A buggy should be easy to push, safe to use and simple to store in everyday life. However, eye-catching advertising claims don't automatically lead to the right purchasing decision. An especially compact folded size, for example, can come with a short backrest or limited storage space. A low product price also tells you little about weight, load capacity or accessories.
This buying guide shows what expectant parents and families in Germany should look for when purchasing – from a lightweight travel buggy to a pram suitable from birth.
A compact buggy is practical for trains, cars and the home. However, the stated dimensions should be compared with the actual storage space available. Important points include:
A model advertised as "suitable for carry-on luggage" may not be accepted by every airline. You should check the specific regulations before you travel.
Not every buggy is suitable for newborns. A seat buggy recommended from around 6 months for a child who can already sit up independently should be assessed differently from a pram suitable from birth. For use from birth, you need a flat recline position approved by the manufacturer, a compatible carrycot or an appropriate car seat.
"A buggy up to 22 kg" usually refers to the maximum weight of the child. The shopping basket typically has a much lower weight limit. With the CYBEX BEEZY, for example, up to 22 kg is specified for the child and up to 5 kg for the shopping basket. Heavy bags should not be hung on the handlebar, as this can affect the buggy's stability against tipping.
For travel and public transport, a lightweight buggy with a small packed size makes sense. The CYBEX LIBELLE weighs 6 kg according to product specifications and measures 32 × 20 × 48 cm when folded. The Chicco Travel Stroller WE comes in at 5.5 kg with a folded size of 59 × 21.5 × 46.5 cm.
For cobblestones, park paths or uneven pavements, larger wheels, suspension and a sturdy frame are more important than an especially low weight. A city buggy with small swivel wheels can be easy to manoeuvre in tight shops, but it isn't automatically suitable for every type of terrain.
Look for an infinitely or multi-position adjustable backrest, a suitable footrest and a correctly adjustable 5-point harness. With a pram that has a lie-flat function, the product description should clearly state whether the position is approved for newborns.
A one-hand harness system can be practical in daily use. However, it doesn't replace the correct adjustment of the straps. Before every journey, you should check the buckles, strap routing and seat attachment.
A travel buggy can become a travel system with a compatible car seat. The model, adapter and approval are crucial here. For the CYBEX LIBELLE and BEEZY, suitable adapters are sold separately. The Chicco Travel Stroller WE is compatible with the Chicco Kory i-Size car seat according to product specifications.
If you're looking for a combination pram, you should check whether the carrycot, seat unit, adapters and rain cover are actually included in the delivery. For a sibling buggy or twin buggy, the seat width, total weight, turning circle and the load capacity of each seat are also relevant.
Why this product fits the profile: According to product specifications, this buggy is suitable from birth up to 22 kg and combines automatic folding with a compact format for the home, car and city.
The age and weight specifications, as well as the flat recline position, are clearly stated. This makes it easier to distinguish from pure seat buggies suitable from 6 months.
7.8 kg weight, 5-point harness, suspension, 360-degree swivel wheels and rain cover according to the product description.
Why this product fits the profile: The BEEZY is designed for city streets and travel, offering a flat recline position, a spacious shopping basket and a compact folded size that stands independently.
The product data states 8.5 kg, a folded size of 27 × 48.5 × 64.5 cm and a basket load capacity of up to 5 kg. This allows you to objectively check the transport and storage promises.
Up to 22 kg, 5-point harness, all-wheel suspension, adjustable footrest and UPF50+ sun canopy according to the supplier's information.
Why this product fits the profile: This twin buggy is designed for two children and can be used as a sibling buggy with children of different ages.
The separate age recommendations indicate that the rear seat is intended from birth and the front seat from 6 months. The seat weight limits must be observed.
Two seats, each with a load capacity of up to 15 kg, adjustable backrests, 5-point harnesses, parking brakes and a shopping basket.
Why this product fits the profile: This model combines a low weight with one-hand folding and a transport rucksack, and is specified by the supplier as suitable from birth up to 22 kg.
The folded size and weight are clearly stated. However, airline rules must still be checked separately, as carry-on luggage limits can vary.
5.5 kg weight, infinitely adjustable backrest, 50+ sun protection and compatibility with the Chicco Kory i-Size car seat using a suitable adapter.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force in the EU.
The lifespan of a buggy doesn't just depend on your child's age. Check regularly for:
Sand, dust and moisture can affect the wheels and folding mechanism. Moving parts should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. The maximum permitted load must not be exceeded, even if the child still fits comfortably in the seat.
This depends on the specific model. Many classic buggies are recommended from around 6 months. For use from birth, a suitable lie-flat position, carrycot or approved car seat must be available. The manufacturer's specifications are always decisive.
Many models are designed for a body weight of up to 22 kg, or roughly up to the fourth year of life. The decisive factors are the maximum load capacity, the child's height and a safe seating position. As soon as the child can climb out of the harness or no longer fits properly on the seat, the buggy should no longer be used.
In addition to the purchase price, costs can arise for adapters, a rain cover, replacement wheels, replacement covers or an additional car seat. Before buying, it's therefore worth checking the scope of delivery and the availability of compatible spare parts.