FOCUS ON: PUSHCHAIRS

FOCUS ON Pushchairs HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU ON ONE OF THE MOST CRUCIAL BITS OF BABY KIT YOU’LL BUY

With the potential to be the most expensive set of wheels you’ll buy after a car, the pushchair can be one of the most daunting purchases; it’s also quite a surreal, emotional experience, knowing that in a few months’s time you’ll be pushing your little baby around in it.

A product like this will get daily use, so try to see it as an investment, with many models built to see you through two, or even three, children. So while it may seem like a hefty price tag, once you break it down, it’s really worth doing your research and spending on something that suits your family’s needs.

Before you start to shop, think about what your requirements are. There are plenty of questions you need to ask yourself. Firstly, it’s good to think about space restrictions – both within your home and your car boot. Are you in and out of the car a lot, meaning you’ll benefit from a travel system that you can attach the car seat to? What kind of terrain will you be using the pushchair on? Will you be spending most of the time in and out of shops and on pavements, or will you be tackling uneven surfaces with country strolls? With so many things to consider, try to prioritise the two most important elements for you.

While the internet will provide you with an abundance of choice, it’s important to visit a store where the sta will demonstrate the pushchairs, showing you how they fold and how to adjust the seat and handle. Both your comfort and the baby’s is of equal importance. Does it work with your height? Some handlebars extend to di erent lengths, but some don’t extend at all, which might not work if you and your partner are varying heights. Don’t feel like you’re being a nuisance: it’s important to compare di erent models. It’s also worth discussing colour options and lead times, as some styles may be out of stock, so don’t leave it too late to choose.

If, like many, you find yourself tight on storage space, or use public transport or travel a lot, you may want to concentrate your research on a lightweight stroller. Designed to make daily travelling easier, these typically have a small fold, are lightweight and something you can store out of the way when you’re not using it, or that will fit into a small car boot. Many models are also cabin-sized, which can be quite handy for avid globetrotters. The past few years have seen many brands bring out compact stroller options, such as the Babyzen Yoyo, which o ers a super-small handbag-style fold, but still classifies as a travel system with car seat adaptors and can be used from birth. Other strong contenders include the Micralite Profold and Silver Cross Jet.

Although it’s hard to predict the future, if you’re planning on having children close in age, you may want to consider a pushchair that can grow with your family. This means the pushchair will start as a single and transform

You may want to consider the pushchair as an investment that will grow with your family

GLOSSARY • A carrycot is used from birth; this allows baby to lie down and sleep. • The chassis is the framework of a pushchair. • Doubles are for twins or babies close in age, with two seats or two carrycots. • Parent-facing is when the seat is positioned facing the parent. • Seat units are used from around six months, once baby can support herself.

Note that many now have lie-flat positions, which means that they can be used from birth. • Tandem – also referred to as in-line pushchairs – means one seat behind the other. • A travel system is a type of pushchair that’s compatible with a rear-facing car seat, which attaches to the chassis for ease of transportation when out of the car. • World-facing is when the seat is looking out, so baby can see the world go by as you stroll.

Cybex Eezy S Twist +2 pushchair, £369.95, johnlewis.com

Nuna MIXX Next pushchair and carrycot, £650, pramworld.com

BugaBoo Bee6 pushchair, £649, johnlewis.com

WORDS: REBECCA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY: JUNIORJONES, J-CARBON

MANY MODELS ARE CABINSIZED, WHICH IS HANDY FOR AVID GLOBETROTTERS

into a double by adding an additional seat. It may be that it comes with all the items to do so, such as the Silver Cross Wave, or a pushchair like the Nuna Demi Grow, which gives the option to add to it when needed.

Also be sure to fi nd out what’s included in the price. You’ll fi nd there’s quite a big di erence between brands and retailers on what you get, and you may have to buy carrycots, rain covers, bumper bars, car seat adaptors and cup-holders separately as additional accessories. Some buggies are sold at a complete price with the majority of pieces included, while others only include the chassis and seat, and everything else is an extra.

Allow yourself time, just in case of any stock complications; it’s a good idea to start searching once you’ve hit the 20-week mark, with the aim of choosing one eight weeks before you’re due. It is a big investment, so don’t rush into it; you should carefully weigh up where you’re going to use it, and where and how it’ll be stored. Buying a pushchair that is well made and sturdy will naturally give it longevity of use, but, most importantly, pick a pushchair that you’ll feel proud to push.

Ra 3-in-1 pushchair system, £599, bababing.com

J-Spirit stroller, £679, juniorjones.com