As your baby grows into a toddler so your travelling needs change too. No longer is it necessary to lug around the complete travel system, so it might be worth considering a lighter weight pushchair/buggy that would be more convenient all round.

But where do you start? Not only do pushchairs come in different shapes, sizes and styles, there are also a variety of accessories and features to choose from. Stroll-On Baby takes a no nonsense view of what is available to help you make an informed decision.

When choosing a pushchair, ask yourself the following…
What is the age of my child?
There are pushchairs from birth which normally offer a fully reclining seat as well as more padding, suitable for newborns. Likewise, there are pushchairs from 3 months, which recline to a degree and 6 months which tend to be a simple canvas seat on wheels. Whilst you might say that my baby is 6 months+ and therefore doesn’t need to lie flat, a full recline can come in handy when you are out all day or when you are on holiday.

How does the buggy fold?
Many manufacturers are now inventing state-of-the-art pushchairs with unique and small folding mechanisms. This can be particular important if you have a smaller car or are using public transport, however, on the downside these types of pushchairs can be more expensive.

How heavy is the pushchair?
As your sweethearts grow, so they get bigger, obviously! Therefore the actual weight of the pushchair can become more important to ensure a comfortable and easy push. The lightest weight pushchairs normally start at 5kg but be careful as manufacturers can quote the buggy’s weight without all the accessories.

What is your budget?
A light weight buggy can start from as little as £20 and can go into the hundreds. Obviously, to some degrees, you do get what you pay for and you can not expect a top of the range, all singing and dancing pushchair for a few pounds. The best idea is to prepare a wish list of features before you go shopping. Then ask the sales assistant to show you some options that best match your needs.

A note about handles
The height of the handle is imperative for a pleasant walk. If you have two family members of different heights then you may wish to consider a pushchair with adjustable handles so you can both enjoy pushing. Also, some people prefer a one handle bar whereas others opt for two handles – this is just a personal choice. Never hang heavy bags on to your handles, as this poses a threat to the safety of the child and causes tipping, in addition your guarantee will be invalidated.

Julie Eales heads up the Stroll-On Baby team and says “We recommend that you go and try the pushchair for yourself, as what suits one parent/carer doesn’t suit another. At each of our stores, we have a dedicated team of professionals who will help you find your perfect pushchair”.