Buyers Guide and Overview |
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 Choosing your baby's transport is a big decision for a new parent, particularly as there are now so many different models and styles to choose from. Here we explain what to look for when you are picking out a buggy, so you don't end up wasting money on expensive kit that isn't suitable for your needs. |
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| There are many things to think about when you are choosing a pushchair or pram, either for the first time or if you need one for a specific purpose, for example a double buggy for a second child or an "off-road" or jogging model to fit in with your leisure activities or lifestyle. Here we outline the key features to look for and what they mean. |
Reclining seats |
| If you want a pushchair that will be suitable from birth it must have a seat that fully reclines so the baby can lay flat. But even if you are buying for a toddler, the ability to recline the back when they need a sleep is a big plus. |
Travel systems |
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Travel systems are pushchairs to which you can easily attach accessories like a carrycot or car seat, and they do offer some useful benefits. Carrycots provide a comfortable bed for newborns which can be used both on and off the pushchair; car seats that fit on the pushchair mean you won't need to wake the baby when you move him or her to and from your car, as they can remain in the detachable car seat.
The disadvantage is that these systems are more expensive than other baby transporters, can be very bulky and are often awkward to move and fold down; more often than not you will end up replacing them with a lightweight model as soon as your child is old enough, so despite their convenience in the early months they aren't really that cost effective.
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Adjustable leg support |
| Being able to extend the seat of the pushchair to provide support for little calves is a handy feature for younger children as it means they can stretch out for more comfortable, restful sleeping. |
Storage |
| Good storage capacity is always a plus so you can carry shopping and baby supplies easily. Look for an easy-to-access shopping basket under the seat, along with pouches, pockets, cup holders and insulated bottle bags, which are all great extras. Handles that you can hang bags from are a real boon, but remember that you can buy cheap pushchair bag clips to attach bags to the handles of most pushchairs. |
Double buggies |
 If you have twins or children who are close in age a double buggy can be a life-saver as it means you can transport them both at the same time, which is useful when you are shopping or on a day out. The choice is between side by side buggies, or a front-and-back design, where one child sits behind the other. For more information on this read our Best Double Buggy review. |
Brakes |
| Good brakes are essential, as you will often have to park your pushchair with your baby in it. Generally the more expensive the pushchair, the better the brakes, but specialised jogging and all terrain buggies often feature enhanced braking systems. |
Folding mechanisms |
 A simple folding mechanism is a must. There is nothing worse than struggling to fold down an awkward buggy with a screaming child or two in tow. Test out any buggy you are considering in store before you buy, and once you have bought your buggy, practise with it before the baby arrives, so you aren't working out how to use it whist dealing with a newborn. Also bear in mind how compact the buggy will be once folded, as if you have small car or a flat that's short of space you want something that will fold down as small as possible. |
Size |
| The weight and dimensions of your pushchair are important as you will be pushing it around, day in day out. Make sure that you don't go for anything too heavy or cumbersome; this is particularly important if you know you will need a caesarian section, as you physically can't push or carry heavy weights for some time after one. Also make sure you can fit your chosen model in the boot of your car, through your front door and into your hall or porch. |
Accessories |
 Pushchairs come with a whole range of accessories, but the three you will need most often are a raincover, footmuff and sun shade. Some pushchairs come with these as standard, and it's always worth looking for package deals like this as they can really save you money. Also beware manufacturers who charge a lot for add-ons and whose buggies won't accept generic accessories, or you can find yourself paying hundreds of pounds for extras. |
Handles |
| The positioning of handles is crucial to comfortable pushing, so look for models with adjustable handles, especially if you are unusually tall or short. Also if you plan to use a buggy board - a wheeled platform that fits behind the buggy for an older child to stand on - with your pushchair at any point, the ability to extend the handles makes it much easier to push with a board attached. |
Hood |
| A hood can help to protect your child from light drizzle or sunshine, so its useful to have one of these. All but the cheapest pushchairs tend to have one of these as standard. |
Harness |
| This is what holds your baby securely in your pushchair and should always be fastened, as some pushchairs can topple over tipping out a baby that isn't securely strapped in. (Bear in mind that dangling too much shopping from the handle may cause the buggy to tip back if you let go of it.) Padded or fleece straps can be more comfortable, though they aren't essential. |
Fixed & Swivel wheels |
 Fixed wheels are best on rough terrain, while swivel wheels provide better manoeuvrability on smooth surfaces. On a standard buggy opt for swivel wheels that can be locked. |
Suspension |
Pushchairs with suspension and shock absorbers offer a smoother ride, but cushioned and padded seats also help to improve comfort.
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Age range |
| If you want a buggy that will last throughout your child's toddler years opt for a 0-5 year age range, but also bear in mind that what seems vital for a newborn could soon become just a burdensome extra when you are pushing a toddler around. |
Cost |
There is no need to spend hundreds of pounds on a standard pushchair. You can easily spend under £200 on a model that will last until your child has outgrown it. Many of the extras that come with posh pushchairs are unnecessary in everyday use. Unless you have specialised needs, try not to overspend on features you won't use and don't need.
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