As a new parent, you won’t get far without a reliable buggy. In fact, you’ll only stop needing a buggy once your child can walk comfortably for long periods of time — this can be anywhere up to the age of 4. With that being said, it’s important to choose the right buggy to suit your lifestyle. After all, it’s a piece of parenting kit that you’ll use extensively.
As your baby grows, you’ll need to make the transition from a reclining pram to the more convenient, lightweight, buggy. Otherwise referred to as an ‘umbrella stroller’ these are the best option for those children who can now carry their own weight and sit up comfortably. Weighing in at approximately 12 pounds or less, they’re easy to fold, making travel a breeze.
Coming in all shapes and sizes, picking the right model is a task in itself. But fear not, this handy guide will keep you on the right track and tell you what to look out for.
Safety
Safety is the most important factor when buying a buggy, hands down. Always check the locking mechanism to ensure the collapse and opening works smoothly. Many are now marketed as ‘one-hand folding’, but try before you buy. The buggy should be simple to use and not fold accidentally when your child is sat in it.
Adjustable handles
Spending hours pushing a buggy is tiresome, especially if the handlebars are too low, or too high. Models which include adjustable lengths offer versatility for both mum and dad.
Seatbelt
Some form of restraint is another essential requirement. Choose one that has a five-point seatbelt. This wraps around the legs, waist and over the shoulders for a lock-down fit that you can unbuckle without any problems.
Storage
In your quest to find the most lightweight design, don’t sacrifice on storage space. Overlooked by many, it’s surprising how much difference a few additional side pockets can make. Shopping trips can be made much less troublesome with a large, accessible basket underneath.
Manoeuvrability
Depending on your lifestyle habits, you may want to consider a buggy with larger, pneumatic tyres. These can provide better stability on a variety of terrain, and offer a less-bumpy ride for your child on long walks. Alternatively, full swivel wheels give maximum manoeuvrability for shorter trips and on-pavement use.
Maintenance
They’ll be plenty of accidents and spills along the way, so your ideal buggy should always be straightforward to clean and maintain. Buying a luxury model can be tempting, but sometimes the no-frills approach option is the most durable. Choose one with removable fabric covers, which can be cleaned without any hassle.
Follow this buying guide before investing in a toddler buggy. You’ll be informed to make the right decision and find the perfect model for your needs.
Images by Rachel M Coleman and foilman, used under Creative Commons licence.
