How to choose a pushchair: A buying guide | Tinies & Co.

Picking a pushchair comes with equal doses of excitement and bewilderment. It’s your ticket to adventure with your tiny one, but it’s also an expense that seems to grow along with the list of options available to you.

It’s a difficult decision and, well, rightly so—it pays to take your time over a pushchair purchase that could see your child through from birth to the toddler years.

If you’re looking for clarity on anything from types and applications to when and how to buy a pushchair, Tinies & Co has got you covered. This is your one-stop guide to choosing the perfect pushchair for your needs.

What is a pushchair?

Let’s start by defining the various terms you’ll no doubt have heard during your journey to parenthood. There are many different contraptions out there and it can be difficult to know what’s what, but here’s a quick explanation of each to get you on your way.

What are the different types of pushchair?

Pram

A pram can be traditionally thought of as a carrycot on wheels. It allows newborn babies to lie flat on their backs as they develop and is perfect for travelling around until they start to sit up by themselves, which is usually around the six-month mark. They don’t offer much longevity for that reason, but can do the right job at the right time.

Pushchair

A pushchair is essentially a foldable seat on wheels that can be used from birth through to toddler age. It tends to be the most popular option among parents who want to get more for their money, as it can be adapted from the carrycot newborns need to the seat toddlers want when they get tired of running around. Pushchairs also come with many different options and accessories, so they are versatile pieces of kit.

Stroller

A stroller is a more compact version of a pushchair, meaning that it can be lightweight and more easily folded for travelling around. It is typically used for toddlers, but many compact strollers have the option of holding a newborn carrycot to allow parents to use them for their children from birth.

Travel system

A travel system does what it says on the tin—it makes travel easier with infants because of its all-in-one design. It’s effectively a pushchair that is also compatible with bassinets and infant carrier car seats, while some come with other accessories like carrycots, raincovers and footmuffs.

Double

Whether you call it a double buggy, a double stroller or a twin pushchair, a double or duo is a great way to get around with two children at once. Several pushchair designs allow you to add another seat to convert to a double for kids under six months old, while you also have the option of adding a buggy board for those who are a little older—it can be a cost-effective option for growing families.

Special needs pushchairs

A special needs pushchair is a specifically designed piece of mobility equipment for children who need the likes of travel assistance, seating aids or postural support. Designs range from light strollers to large pushchairs and can be single, double or tandem—they are most often tailored to a child’s specific needs and require assessments and assistance from the NHS or private healthcare providers.

What to look for when buying a pushchair

Choosing which pushchair will best meet your needs is no mean feat. If money and storage space were no objects, you’d have one for every walk of life with your wee one.

Many modern pushchairs are designed with our modern lifestyles in mind, so they’re versatile enough to tick many boxes for parents, but certain factors can help sway you in one direction or another. Let’s take a look.

Choosing a pushchair to suit your…child’s age

Not all pushchairs can be used straight from birth—some strollers, for instance, don’t have a lie-flat option, so they aren’t suitable for children under six months old who can’t sit upright without help. Consider what you want your pushchair to do and at what age for your child as you shop around.

Choosing a pushchair to fit your…lifestyle

Easily the most important factor in deciding what type of pushchair to buy is your day-to-day lifestyle. It sounds obvious, but consider all your options here. Do you live in the city, but enjoy a country walk from time to time? Will you get about mostly by car or will you rely on public transport? Do you need to get up and down stairs a lot? Are you likely to jet away on holiday with your new baby? What’s the route to your favourite café like on a Saturday morning? There’s a lot to consider, but asking yourself these questions will help you narrow down your options.

What to look for when buying a pushchair - Tinies and Co

Choosing a pushchair to be…practical

With your lifestyle in mind, practicality is key when you’re looking for the best pushchair for you. Consider how it folds down, how adjustable the handles are (especially if you’re tall), how big the basket is and how big the frame is when it comes to loading it into your car.

Choosing a pushchair to fit your…budget

Pushchair prices will likely dictate what’s available to you as new parents, so one of the first things you should do is decide what you want to spend. Don’t forget about any accessories you might add on here, too.

Tinies & Co.’s Top Tip: Think about your needs in different seasons and all kinds of weather when it comes to totalling up the accessories you’ll need to buy.

Choosing a pushchair to suit your…family plans

Whether or not you plan to have more children soon is certainly a factor worth considering early on when buying a pushchair. You might opt for one that converts into a double pram with the right accessories or you might go for a single pushchair for now—there are many adaptable ones out there, so it could be good to have the option even if you don’t know yet.

Choosing a pushchair to fit your…style

Of course, lifestyle and practicality are the core considerations when picking a pushchair, but you want to look the part, too, right? From Silver Cross to Bugaboo, there are many different brands to choose from to match your style, whether it’s working with your own wardrobe or complementing the colour of your car.

Choosing a pushchair to…accessorise

You needn’t consider your pushchair ‘as is’ from the moment you buy it—you can pick one based on the accessories you can add to it in different scenarios. Most designs allow you to add:

Changing bags: For storing all the (seemingly millions of) bits and bobs you need while you’re out
Buggy boards: For carrying older children around on the same pushchair as your newborn(s) or toddler(s)
Footmuffs: For whipping out in the cold snaps so your baby can keep nice and warm
Raincovers: For sheltering your child from the inclement weather, come rain or snow
Sun shades: For keeping your child out of direct sunlight when it’s too nice to stay inside

When to buy a pushchair

We advise getting a pushchair no later than week 36 of your pregnancy in case you have an early arrival. It might not get heavy usage in the first few months, but it’s a good thing to have from birth so you’re prepared for every situation.

If you’re always on the lookout for a good deal, think about your storage space at home before taking the plunge. Pushchairs aren’t the smallest of items to have lying around the house for weeks or months, but if you find a good price for a brand and design you like, go for it.

What is the best time to buy a pushchair

What we will say is that it won’t hurt to start your research early on so you can be absolutely sure you’re buying the right one for you, but don’t feel like you need to rush into the decision—it’s a big expense after all, so be sure to think it through.

How to buy a pushchair

The process of finding the right pram, stroller or pushchair is different for every parent, but there are a few questions and considerations we’ll all have in common along the way.

Comparing and contrasting the features and benefits of different pushchairs is a given and it’ll help you narrow down your options. Look for any extras and accessories that might help you make a decision and don’t forget to check the dimensions for storage and transport purposes.

As always, checking warranty information is a must, as are the returns and repairs policies of your chosen brand.

Where can I buy a pushchair?

You can explore pushchair options through any one of our affiliate partners here at Tinies & Co. Take a look at our useful chart here to help you choose pushchair that suits you and your family.

What to do when you’ve got a pushchair

Once you’re all set and you’ve plumped for the pushchair you want, be sure to keep your receipt, follow any manufacturer’s advice for safety and maintenance and, most of all, enjoy the adventures it will bring you as a family!

Pushchair FAQs

What’s the difference between a pram and a pushchair?

A pram is typically used for babies under six months old to allow them to lie flat as their body develops. A pushchair accommodates this as well as the seat option for when babies can sit up unaided, so they are generally a more versatile option for parents.

What’s the difference between a stroller and a pushchair?

A stroller is a lightweight and usually more compact version of a robust and sturdy pushchair, allowing for quicker transportation when folding up and down.

How do I fold or collapse a pushchair?

Each pushchair brand has its own instructions for folding or collapsing the pushchair for transportation or storage—you should be able to consult your manufacturer’s guidelines for more details.

Can I take a pushchair on a plane?

Each airline has specific rules and guidelines relating to taking a pushchair aboard a plane. You’ll be able to find details of those on their websites, but the general rule is that if a pushchair can be safely stowed away from aisles and emergency exits, it should be allowed on a flight.

When should I move my baby from a cot to a pushchair?

Babies are normally ready to move from a carrycot to a pushchair at around six months old when they can sit up unaided. Many pushchairs are adaptable and, therefore, usable from birth because they fit carrycots as well as seats, so having one from the newborn stage is ideal—we would advise you aim for delivery no later than week 36 in case you have an early arrival.

Do footmuffs fit all pushchairs?

As with many other pushchair accessories, you can get specific items that fit specific branded pushchairs, but you can also get universal accessories that fit just about any pushchair.