BARGAIN BUGGIES! 

How to choose the right pushchair

These are a few of my own personal points to consider when choosing a pushchair. 

The short version is "you will never get it right and find just one pushchair to suit all your needs"

The longer version is below! I will add to this as and when. Hope it helps!

• Consider your needs - what do you intend to use the pushchair for? Do you need it just for around town and shopping? Or do you want to go 'off-road' as well? What age is your child and how long do you want the pushchair to last? Some pushchairs are very large and some are small and many have weight restrictions of 15kg - which is approx the weight of a 2 year old. I have noticed though that most pushchairs sold overseas as well may allow a heavier child to use the pushchair so the 15kg must a UK safety rule which errs on the side of caution.
  

• Do you need it to fit in a car boot? If so will it fit?
  

• Do you need to be able to push it with one hand? Usually if this is the case it's best to try the pushchair first - something you cant do with a brand new one. Whilst you might assume that swivel wheels are the easiest to push, this isnt always the case. 
  

• Don't rule out fixed wheels because you think they might be hard to manoeuvre around town. It will depend on the make, the suspension, the centre of gravity etc. 
  

• Consider the type of wheels too - pneumatic tyres can be essential if you live in the country, have a gravel drive or your area has uneven pavements. But some hard wheels are just as good. If you do opt for pneumatic tyres consider filling them with slime - available from cycle shops. This helps prevent punctures and really works!
  If you do need to replace an inner tube or tyre you'll find that wheelchair accessory stockists and cycle shops are often far cheaper than pushchair retailers/spare parts services
  

• 3 wheels or 4? 3 wheels can look trendy but unless you go for one of the better makes or 'real' off-roaders, can also be unstable and more likely to topple and harder to get up kerbs. Also most 3 wheelers with swivel wheels can be unstable going up a kerb as the wheel tries to find its place on the pavement. 4 wheels can often have better suspension and may be a better option around town. If wheels are fixed make sure there is good suspension and preferably a non-adjustable handlebar since an adjustable handlebar can make it hard to get up kerbs with some makes and models. Larger sized fixed wheels are usually easier to turn corners with than smaller fixed wheels. Swivel wheels make going round shops far easier but can be hard to push across gravel and on rough ground.