It also doesn’t help how manufacturers use different terms to pertain to a certain thing so no wonder many parents are confused!

So let’s take some time to explore the different types of pushchairs, the pros and cons of using each, and which baby pushchair is right for you.

Synonymous to ‘baby buggy’, ‘Pushchairs’ and ‘strollers’ are broad terms for a small ‘chair on wheels’ used to push around toddlers or small children.

Just so you understand exactly what we mean when we say certain terms, we have classified Pushchairs into these categories. Note that certain pushchair models will fit in more than one category:

1. Prams
2. Travel Systems or 3-in-1 or 2-in-1 Pushchairs
3. Double or Twin Pushchairs and Tandems
4. Triple Pushchairs
5. 3-Wheelers or All Terrain Pushchairs
6. Buggies, Lightweight Pushchairs and Strollers

1. Prams

A pram is short for ‘perambulator’, and is also known as ‘baby carriage’ in North American English.

According to Wikipedia a pram is a small vehicle that can be pushed around in which a newborn baby can comfortably lie in usually facing away from the direction of travel. This is important as they are at that crucial age where you will need to be checking all the time if they are OK or if they need attention.

A pram is best for newborn babies. Prams are those that can recline for more than 150 degrees which is the best prescribed angle for newborn babies as this aids their spinal development.

Click here to See Pushchairs in the Prams Category.

2. Buggies and Strollers

Buggies and strollers are generally lightweight pushchairs where children up to 3 years of age can sit in while facing the direction of travel. Buggies and strollers can range from plain, lightweight ‘chairs on wheels’ to the more robust ones with more sophisticated features like suspension, bigger wheels, raincovers, footmuffs, aprons, hood, and a whole host of accessories designed to cater to the parent’s needs. Some buggies and strollers can even be part of a Travel System if bought with a suitable child car seat.

A Buggy or Stroller is a Good Buy For You If:

• You’re on a budget (they are the cheapest type of pushchairs).
• You live in a flat or you frequent places with lots of stairs or you often use public transportation. They are generally small and lightweight so they are ideal for you.
• You have a car with a small boot space or you want something that can easily fit in most car boots or you have a limited storage space at home.
• Your darling child is old enough to sit up -NOT a newborn baby.
• You want something that’s ideal for day to day use and one that you can easily fold using a one-handed motion.
• You want something handy and compact enough to take with you on a trip, a holiday, or whilst window shopping.

Buggies and Strollers May Not be For You If:

• Your child is not old enough to sit up. Buggies and Strollers are usually not suitable to be used from birth. Get a pram or a complete Travel system instead.
• You live in the countryside, you plan to join a buggy fit class or you take frequent walks in the park. Many strollers and buggies are only suitable to be used in fairly even surfaces so it’s not the ideal choice for frequent use in rough terrains. Buy an All-Terrain or 3 Wheeler Pushchair instead if this is the case for you.

Click here to See Pushchairs in the Buggies and Strollers Category.

3. Travel Systems Pushchairs (3-in-1s, 2-in-1s)

Travel Systems may include different components: a chassis, a carry cot, and a car seat – thus allowing it to serve as a carry cot, a pushchair, a car seat, and even as a rocking Moses basket in some cases. Although it’s designed to be versatile so it can cater to all your baby transporting needs, you don’t have to buy all the components in one go. This will spread out your cost over a period of time.

Most car seats of Travel Systems are suitable from birth until your baby is about 4 to 6 months old (depends on your baby’s size and the car seat specs), while the pushchair is suitable from birth to about 3 years.

When considering a travel system it’s always wise to make sure the car seat will fit properly and safely in your car and/or your partner’s car.

A Travel System is Right For You if:

• You will be out and about a lot with your child in your car. The main convenience a travel system will give you is letting your baby continue sleeping while she’s in her car seat even as you take her out of the car and fix her car seat onto the chassis and take her somewhere else. Bear in mind though that babies need to lie flat on their back to enable correct spinal development so you shouldn’t let your baby sleep in a car seat all the time.
• You are planning to get all the components a travel system includes anyway. Instead of buying 2 or 3 things, you can just get a travel system and you can make some savings.
• You want something suitable from birth until your darling child turns 3.

You May Not Want To Get a Travel System If:

You can’t really have something that’s bulky and requires some storage space. Remember that it comes with various components. Also take note that not all car seats are compatible with the chassis so bear this in mind.

Click here to See Pushchairs in the Travel Systems Category

4.  3 Wheelers or All-Terrain Pushchairs

What the Buggies and strollers lack, All-Terrain Pushchairs pretty much compensate for.

All Terrain Pushchairs are normally three wheelers and are designed to cope with bumpy surfaces as they’re equipped with tyres similar to bikes. They’re usually easy to manoeuvre and control because of the lockable swivel wheels. Models with higher specs even come with suspension, making it an even more comfy ride for your child.

It’s normally a forward facing buggy, usually with an aluminium folding frame, and big pneumatic tyres  and with front swivel wheels. 3 Wheelers are designed primarily for off-road use, for example cross-country walks or along the beach, and perfect to use if you want to go for a jog with your baby.

All-Terrain pushchairs are:

• Great for people who enjoy walking, very manoeuvrable and designed to cope with all kinds of terrain
• Suitable for babies from around three months up to 3 years but even with weather-proofing accessories, not as solid or snug as a pram
• great if you love the Outdoors, you live in the countryside, or you plan to go jogging with your child and/or dog.
• perfect if you want a pushchair that your child will find comfortable in even when you use it frequently on rough surfaces like gravel or off-road.

You May Not Want to buy an All-Terrain pushchair if:

• Works just as well walking round town and in and out of shops but not designed for carrying a lot of items
• May be heavier and not as quick to fold or as compact as some pushchairs
• Quite expensive, particularly as it is likely to be a second pushchair.
• You don’t want a heavy and bulky pushchair.
• Your needs fall on the 2 ends of the spectrum : your needs are either pretty basic and simple or you need more features than what an all-terrain can offer.

Click here to See Pushchairs in the All-Terrain or 3 Wheeler Pushchairs Category

5. Twin or Double Pushchairs and Tandem Pushchairs

As the name implies, Twin Pushchairs are designed to accommodate two children side by side who are roughly the same age.

A Tandem on the other hand have one seat in front of the other making it easier to change direction and move around compared to a Double pushchair but it can be fairly long so it can still be relatively hard to steer around (just think of the workout your arms will get though! ).

Tandems

Tandems may be good for you if:

• You have a toddler and a baby. A Tandem will let your toddler sit up and let your baby lie flat on his back.
• You can save money buying a tandem rather than buying a pushchair for your toddler and then a pram for your newborn.

When Buying a Tandem Be aware That:

• They can be long and hard to manoeuvre
• You may find it too heavy and you may find it challenging to carry it up the stairs without going out of breath or bumping it.
• You may find it a struggle having to fold or unfold it whenever you need to get in or out of a car or bus.

Click here to See Pushchairs in the Tandem Pushchairs Category

6. Triple Pushchairs

Double or Triple Pushchairs usually allow both or all kids to either lay flat on their back or sit up.

Twin/Triple pushchairs have the same Cons as the Tandem except for two things:

Twin and Triple Pushchairs are wide, whereas tandems are long. This can be an issue when trying to squeeze through doors or take a flight of stairs when you also have other things you need to carry. They can also be hard to manoeuvre.

Click here to See Baby Pushchairs in the Twin/Double Pushchairs Category.

Click here to see Triple Baby Pushchairs.

Don’t base your choice on another parent’s recommendation alone, either. Remember, the perfect pushchair for someone else may be the worst choice for you.

No, there’s so much more to it than these. The primary criteria should be what your and your child’s needs are and which pushchairs will be able to meet your unique needs perfectly. Only then should you start narrowing your choice in terms of price and colour. Buy pushchairs this way and you can be assured that you made the right choice!

Here are top questions to ask yourself before you pull out your wallet and pay for that prized pushchair.

Will it fit in spaces you’re going to store it in?

Will it fit through the doors or stairways you use? Will it fit in your storage place? Is it easy to fold and unfold? Believe me, it makes a world of difference especially when you’re carrying things on one hand or when you’re out and about and in a hurry!

If you plan to use it with your car, you may want something light enough for you to lift and small enough to fit in your boot, so make sure you measure your car’s boot space before shopping for baby pushchairs.

What pushchair features do you absolutely need, and which ones can I do without?

Some features won’t make much difference to you, but some features will be indispensable.

For example if you, your partner (and other people who will be pushing the pushchair) have varying heights then go for one with adjustable handles. Pushing a pushchair with a handle at the wrong level can be hard work and uncomfortable.

Another important thing to consider is if you have a lot of stuff that you need to take with you when you’re out and about with your baby. For example if you don’t drive and you’ll likely be shopping for food with the pushchair or a regular basis, then the size of the shopping basket must be big enough for your needs.

There are some pushchairs that have very small shopping basket space, so make sure you check. Honestly, how some people cope with teeny weeny shopping baskets is beyond me, but then again I’d been known to always have things with me – from hair straighteners to tanning lotion to dental floss! Hehe.

Also, the type of accommodation you live in will play a role in your choice of pushchair. If you will have to carry it up and down stairs then the lighter it is, the better.

For a more comprehensive discussion about pushchair features, read 11 Essential Pushchair Features You Need to Consider Before Buying.

Will this pushchair suit your lifestyle?

This is where you need to consider the features of the pushchair and how that translates to meeting your unique needs. Do you commute or mainly drive your own car? Do you live in the city, or in the countryside? Your answers will dictate how important certain features are for you like portability, maneoverability, size, weight, suspension, durability, etc.

For example if you do a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and commuting using public transport, you will need a model that’s sturdy, robust and easy to negotiate on corners and stairs.

If you’ll be using public transport you’ll be better off with something that is extremely easy to fold even with one hand.

If you live in the countryside, an all-terrain or 3-wheeler pushchair with  suspension will be able to cope with rough ground and therefore will be more suitable for your needs.

If you like to spend time outdoors, think of pushchair accessories that will  give your baby better protection from the elements. Some pushchair models have certain accessories included in the package, but depending on your lifestyle you may need to buy some extra ones to ensure your baby is comfortable, warm and well protected.

Does this pushchair suit YOUR child?

A newborn baby needs to lie flat so you want one that have this facility. You also need to make sure the pushchair is weatherproof and comfortable for your baby.

Babies prefer to see their parent’s face whereas toddlers prefer to see the outside world so you may want a model that can face the way your child prefers.

Do you need it for the Long Term?

Do you want an all-round pushchair that you can use from your child’s birth until he outgrows the pushchair as a toddler, or do you plan to buy another buggy when he’s a bit older?

Are you buying it for your first child but have hopes to also be able to use it for your second child and so on?

What’s the guarantee like?

How long is the guarantee? How easy is it to get repaired? Will your vendor give you a replacement while yours is being repaired?

Does the pushchair package provide everything you’ll need or do you have to buy extra pushchair accessories?

Some pushchair models come with all sorts of handy accessories, while others are optional extras you will need to buy. Again when it comes to this, think of the functionality and benefits  first before aesthetics like colour or style.

Conclusion

Once you have made a list of all the things that are important to the way you will be using your pushchair, you can then go through all the pushchairs on the market and pick out the ones that will suit you.

Your choice of pushchair can directly affect you and your child’s well-being so it’s worth some investigation.

Check out our Best Value Pushchairs here.

Shop for Baby Pushchairs by Type or check out the Top Baby Pushchairs Brands.

It’s a common mistake to end buying a pushchair just because it looked good or that just because Posh was pictured on last week’s magazine with it.

When buying a pushchair, the most essential thing is to inspect the features and analyze how well it will be able to meet your needs.

Generally speaking, when you’re looking at pushchair features, bear in mind that one advantage usually has a corresponding disadvantage so be prepared to find out first

1) What that disadvantage is, and

2) How that disadvantage will affect you.

Most of the time these disadvantages could be of trivial consequence to you, but it pays to know what you will be dealing with so you can make an informed decision.

For example, big chunky wheels may be heavy and takes up more boot space, but if you’re looking for a pushchair to use off road and one that you can take jogging with, then you may decide that for you the benefits of buying an off-road buggy far outweighs the inconvenience its size may cause you.

The key is to know exactly what you are looking for, and hunt for that perfect pushchair that ticks all the boxes!

Folding Mechanism

As parents, we’re always multi tasking, so having a pushchair that we can fold simply and easily with one hand is high on our list of must-have features. Imagine holding your baby on one hand and having to struggle with complicated clips, buttons and accessories that need to be detached first before you can fold or unfold your pushchair? Not easy.

So when buying a pushchair look for those that you can adjust and fold and access easily with one hand. There are even some models now that fold and/or unfold by itself.

Brakes

Opt for pushchairs with simple brakes that are easy to switch on or off. When looking at brakes, be particularly aware of foot brakes that protrude – they can get caught on stair steps as you try to push it down the stairs, or they could get in the way of your feet particularly if you are long legged. There are some pushchairs with bike-style handbrakes, but most pushchairs have footbrakes.

Handles

Handles come in different shapes, sizes, height and even angle so choose a pushchair with handles that support the natural position of your wrists. Some pushchairs have adjustable handles, some don’t. Pushchairs with adjustable handle height can be very convenient if people of varying heights will be pushing the pushchair. Also, some pushchairs are foam covered, while some are metal handles, while others are covered with plastic. You may not think much about it now, but handles could play a role in how comfortable you’ll find pushing the pushchair several hours a day every day, so bear this in mind when buying.

Wheels

Wheels that are big and spoked may give a more comfortable ride for your baby, but they can also be big and heavy, and therefore more difficult to move around and require more space for storage.

Swivel wheels can improve manoeuverability as it will let you change direction easily but are best used on smooth surfaces. When used on rougher terrains, it can get easily knocked off course by the uneven ground surface. If you want the best of both worlds, choose a pushchair with lockable swivel wheels.

Bulkier tyres are better for rougher terrains (off-road use). If you’ll use the pushchair mostly on bumpy terrains, get a 3 wheeler pushchair (also known as all-terrain pushchairs). They usually have pneumatic tyres which give a much comfortable and smoother ride for your baby. Be aware that it can be a nightmare when punctured though so always keep a puncture kit handy.

Seat

Of course, it pays to check if your child will be comfortable and snug inside the pushchair. Some pushchairs have small seats while others provide more space. Always check if the materials and fabrics used to pad the seat are of good enough quality.

Protective Covers

Always check that the hood could provide ample protection for your child whatever the weather. There are some models that now have UV protective hoods, and some that allows you to see through so you can always check up on your child.

Hoods, canopies, parasols may or may not be included in the package you are buying, so check what your package includes.

Covers that are machine-washable and removable are best.

Leg Support

Having leg support will ensure your child is comfortable inside the buggy. Not all pushchairs have adjustable leg rests. If you’re eyeing one that does, find out whether the leg rest is easily adjustable.

Fabric

You can almost guarantee that your stroller will suffer from frequent spillages and food stains, that’s why it’s always prudent to check if the pushchair you’re considering has removable and easy to clean fabric and accessories. This can make a lot of difference to extending the life and good looks of your pushchair. Believe it or not, there are some pushchairs with fabrics that are easily soiled and not so easy to clean or are not machine washable. In our reviews, we’ll always alert you when this is the case.

Backrests

If you’re buying for a newborn baby, look for pushchairs with reclining backrests so your baby can lie flat on his or her back. Pushchairs that can be reclined for more than 150 degrees is the standard for newborn babies.

If you’re buying for older children, it’s worth considering whether you find it easy to adjust the backrests smoothly even while your child is sitting inside the pushchair.

Baby Pushchairs Storage Baskets

Believe us when we say that the size and accessibility of the pushchair’s shopping basket can directly affect your stress levels, and even  your sanity. Pushchair Models that come with big shopping baskets that are easy to access and  models with clever functional pockets are life-savers, in our experience. The shopping basket size does not necessarily count as massively important to every parent, but having storage space can always come in handy.

Baby Pushchair Accessories

Finally you may want to check which pushchair accessories are included in the package you plan to buy and which ones you need to get. Some pushchair accessories that may be included with your pushchair purchase are:

• Apron
• Footmuff
• Parasols
• Raincover
• Changing Bag
• Carry Cot
• Liner and Mattress
• Hood
• Reflective strips

Conclusion

Buying a pushchair is not as simple and as straightforward as it may seem. You need to be clear on which features you need and which features don’t really matter much to you. When you decide which pushchair to buy based on the tips we have outlined here, you have more chances of  buying the right pushchair with the right  features and with our help, you can also get them at the right price.

Happy shopping!