The right set of wheels will make it easy to get out and about with your baby, and ensure that he’s safe and comfortable on the move. Prams and pushchairs for babies and toddlers span an enormous price range.If you’re on a budget, you can buy a pushchair for as little as £70, although it’ll be light on features at this price. On average, prams and pushchairs cost somewhere between £250 and £500, depending on factors including the brand name, features and functions and styling. Designer brands and luxury coach-built prams can easily set you back £1,000 or more. There’s a lot to think about when you’re buying a pushchair or pram. Prams are designed for babies from birth, with a flat mattress. This is the most comfortable position for little babies, and best for their developing spine, but your baby is likely to outgrow it at around six months. Pushchairs have a seat rather than a flat bed.These tend to be less snug and secure for small babies, but have a longer life span.
Many buggies combine pram and pushchair functions, either with a separate carrycot that attaches to the chassis or a seat unit that can be converted into a carrycot. This means you get the best of both worlds, and a pushchair that will last from birth to toddlerhood.Pushchairs generally have reclining seats that can be used in a variety of different positions: upright for when your baby is awake, or laid back for naps. If you intend to use a pushchair from birth, you’ll need to ensure that the seat reclines fully, so your baby is lying flat. Often, the seat can be turned around so your baby can travel facing forward or facing you. This usually involves lifting the whole seat unit off and turning it round, but some have a swivel seat.When it comes to wheels, you have the choice of pneumatic (air-filled) tyres or solid wheels. Tyres are better for uneven surfaces and give your baby a smoother ride, but they do run the risk of punctures, which isn’t a problem with solid wheels.You can also choose between three- and four-wheeler buggies.
Three-wheelers tend to be bigger and bulkier than four-wheelers, but are good if you’re likely to use the pushchair on uneven ground.To make prams and pushchairs easier to manoeuvre, they often have lockable swivel front wheels.In the swivel position, the buggy will be easier to handle on smooth surfaces, while locking the wheels makes it more manoeuvrable on bumpy ground.Some pushchairs have wheels that automatically lock when you move onto an uneven surface.It’s important to consider your lifestyle when you’re choosing a pram or pushchair. If you do a lot of walking, your biggest priority is likely to be finding something that’s easy to push.Frequent public transport users will need a buggy that’s light and easy to fold, while if you use the car a lot, you’ll need to make sure the pushchair will fit in your boot.Pushchair weights and dimensions vary a lot, so check out these stats before you buy. You’ll also want to pay some attention to how it folds. Some pushchairs and prams have super easy one-handed folding mechanisms, while others are trickier to master.
Bigger prams and pushchairs often have the option of removing the seat unit and wheels to make them more compact when folded. Handlebars are often height adjustable, which is a useful feature if you or your partner are shorter or taller than average.Prams and pushchairs may have a single handlebar or two handles. Single handlebars usually make for a more manoeuvrable pushchair, but double handles are easier to hang bags on. Look at the brake mechanism, and check that it’s easy to operate.Most prams and pushchairs have a foot brake that you step on to engage, and kick up to release. Check out the position of the brake pedal, as if it sticks out too far, you might catch your toes on it while pushing.Some models have a hand-operated brake on the handlebar instead.Other useful features to look for include a storage basket under the seat, bumper bar or tray for your baby’s toys or snacks, and a large hood for sun protection.Removable and washable seat covers are handy, too. Some prams and pushchairs also come with added accessories such as a rain cover, foot muff, parent cup holder, changing bag and sunshade or parasol, which make them better value for money.
Many prams and pushchairs are compatible with an infant car seat to make a travel system. This is a useful addition if you want to be able to lift your baby from car to pushchair without disturbing him, but it’s advised that you limit his time in a car seat to two hours to avoid damaging his developing spine. In some cases, you may need to buy additional adaptors to fit the car seat to the pushchair.And, if you shop via Netmums Rewards powered by Kidstart, the more money you spend, the more money you'll save for your kids. Prams have a lie-flat mattress and are suitable for babies from birth to about six months, while pushchairs have an upright seat that often reclines. Many pushchairs have a convertible seat or optional carrycot that can be used for small babies. If you’re using a pushchair from birth, check that the seat reclines flat. Three-wheelers with air-filled tyres are generally better on a variety of surfaces, while four-wheelers and solid wheels tend to be lighter and more compact.
Buggies and car seat reviewsWheelchairs or pushchairs - who should take priority?The best pushchairs for going 'off-road' Save while you shop Sign up to Netmums Rewards, powered by Kidstart, to start saving for your child’s future while you shopStart saving nowWhen selecting a stroller, you want one that keeps your baby safe and comfortable. But think about yourself, too, since you're the one who'll be pushing it. Here are some things to consider:For the first 6 months to a year, if you'll be taking your infant in and out of a car frequently, a lightweight car seat carrier frame might be just the ticket. These bare-bones, universal frames let you attach an infant car seat. Simply remove the infant seat from its base in the car, baby and all, and snap it right into the frame. It's great for letting your snoozing baby continue his nap. When you're done strolling, you simply snap the car seat back into its base inside the car. Stroller frames are inexpensive, and because of their light weight they're handy for quick trips between the parking lot and supermarket, or for taking on a bus or train.
An alternative is an all-in-one travel system, which consists of an infant car seat, a car-seat base, and a stroller. They can be heavy and take up more room than just a stroller frame, but once your baby reaches 6 months and can sit up and control his head and neck movements, you'll have the flexibility to use the travel system's stroller without the infant seat snapped in. Some travel system strollers can accommodate an infant under 6 months without the car seat, if the seat reclines to nearly flat. A travel system is costlier but a good value because the stroller can be used after your child outgrows the infant car seat, unlike a car seat carrier frame.A variation on the theme is a versatile modular or combo stroller. Some of these resemble a bassinet on wheels (like an old-fashioned baby carriage) that you can transform to a regular stroller as your child grows. Some combos can accept an infant car seat but you will likely have to buy the car seat separately (infant car seats come with a base to hold it in place inside your car).