Pushchair Buying Guide [What To Consider]

There are so many pushchairs available in all shapes, sizes, functions, designs and colours, from single to double strollers for babies, to full travel systems. The huge variety can make it difficult for both new and experienced parents to pick the ideal pushchair for their family.

When purchasing a pushchair, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know what to consider. For example, would you prefer a travel system complete with accessories? Do you need a lightweight and compact stroller? Or do you need an all-terrain pushchair suitable for all surfaces? And, we can’t forget your preferences on design and colour too.

There really is so much to think about, which can be rather overwhelming. But this handy pushchair buying guide aims to tell you everything you need to know about the different types of pushchairs, starting with:

• Prams, Pushchairs, Buggies and Strollers - what’s the difference?
• Car Seat Strollers
• Lightweight and Compact Strollers
• All-Terrain Pushchairs
• Double Pushchairs
• Travel Systems
• 2 in 1 Carrycot and Pushchairs
• Pushchair Accessories

Prams, Pushchairs, Buggies and Strollers – What’s The Difference?

Many people believe that prams, pushchairs, buggies, and strollers mean the same thing, but surprisingly, there are a few differences between the terms. The difference between a pram and a pushchair is their suitability for different ages.

Prams, for instance, are suitable for newborns and infants and are designed for infants to lie flat and face toward you. They look like a basket on wheels and do not have a harness or safety belt.

Pushchairs are typically only forward facing, some are suitable for use from Birth, however others are designed for older infants (6 months onwards) and toddlers who can sit upright, so be sure to check the manufacturers recommendations. They are often more lightweight and portable than prams.

Buggies are also very similar to pushchairs/strollers but are generally lighter, more travel friendly and are better suited to older toddlers.

Convenience: Car Seat Strollers

Car seat strollers have become increasingly popular over the last few years for their practicality and simplicity. With car seat strollers, your baby can be moved from car seat to stroller in seconds.

There is no struggle with taking your baby from the car seat and moving them into a carrycot or fussing about with lots of clipping and buckling (and potentially waking up or disturbing your baby in the process).

Instead, car seat strollers fold into place in one simple motion with zero hassle. They are great for supermarket trips, doctor appointments, short walks, and their compactness makes them perfect for travel too.

The Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller is the world’s first complete and fully integrated travel system. With its unique three-layer side impact protection, anti-rebound bar crash technology, superior five-point safety harness, and ergonomic infant insert, the Doona Car Seat is one of the safest car seats available.

The Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller was designed alongside medical and engineering experts and is the only car seat tested and certified as an infant car seat, an infant carrier, and a stroller. It’s also the only car seat with integrated wheels and easy instant fold.

Its swivel wheels and one-touch brake makes the stroller easy to manoeuvre for a smooth ride. The stroller is available in a variety of colours, with our most popular being the blush pink and nitro black models.

Practicality: Lightweight and Compact Strollers

Lightweight and compact strollers fold up smaller than traditional styles, which is why they are a popular choice among travel lovers and city livers. Not only do lightweight and compact strollers help save precious boot space, but they are also convenient for those who rely on public transport.

The best selling Didofy Aster Pushchair is the ultimate, innovative, ultra-compact fold pushchair that weighs in at just 6.2kg and fits on most airlines as hand luggage. By pressing the MagicFold button, the Didofy Aster Pushchair folds and unfolds itself like magic. It can stand upright when folded or can lie flat. The wheels are puncture-proof and have a lockable swivel with a quick one-click release for front and rear wheels. The built-in suspension, flip flop friendly brakes, and light one-handed steering makes the pushchair a lovely and smooth ride.

The Didofy Aster Pushchair has built-in seat ventilation as well as an extendable UPF50 waterproof hood with a peekaboo window. The seat itself has a five-point cushioned harness, adjustable footrest and multi-position reclining backrest for ultimate comfort. It comes in two gorgeous colours, grey and olive. The grey fabric is paired with a powder-coated black frame, whereas the olive fabric is paired with a bronze anodised frame. All this and its plentiful storage make it no surprise that the pushchair was awarded silver in the lightweight stroller category at the Made For Mums Awards 2021.

All-Terrain Pushchairs

All-terrain pushchairs are great for adventure goers. The tough wheels and extra suspension as well as additional comfort features, make the pushchairs able to navigate through rough terrain and manoeuvre across different surfaces while not compromising a smooth and comfortable ride.

The Bumbleride Indie Stroller is perfect for just that. Its air-filled 12” wheels, 360-degree swivel front wheels, and all-wheel suspension provide a smooth ride no matter the terrain. The stroller is suitable from birth up to 25kg; it has an adjustable footrest for infants and a deep footwell for toddlers. Conveniently, the pushchair also has built-in storage pockets, and a large cargo basket with storage for the included air pump. The stroller is available in matte black and dawn grey, with our best selling being the maritime blue.

Double Pushchairs: Expecting Twins?

If you are expecting twins or have another baby who needs a pushchair, then a double pushchair is just for you. A very common misconception of double pushchairs is that they are heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, but this is not always the case.

The My Babiie Double Stroller from the Samantha Faiers collection is lightweight and super easy to fold away despite it being able to hold two children of up to 22kg each. The stroller has solid seats, reversible seat covers, handy pockets, and large baskets to store everything you need. The large UV-protected canopy provides a safe and comfortable place for little ones to both sit and nap. Being suitable from birth, the stroller is an excellent choice for both parents expecting twins and growing families.

Travel Systems

Travel systems combine a pushchair with a detachable infant carrier car seat and stroller seat, and many include a detachable carrycot too. They are a popular choice for many first time parents as purchasing a travel system for babies is often cheaper and more convenient than buying the items individually.

The Miniuno Toura 3 in 1 Travel System includes everything you’ll possibly need! It consists of a chassis with a storage basket, a newborn carrycot (suitable from birth to 9kg), a stroller seat (suitable from birth until 15kg), and a SecureFix Group 0+ car seat (suitable from birth until 13kg). In addition to this, the Miniuno Toura Travel System comes with a few handy accessories such as a rain cover, fleece-lined footmuff, and a padded summer liner. The system really does make life with your growing baby simple.

2 in 1 Carrycot and Pushchair

If you already have an infant car seat and would not benefit from a full travel system, a 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair is the essential package for day to day travelling as your child grows from infant to toddler. Essentially, the package is just the same as a travel system, just without the newborn car seat.

The Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 2 in 1 Carrycot and Pushchair includes a carrycot with flexible hood, apron and safety mattress, a pushchair with a seat liner, a multi-position hood as well as footmuff for the stroller, rain cover, and car window sunshades. The pushchair has a built-in front and rear suspension with deluxe foam and puncture-proof wheels, ensuring a smooth ride.

Pushchair Accessories

When purchasing a pram or pushchair, there are also some accessories that you may want to consider. Rain covers and footmuffs are must-have accessories for keeping your little one warm and dry in the cooler months. A full range of rain covers, including the Doona Rain Cover and Bumbleride Cold Weather Footmuff, are available from the Bambini and Bo online pram shop UK.

If you are looking for some extra storage, and essentials or an all-day changing bag that attaches to your pushchair is super handy. In the Doona Essentials or Doona All Day Bag, you can carry all of the things you need, from bibs and bottles to nappies and changes of clothes. Their multiple pockets are great for organising all of your baby’s things.

If you’re looking for something a little smaller to hold just a few things, take a look at the Bumbleride Snack Pack, a cleverly designed soft tray that attaches to the Bumbleride Indie or Speed strollers. The Snack Pack is divided into two compartments for a sippy cup and snacks. Alternatively, the Bumbleride Parent Pack is a parent console that also attaches directly to the handle of your Bumbleride. The Parent Pack features two adult-sized cup holders and a secure magnetic pouch for your keys, phone and other valuables.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, you now have the low down of all the different pushchairs available and are hopefully one step closer to choosing the perfect pushchair for your family.

If you would like further assistance discovering and comparing pushchairs and working out which pram is best for your budget, feel free to explore the pram shop on our online baby store. Our team of baby furniture and transport experts are always available for friendly, helpful advice should you wish to contact us.

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From the Family at Bambini and Bo.