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Strollers are a godsend. They are essential for getting anything done with your child, be it travelling abroad, zipping around town or nipping to the shops.
As soon as you’re out of the teeny baby stage, you’re going to need one. Especially once your child starts walking, as buggies are lower to the ground than prams, making it easier for them to hop in and out.
A good buggy should be forward-facing, smooth-wheeling, easy to manoeuvre, collapsible (preferably one-handed) and have decent storage amongst other things.
Still baffled? Take a look at our list of the 10 best on the market.
Mark II, Maclaren, £180
This claims to be the lightest full-size reclining stroller in the world. It also has a state of the art designed chassis and aircraft grade hexagonal tubing (you’d expect nothing less from racing car manufacturers). Maclaren is a firm favourite with mums and dads. This model high safety standards and a lifetime warranty that gives it the edge over much of the competition.
This one’s lightweight and easy to fold (even with one hand) thanks to its handlebar. It also has a fully adjustable, multi-reclining seat, making it ideal for naps on the go. Starting at £99 it’s reasonably priced, and comes with rain cover and a carry bag. Bargain.
This is a top-notch product from a top-drawer brand. We love the UPF50+ extendable hood on this one – great for keeping sun (or rain) off precious faces – and the breathable mesh panels to keep them cool. Puncture-free, lockable swivel wheels promise a smooth ride. This is a nice all rounder for city parents.
OK, so this is my stroller and I love it. I have to agree that, as the name suggests, it makes life easier. Originally bought to navigate the London Underground, this is a super lightweight, versatile little number. It folds up into a neat size, so it can be stowed away on trains, carted up escalators or stashed under the stairs at home. Brownie points from my partner (and dads in general) for its racing pedigree. Personally, I love the vibrant range of colours it comes in.
Amazing value at only £37, the Push Me 2 U has everything you need from a practical city stroller; a recline-able seat, a decent sized shopping basket, an easy folding mechanism and a safety harness. Thumbs up.
This is the one most mums I know rave about. It’s suitable from birth – you just need the 0+ pack – but from six months on you use the 6+. It has an XXL shopping basket, folds away into a small rectangle, and it includes a strap so you can sling it over one shoulder while your child walks alongside you. The French brand has even teamed up with Air France, further underlining its cabin luggage suitability. It ain’t cheap, but this luxe offering, promises good value for the long haul.
Billed as an effortless and fuss-free compact buggy, Phil and Teds gets the vote from mums in my ’hood. This is another that’s suitable from birth, with the right bassinet. With all-wheel suspension for easy manoeuvrability, it folds away neatly and comes with nice little features, like a removable handle bar and removable double-sided padding.
This one is designed specifically for travelling, so is super lightweight and compact. It comes with a handy cover for going in the hold or cabin luggage and boasts a telescopic handle, so you can pull it along like the rest of your luggage. I’m not entirely sure why you’d want to do that with a grumpy toddler in tow, but there’s the option at least. The flip-flop friendly brake is a nice little feature (although it’s pushing the brake of a stroller is quite a feat in flimsy shoes).
ProFold, Micralite, £225
Compact and very light, with one-handed folding and extra suspension, this one has been well thought-out for parents and babies alike. The handlebar design allows for one-handed steering, making it easier to seize that rare phone opportunity, whilst your little one naps. It also has a pocket on the hood to store your holy trinity; phone, card and keys.
Nice ergonomic design and ultra compact, this is a comfortable, urban stroller. It has been designed with your wee one’s comfort in mind; plush, multi-zone padding and an adjustable footrest to cater for growing legs. It also claims to be the only stroller on the market certified “Back Healthy” for baby and parent by the AGR in Germany.
All The Gear, No Idea is a regular series from HuffPost Finds where we feature product recommendations for parents, by parents.