Joybuy Insights

Buying a pram: a buying guide for everyday use, travel and growing families

Anyone looking to buy a pram needs to compare more than just colour and price. Age suitability, load capacity, folded dimensions, weight and features for everyday use are all crucial. A model for short trips around town has different requirements from a travel buggy, a sibling buggy or an electric pram for hilly routes.

Common mistakes when buying a pram

1. “From birth” does not automatically mean a suitable lie-flat position

The description pram from birth should be checked against the specific seat or lie-flat position. A seat that can merely be reclined far back is not the same as a carrycot. Look for a flat lie-flat position explicitly stated by the manufacturer, and read the age and weight specifications in the product description.

2. A small folded size tells you little about everyday use

A folding pram may look compact but still be difficult to carry. Check the following separately:

  • folded dimensions in centimetres
  • weight of the frame
  • whether it can be folded with one or both hands
  • whether it stands upright independently when folded
  • space required in the boot or at home

For air travel, the term “suitable as hand luggage” should always be checked against the requirements of the relevant airline. These may vary.

3. Large baskets and high load capacities are easily confused

A pram with a large shopping basket is practical, but the basket’s permitted load is not automatically the same as the seat’s load capacity. When buying, you should consider both figures separately. For example, a model with a seat capacity of 22 kg may have a shopping basket with a significantly different limit.

The key technical specifications to check before buying

Age suitability and weight

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, a pram suitable for up to 22 kg is often designed for use from birth to around four years of age. However, the actual end of its useful life depends on more than body weight. The child’s height, seat width, freedom of movement and ability to climb out of the pram independently also play a role.

With a sibling buggy or twin pram, the load capacity of each seat must be checked. According to the product specifications, the rear seat of the Sibling Buggy is suitable for children from birth to 36 months, while the front seat is suitable from six months. Each seat is specified for up to 15 kg.

Lie-flat position, harness and brake

For babies, a clearly specified pram lie-flat position is important. For toddlers, multiple backrest positions provide extra comfort when sleeping and sitting. Depending on the model, safety features include a 5-point harness system, a seat attachment that locks correctly into place and a parking brake.

Before every use, check that:

  1. the folding mechanism is fully locked into place,
  2. the seat or carrycot attachments are securely fastened,
  3. the harness is adjusted correctly,
  4. the brake holds reliably on sloping ground,
  5. the child is kept away from moving parts when the pram is being opened or folded.

The CYBEX Avi Spin also features a handbrake on the height-adjustable handlebar. The manufacturer’s instructions state that the model is not intended for running or skating.

Wheels, suspension and vehicle width

A compact pram with swivel front wheels is easier to steer in narrow shops and on public transport. For cobbled streets, park paths or uneven roads, suspension and tyre tread are more important than an especially small folded size.

Compare the unfolded width with your doors, lifts and boot. For example, the Kikka Boo Eden is specified as 47 cm wide, while the CYBEX Avi Spin is 68.5 cm wide. Values such as these help you assess whether a model is suitable for your intended use.

Our selection by use case

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Kikka Boo Autofolding Stroller Eden Grey

Kikka Boo Autofolding Stroller Eden Grey

Why this product suits this profile: According to the product specifications, this 7.8 kg pram is suitable from birth up to 22 kg. It combines a low weight with automatic folding for everyday trips.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify four backrest positions, including a flat lie-flat position, as well as a load limit of 22 kg. This makes the age suitability and intended use easier to assess.

Main benefit & strengths

One-touch folding system, 360° swivel front wheels, suspension and integrated rain cover.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
cybex Avi Spin Blk Almond Beige

cybex Avi Spin Blk Almond Beige | Beige

Why this product suits this profile: This model is designed for families who want to combine trips around town, outdoor routes and use from birth with a flat lie-flat position.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Air-filled tyres, a swivel and lockable front wheel, and a stated maximum load of 22 kg provide clear guidance for use on different surfaces.

Main benefit & strengths

Flat lie-flat position from birth, one-hand folding, handbrake and compatibility with CYBEX Cot S and CYBEX car seats.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
cybex eGazelle S Stone Grey

cybex eGazelle S SLV Stone Grey

Why this product suits this profile: For families covering longer distances, tackling inclines or needing more space as their family grows, this electric pram offers assistance and a range of configuration options.

How this product avoids the pitfall

In addition to motor assistance, the manufacturer specifies handlebar controls for speed and support level. The battery, charger and care of the electrical components should all be considered when making your purchase.

Main benefit & strengths

Rocking function, more than 20 configuration options and storage space with a stated total load of 23 kg.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Sibling Buggy Foldable Twin Buggy

Sibling Buggy Foldable Twin Buggy

Why this product suits this profile: This twin pram is designed for two children of different ages and provides separate seating areas.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The different age specifications for the seats are clearly stated. Both places have a 5-point harness, and the total load is specified as 30 kg.

Main benefit & strengths

Two adjustable backrests, adjustable footrests, swivel and lockable front wheels, and a collapsible frame.

Looking for more options?

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.

Pram buying FAQs

How long can a pram be used?

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, many models are suitable from birth to around four years of age or up to 22 kg. The specific weight limit, the child’s height and the condition of the harnesses, wheels, brakes and folding mechanism are all important. If there is visible wear, the affected parts should be checked or replaced.

Which is better for travel: a buggy or a travel buggy?

A travel buggy is generally designed to be lightweight and have a small folded size. For air travel, dimensions of around 59 × 21.5 × 46.5 cm, as with the Chicco Travel Stroller WE, are particularly relevant, but they do not replace checking the airline’s rules. A traditional buggy may offer more storage space or better suspension, but is often less compact.

What are the running costs of an electric pram?

In addition to the purchase price, you will mainly incur costs for electricity, maintenance and, where necessary, replacement parts such as the battery, charger or tyres. Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions, keep electrical connections dry and regularly check the brakes, tyres and cables. Motor assistance is intended as a helping hand and does not replace safe operation by an adult.