Baby Pushchairs Types and Features - Part 1

Let's begin to go over the basic baby pushchairs typespadding; dual wheel brakes; multiple-position seat recline
and the features that may be present with each. Thisand back support; easy-to-use folding mechanism;
is the first of a multi-part series of articles on babystorage basket; adjustable footrest; removable front
stroller types.tray; removable weather boot; reversible handle for
In this article I am going to cover standard babyconversion to pram; larger, all-terrain wheels; and
pushchairs and lightweight and umbrella strollers. In Partcanopy.
2 I talk about baby travel systems, 3 wheelerLightweight and Umbrella
pushchairs, and baby jogger strollers. Part 3 will beEasy to fold and extremely light, lightweight pushchairs
about twin strollers, double pushchairs, tandemoffer the most basic features and are made to store
pushchairs, and stroller accessories.easily in the closet, car trunk, or in the overhead bin of
Standarda plane. While this type of baby stroller is convenient
First, you have your standard pushchair, the mostfor quick trips to the store or park, many families find
popular among pushchairs styles. The standard babythey are not as comfortable for the baby as the
pushchairs offer many options for comfort andstandard or full-size models, especially on longer
convenience. Aluminum frame design is common foroutings. Still, a lightweight baby pushchair is great to
most standard models, allowing for resistance to rust,have when pushchairs buggies, baby prams, or baby
improved durability, better maneuverability, and easytravel systems are too unwieldy for the situation.
maintenance.Umbrella strollers, so called because of their hooked
As we have discussed in the past, keep the weight ofhandles, are ultra- lightweight models and are best
the pram, stroller, pushchairs buggies in mind as youused as a second stroller. These are just the ticket as
test drive them. Standard baby pushchairs can weighaffordable, lightweight strollers to take traveling or to
from 12 to 24 pounds even with the aluminum frame.keep in the trunk of the car. Keep in mind that umbrella
Standard size pushchairs are a great all-purposestrollers are not recommended for use with infants or
choice. They range from rugged models to morenewborns who may require a fully reclining seat and
delicate English-style buggies or prams. The ability tosupport for the neck and head.
easily fold the stroller into a compact package makesThe lightweight stroller is safe for a newborn if the
them great for parents on the go. Most standardstroller reclines completely. Most umbrella strollers do
pushchairs are appropriate for newborns becausenot recline fully, however, or have suspension features.
they offer the feature to fully recline.For these reasons it is best to wait until your baby is at
Many are considered convertible, in that they can beleast four to six months old before starting to use an
used as a pushchair and a baby pram, so they adaptumbrella stroller.
as your baby grows. Whether your baby is a newbornMost umbrella strollers feature aluminum frames and
or slightly older, they will appreciate the availableweight in as little as five pounds. Many umbrella models
shock-absorbing suspension systems and oversizeprevent accidental closing through the use of a safety
tires for the smoothest ride on varied terrain.device. Umbrella strollers and lightweight pushchairs are
The age range for standard baby strollers depends onavailable in a wide price range according to the
whether it fully reclines. If so, then the standard babyincluded features. Both will last well into your child's
pushchair would be considered safe for a newborn.preschool years, say ages three to four.
Otherwise, it is appropriate for ages four monthsFeature of lightweight and umbrella strollers include:
through four years of age.One-step fold; aluminum frames; canopy; semi-reclining
Among the many features of standard baby strollersseat; super-light body weight; and locking swivel
you may consider: Extendable handles; extra seatwheels.