A new pram or buggy should be reliable in everyday life – when shopping, on pavements, in the car and while travelling. However, many purchasing decisions do not come down to design, but to details such as the actual folded dimensions, the approved age range or an impractical seating position.
Parents should be aware of three common pitfalls before buying:
A baby buggy is not automatically suitable from birth. Many travel buggies and lightweight city models are designed for use from around six months, once the child can sit independently. Models with an explicitly flat lie-flat position or carrycot, on the other hand, can be used as a pram from birth.
Also pay attention to the maximum load. Many current models support 22 kg, which may be suitable up to around the age of four. This figure generally refers to the child and does not automatically apply to the shopping basket. A basket with a separate load limit of, for example, 5 kg must not be loaded more heavily.
For train journeys, holidays and smaller homes, a folding pram with an easy-to-use folding mechanism is essential. The CYBEX LIBELLE, for example, weighs 6 kg and has stated folded dimensions of 32 × 20 × 48 cm. The Chicco Travel Stroller WE weighs 5,5 kg and measures 59 × 21,5 × 46,5 cm when folded.
Check the following before buying:
A small folded size can mean less storage space in the pram. If you shop regularly, you should therefore also compare the basket size and permitted load.
A pram with a lie-flat function should have an easy-to-use backrest, an adjustable footrest and a suitable harness system. A 5-point harness keeps the child’s upper body and pelvis in position. It must be adjusted correctly for every journey.
Other features that can be checked objectively include:
A pram with a car seat adapter can be useful for short journeys. However, an infant car seat is not a substitute for a permanently suitable lie-flat surface. Always check that the specific adapter is compatible with the infant car seat being used.
Why this product suits this profile: This model combines use from birth up to 22 kg with a one-hand folding system, making it suitable for families looking for a versatile everyday pram.
The age and weight limits are clearly stated. The folded dimensions of 74 × 47 × 34 cm can be compared with your available storage space before buying.
7,8 kg product weight, 4-way adjustable backrest, 2-way adjustable footrest and 5-point harness.
Why this product suits this profile: This modular pram is designed for families who need a solution for one child, siblings or twins, with a range of configurations.
The usage limits for single and double configurations are stated separately: up to 22 kg for one child, or 2 × 22 kg in double mode.
More than 20 configuration options, use from birth and a total permitted load of 23 kg across the two storage solutions.
Why this product suits this profile: As a travel buggy for trains, cars and aeroplanes, this model is designed to be lightweight and fold down to a very compact size.
The weight of 6 kg and folded dimensions of 32 × 20 × 48 cm provide specific values for comparison. Airline rules should nevertheless be checked before every journey.
Supports up to 22 kg, adjustable backrest, extendable footrest and optional infant car seat adapter.
Why this product suits this profile: This accessory complements an existing pram when an older sibling occasionally wants to sit or ride along.
The minimum age of 15 months and maximum load of 20 kg help prevent use outside the stated requirements.
Universal adjustment, 360-degree swivel wheels with shock absorption, removable seat and compact dimensions of 41 × 63 × 18 cm.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
A tandem pram or twin buggy is useful when two children regularly travel together and need to ride independently. Pay attention to the age recommendations for each seat, the maximum load per seat and the width required for doors, lifts and pavements.
A ride-on board with a seat, on the other hand, requires an existing pram. Before buying, check whether it can be attached to your own frame and whether the handlebar remains easy to reach. With the Kikka Boo Ally XL, the adapter length and height can be adjusted in several ways; however, the manufacturer explicitly states that it is suitable only from 15 months.
This depends on the individual model. Many buggies are designed for use from around six months. A model suitable from birth must offer a suitable lie-flat position, carrycot or compatible infant car seat in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A child should not be transported for extended periods in a seat that is only partially reclined.
Many models are rated for up to a body weight of 22 kg or until around four years of age. However, the maximum load, the child’s height and how easily the harness system can be operated are always decisive. A pram must not be used further if the frame, brake, harnesses or locking mechanism are damaged.
In addition to the purchase price, there may be costs for adapters, rain covers, replacement wheels, seat liners or an additional carrycot. It is therefore worth checking the contents of the package and the prices of compatible accessories before buying. Regular cleaning, removing sand from the folding mechanism and checking the wheels and brakes can help extend the product’s service life.