechanism allows quick and easy transportation, especially good for getting in and out of the car and for compact storage. This can usually be operated with one hand, leaving you free to hold your little one with the other.
Stroller
Strollers are lightweight pushchairs so they are easier to transport. Some recline fully flat so they can be used from birth, (young babies need to lie completely flat. From 6 months, it's safe for babies to use a non-reclining seat.
Benefits:
- Lightweight yet strong
- Available in a wide choice of styles
- Models that have lie-back adjustments are suitable for a newborn baby
- Easy to use and neatly fold for travelling and storing.
- Some models may have an optional car seat designed to fit onto the stroller's frame.
Three wheel pushchairs
These stylish sporty pushchairs are designed for country walking and even jogging with your baby. Most have soft tyres rather than gel-filled or solid tyres, designed to provide more suspension. However, they are more prone to puncture, something worth bearing in mind if you don't fancy getting a flat tyre.
They are generally suitable for babies from 3 months as most partly recline and some even fully recline making them an option for newborns.
Benefits:
- Ideal for active/sporty parents
- Soft tyres and good suspension
- Many models have compatible car seats, an option for newborns if the pushchair seat is not fully reclinable. However, you may have to buy the car seat separately, so this may not be the best option if you are on a tight budget.
Buying for two
If you're lucky enough to be expecting twins or if you already have a little one in the family, your pushchair may need to meet the needs of your newborn as well as the demands of an active toddler. There are tandem, twin and triple pushchairs for growing families.
Tandem pushchair
As the name suggests, these models seat one baby in front of the other rather than alongside. They are narrower than a twin pushchair but obviously much longer so consider storage and fitting it in the car.
Benefits:
- Suitable for two children of different ages
- Independently adjustable seats
- Allows you to fully recline the rear seat for a newborn
- Fit an optional car seat to the frame.
Twin pushchair
Twin pushchairs are suitable for two babies or children up to four years old. Seats are normally independently adjustable and can be fully reclined in a range of positions.
Pushing two children is heavy work so you might want to go for a model that has three wheels for extra manoeuvrability and those that swivel and lock. However, check your car boot can accommodate a three wheeler. Or choose a model where the front wheels can be removed to save space.
Benefits:
- Suitable for two babies or children of different ages
- Side by side seats allow children to see each other and forward facing provides more visual stimulation for both children.
- Seats are independently adjustable and allow for a new baby to be fully reclined.
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Play it safe
Now you've chosen the right pushchair for you, take a few minutes to know how to use it.
- Always apply the brake when your baby's in the pushchair and it's stationary.
- Strap the baby into the harness before you go out on the move and check the tyres.
- It's tempting to hang shopping bags onto the pushchair handles but don't! The weight is very likely to tip up the pushchair.
- Once indoors, remove the waterproof covers
Checklist of things to look for when buying baby transport
1. Safety
Always the first priority - make sure your pushchair meets EN 1888, the European safety standard for pushchairs. Your car seat should meet Regulation ECE R44.03 and should be appropriate for your child and your make and model of car.
2. Convenience
For getting on and off buses and trains and in and out of cars, you'll need slick, simple folding and assembly that doesn't leave you flustered and the baby crying while everyone else is waiting.
3. Strength
You want something that's going to last and not let you down. If you are going to do air travel, you'll want something that's baggage-handler-proof.
4. Weight
You'll have to move the equipment around as well as carrying your baby. In a car extra weight adds to petrol consumption so there are two good reasons to choose equipment that is as light as possible.
5. Wheels
Plastic tyres are fine but rubber gives a smoother ride. Swivel wheels are easier to steer and it is helpful if these are lockable. However, fixed wheels are better for rough, uneven terrain. Pneumatic tyres give a comfortable ride - but would you cope with a puncture in a busy high street?
6. Comfort
Make sure your baby can stretch out fully. Babies need to stretch and being squashed or curled up for long periods of time can be bad for their backs - choose a solution that will adapt as your baby starts to sit up and take notice.
7. Who's pushing who?
Make sure the handle height is right for the person doing the pushing. Adjustable handles may be helpful if you are much shorter or taller than your partner. Are there other children in the family who need to hitch a ride? If so, a double buggy might be good.
8. Where are you going to store it?
Some folding strollers won't stand up when folded - propping them against walls can damage your decor. Some systems don't fold down in one piece and will need space for storage.
9. Extras
Look out for design features that make life easier - things like a second brake, a shopping basket, a cup holder, protection from the rain.
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