Pushchairs(view report contents)
About this guide
There’s a huge and confusing range of types and models of pushchair on the market, ranging in price from less than £20 to more than £400. So where do you start – and how can this guide help you?
The pushchair that suits you and your child will need to suit your pocket, your home, where you live, how much you use public transport, whether and how much you use a car, whether you plan to have more children and – if you are going to enjoy getting out and about – your abilities to use this set of wheels.
Ten pushchair suppliers lent us 22 pushchairs that covered the different
types and features available. Twenty-three people with disabilities tried
out all the pushchairs and assessed their features for ease of use.
This guide starts with brief information on Types
of pushchairs, followed by their basic Pros
and cons. Then there are lots of pictures and advice from the disabled
testers on What to look for and which
were their Favourite features. The
Buying guide summarises the types and features
that might suit your abilities, followed by How
to stay safe tips from a safety expert. Finally there are contact
details for Helpful organisations and Details
of suppliers so you can find out more
about the models available.
This guide was originally published in 2004 however all contact details for suppliers and helpful organisations were updated in 2007.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the Department of Health for funding this guide.
Our thanks go to the 23 people with disabilities who assessed pushchairs
for us.
Research Lindsey Etchell, Jamie Keddie, Ngaio Girdlestone
Design Sarah Watson
Photography Robin Beckham, Ginette Chapman
Illustration Cyrus Deboo
Highchair testers
Twenty-three parents and other adults with disabilities each assessed 22 pushchairs for their ease of use. The testers included people with impaired dexterity, walking difficulties, partial sight and no sight. All are members of the Ricability Inclusive Design Panel, which has over 300 members with disabilities.
For the pushchairs trials, we grouped the models to be assessed for different functions. Each model group included samples of different pushchair types – for example a buggy, a two-in-one, an all terrain and so on.
To assess pushing, testers strapped in and unstrapped a life-size doll, pushed around a course (with a toddler-size weight on board) through doorways, across flat ground, gravel, around obstacles and up and down a kerb and steps, using the brakes and any swivel wheel locks.
The folding trial involved putting up, folding and carrying different pushchairs. Other trials covered adjusting backrests and handle height, changing seat direction, converting for car seat use and fixing hoods and rain covers.
Report Contents
About
this guide
Types of pushchair
- Buggy
- Forward-facing
- Two-in-one
- Three-in-one
- Travel system
- Double side-by-side
- Double tandem
- All terrain
What
to look for
Favourite
features
How
to stay safe
Buying
guide
Helpful
organisations
Suppliers'
details
