Pushchair buying guide

When buying a pushchair, consider the age of your child, and where and how will you use the pushchair the most. Check for features that will best suit your lifestyle and your little one. Is it light enough to lift in and out of the car? Or do you need something heavier and more robust? Does it need to be car seat and carrycot compatible, ideal for a newborn? Do you need it to go over bumpy ground? Write a list of must-have features to help you decide. Find more pointers on things to consider when buying a pushchair, in this detailed guide.

As newborns need to lie flat for the first few months, look for a pushchair or pram with a recline of 150 degrees or more so that your baby can lie flat on their back. Many also come with a carry cot, a car seat and matching accessories. Parent-facing is ideal so that you can see your baby - many pushchairs are parent-facing to begin with and they can be adapted to face forwards as your baby grows.

A stroller is lightweight, easy to fold and suitable for babies 6 months and over, while a pushchair is more robust, designed to transport and support your baby from newborn to toddler.

A travel system is an all-in-one set that always includes a wheeled chassis, a pushchair seat and an infant carrier car seat. Some also come with a newborn-ready carrycot, a car seat base, a matching footmuff, change bag and raincover. Check each each set carefully to make sure it provides everything you need.  

Infant carrier car seats are convenient but because they curve slightly and aren’t flat, you are advised not keep your baby in them for more than 2 hours, especially newborns.

Once your baby is able to sit up and fully lift and control their head themselves, they can move to a pushchair with an upright seat. An adjustable reclining seat will allow your baby to lie back to sleep, but also lets them sit up to see the world around them, supporting their development.

Raincovers and sunshades offer protection from the weather while footmuffs are essential for protecting your child from the cold. Got a toddler in tow? Add on a buggy board for them to ride along on. And don't forget the change bag for all your nappy change and feeding essentials.

Look for a pushchair that can accomodate the needs of your growing child. Important features to consider are car seat and carrycot compatibility, reversible seats, adjustable handles, foldable frame, and handy places to keep add-ons - it all depends on what you need. Read reviews and ask for recommendations. Your pushchair is going to be your new best friend!

Here are some simple tips to ensure your baby is as safe as can be when on the move:

• Always strap your little one in using the pushchair harness.
• Apply the brake when you’re not on the move.
• If you’re using a pushchair for a newborn baby, make sure the recline is 150 degrees or more so that your baby can lie flat.
• Fix swivel wheels, if possible, when pushing over rough ground – this will help to stabilise the pushchair.
• Keep little fingers away from the folding mechanism, and make sure it’s fully locked open when in use.
• Only store shopping and bags in the basket underneath the pushchair, not from the handles. This will prevent tipping.

Here are some quick maintenance tips to prolong the life of your pushchair:

• Check the wheels, brakes, straps and buckles regularly for any signs of damage.
• Know the weight limit. Overloading with bags or a child whose weight exceeds the limit can lead to instability and breakage.
• Vacuum and wipe down the pram or stroller at least once a week to get rid of any loose dirt and debris.
• Deep clean all fabric components at least once a month.
• If you have a folding pushchair, you may want to lubricate the hinges semi-regularly to ensure it stays easy to collapse and open up after storage.
• Find more information on pushchair maintenance and safety, check out this helpful guide.