From birth
The Stockholm by Babydan pays particular attention to seat padding and also has five 'recline' positions and independent suspension so that it can be used for babies from birth upwards. Other features include telescopic handles that can be adjusted to four different positions to suit the adult's height; a basket, five-point harness and hood with pocket, rain cover and washable seat covers. The pushchair measures a maximum height of 116cm, weighs 10kg and is available in black and tan or quick- silver and blue, priced 135. The Stockholm also comes as a twin pushchair, priced 185. Available from Urchin.
Telephone 0870 720 0709 www. urchin.co.uk
The latest addition to the Maclaren range is the Techno Classic. This buggy is suitable from birth and has four 'recline' positions and a removable, washable seat. The moulded handles can be adjusted to three positions and the buggy also includes an extendable leg rest, a five-point safety harness, a large hood with zip-off panel UV sun visor and viewing window, reflective panels, storage pockets with concealed mobile phone pocket, a raincover and shopping basket. The Techno comes in carbon/crystal blue, charcoal/tan and navy/tan and is priced 159.99.
Telephone 01327 841300 www.maclaren baby.com
From six months
If you're looking for extra mobility and back-up on nursery outings the Bruin Torino is extremely lightweight at 3.6kg, has fixed front wheels, an upright seat, includes a five-point safety harness and conforms to BS749.
Bruin Torino comes in 'Patchwork Farm' livery and is priced 14.99; the co-ordinating parasol is 16.99, from Babies R Us.
Telephone 0845 786 9778 www. babiesrus.co.uk
Multi use
Chicco stocks a very wide range of prams, pushchairs and strollers. The C1 Trio Elegance Travel System (right) is designed to develop 'with the child from birth to three years' and includes a stroller that is suitable from birth with new 'easy action cable operated linked brakes'; a reclining backrest with four positions; multi-position twist handles with non-slip inserts and an adjustable leg rest. The stroller weighs 7.5kg and is priced 219.99. A carrycot converts the stroller into a pram and is suitable from birth to six months. This includes a soft mattress, a reclining backrest that can be adjusted from the outside to avoid disturbing the baby and a removable hood. The stroller with carrycot weighs 12.8kg and is priced 399.99. A car seat, footmuff, changing bag and raincover are also available and there is a choice of three fabric liveries: Oxford blue stripe; cream and grey and two tone blue.
Double buggies
The double buggy is probably the most popular form of transport in nurseries and Maclaren has updated its range. The Twin Traveller (left) now comes with new liveries - carbon/crystal blue, charcoal/ tan and navy/tan.
It is suitable from birth with five recline positions. Other features include independent hoods with UV viewing windows and flip-down visors; foam grip handles and six-inch wheels with front wheel suspension. The Traveller weighs 12.2kg and fits through a standard doorway, priced 214.99. Maclaren also stocks a lighter weight twin buggy - the Rally at 10.5kg, priced Pounds 149.99.
Telephone as before
Mamas & Papas includes several double pushchairs in its range. Among them is the Twin Aria, which is suitable from birth and features a 'gate style'
bumper bar. The Aria also features removable, hand washable seat covers, a multi-position backrest and independent suspension on all wheels. This pushchair weighs 7.4kg, fits through a standard doorway and folds down to 80(h) x 26(d)cm. Available in City Scape (slate grey denim with light blue stitching) and Metropolis (dark denim, chocolate and cream), Aria is priced Pounds 240.
Telephone 01484 438222 www.mamasandpapas.co.uk
Mothercare's Polka Twin Stroller (below) is suitable from birth, has four recline positions and all-round suspension and includes a double hood, plus two shopping baskets. The Polka Twin weighs 9.8kg, has a handle height of 99cm and folds down to 101 x 43 x 26.5cm, priced 100.
Telephone 08453 304030 www.mothercare.com
Hope's new double buggy can be used from birth, has a detachable and adjustable canopy and front bar with four recline positions and an adjustable leg rest. Available in bright blue with integral storage basket, the buggy measures 76(w) x 43(d) x 76(h), priced 149.95.
Telephone 08451 202055 www.hopeeducation.co.uk
A budget choice of double buggy comes in the form of the Bruin Twin Runner from Babies R Us. It is suitable from birth, has three seat positions, two hoods, a raincover and two head supports. It comes in two-tone grey, weighs 15kg and measures 102 x 46 x 27cm when folded, priced 129.99.
Telephone as before
If you are looking for a tandem-style double pushchair, Graco has the Stadium Duo Tandem which can accommodate a baby from birth upwards in the rear seat and a toddler in the front seat or two toddlers. The pushchair (below) features three recline positions in the back seat, which is raised above the level of the front seat to enable a child to see out, and two semi-recline positions in the front. The seat pads include five-point harnesses, with a fitted apron for the front seat. The Stadium also has arm bars on both seats and front wheel suspension. When folded it will 'freestand' and measures 105 x 53 x 48cm, weighing 11.7kg, priced 129.99.
Telephone 0870 9090501 www.graco.co.uk.
PEOPLE CARRIER
The new KinderVan from Community Playthings will allow you to transport up to six children. The moulded base supports four or six padded seats, according to needs. Each seat includes a five-point harness and can rotate 360x and lock in the required position. The seat upholstery is foam-backed and can be removed for washing. The Van's tyres are foam-filled and can go 'off road', and there are optional canopies with mesh backing to permit the adult to see the children, while providing sun protection. The Van is suitable for children from six months to three years and fits through standard doorways; measurements are 152(l) x 74(w)cm with a handle height of 94cm. Priced from Pounds 690.JFreephone 0800 387 457, www.communityplaythings.com
