How to Choose the Right Pushchair For You and Your Baby

Buying a pushchair is an exciting part of impending parenthood, but when faced with the vast array of models on the market, it can seem very daunting. However tempting it is to be swayed by a particular pushchair’s colour or pattern, it’s important to work out practically the best model for you.

The most important things to consider are whether you mainly use public transport or a car, and if you live in the city or the countryside. Smaller and more lightweight pushchairs are ideal for urban use, especially if they can fold compactly for hopping on and off buses and trains. If you live in a more rural area, look for a sturdy pushchair with large wheels and decent suspension that can deal with bumpy surfaces.

And of course, don’t forget to think about your budget, as your baby’s pram or pushchair is often the most important piece of kit you’ll need to invest in. Depending on the make and model, you could spend anything from just over a hundred pounds up to £1000 (and possibly more).

A travel system is a clever buy, and it could see you through all the way from your baby’s birth to the toddler years. It’s designed to change in functionality as your baby grows, starting as a lie-flat pram for the newborn stage. Once your child reaches around six months old, the carrycot section is removed, revealing a pushchair seat that be either forward or parent-facing depending on your baby’s age (parent-facing is recommended for the first year).

The cleverest thing about a travel system is that it has a third functionality: an infant car seat can be attached to its chassis. This means that when your child is tiny, you can move them from car to pushchair and then back again – all without having to remove them from their car seat. This means they're less likely to wake up when you're out and about, which is a winner in the early days.

Our go-to travel systems are the Mamas & Papas Ocarro, a sturdy all-terrain model that has large puncture-proof wheels, and the lighter-weight Strada, with a slimline chassis that’s ideally suited to city living.

If you’re looking for a more lightweight option, a stroller (or buggy) could be the answer, especially if you live in a more urban environment or use public transport regularly. This type of pushchair is designed to be as compact as possible, to easily maneuver onto buses or trains, giving a streamlined, nippy ride through city streets. We like the Cruise pushchair, which is designed to be used from birth, with a seat that can lie almost flat for naps on the go.

If you’re planning to travel further afield, the Airo stroller could be your ideal choice. It weighs just 7.6kg and folds up compactly enough be stowed as cabin baggage in a plane's overhead compartment. It can also be carried backpack-style for ease.

Lastly, always check before you buy that your chosen pushchair fits comfortably into the boot of your car when folded.