Joybuy Insights

Choosing a pushchair: the key things to consider for the city, travel and family life

A pushchair has to cope with a lot in everyday life in Germany: it needs to fit through narrow doorways, into the boot, over kerbs and provide your child with a suitable sitting or reclining position. Models also vary considerably in weight, folded size, capacity and accessories.

If you focus only on the colour or a low price, it’s easy to overlook important details. Here are three common buying misconceptions to watch out for:

  • “Compact” automatically means it’s suitable as hand luggage: Not always. The folded dimensions and the relevant airline’s rules are what matter.
  • “Suitable from birth” means any reclining position will do: A reclined backrest isn’t necessarily the same as a fully flat lie-flat position or a separate carrycot.
  • Large wheels solve every problem: Suspension and wheel design matter just as much as wheel size on cobbled streets and uneven paths. A very lightweight travel buggy may be less suitable for frequent use on rough terrain than a heavier model.

Which pushchair specifications matter before you buy

1. Age, reclining position and weight capacity

For a newborn, the manufacturer should explicitly state that the pushchair is suitable from birth. Check the specific configuration: some models have a lie-flat position, while others require a carrycot or a compatible infant car seat.

The maximum weight capacity is often listed as pushchairs up to 22 kg. For many models, this means they can be used until a child is around four years old. However, the age guidance doesn’t replace the weight limit. If you’re looking at a buggy for a child from around six months, your child should also be able to sit unaided, unless the manufacturer states otherwise.

2. Weight, folded size and transport

A lightweight pushchair is easier to lift into your home or car boot. The CYBEX Gold LIBELLE, for example, weighs 6 kg and folds down to 32 × 20 × 48 cm. These dimensions can be handy for train or air travel. Even so, check your airline’s rules before you fly.

A foldable pushchair with a larger chassis often offers more storage and a wider seat. For everyday use, a self-standing folded design and an easy-to-reach release mechanism are also useful. Measure your boot, including the loading lip, and compare it with the product’s folded dimensions.

3. Wheels, suspension and storage

Swivel front wheels are useful for getting around town. On cobbled streets, park paths and poorly surfaced tracks, suspension is important too. A pushchair with a reclining position should remain stable when reclined and have a properly adjustable harness.

A pushchair with a large shopping basket can make everyday outings easier. However, the basket’s weight limit is different from the seat’s weight capacity. The CYBEX Gold BEEZY, for example, has a basket capacity of up to 5 kg. The CYBEX Gazelle S has two storage options with a stated combined capacity of up to 23 kg. Always follow the guidance on how to distribute the load, and don’t hang heavy bags from the handlebar.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: First-time buyers on a budget
Kikka Boo Autofolding Stroller Eden Black

Kikka Boo Autofolding Stroller Eden Black

Why it suits this profile: An automatic folding mechanism, a weight of 7.8 kg and suitability from birth up to 22 kg combine practical everyday features with a manageable weight for transport.

How it avoids the pitfall

The lie-flat position and clearly stated weight limit help you look beyond the “suitable from birth” marketing claim.

Key benefit & strengths

Folds automatically at the touch of a button, with 360° swivel front wheels with suspension and a 5-point harness.

Ideal for: Buyers looking for high quality
CYBEX Gold BEEZY Pushchair Stormy Blue

CYBEX Gold BEEZY Pushchair, Stormy Blue

Why it suits this profile: This city pushchair combines a lie-flat position with a compact, self-standing folded size of 27 × 48,5 × 64,5 cm and a weight of 8.5 kg.

How it avoids the pitfall

The specifications for the lie-flat position, basket capacity and folded size make it easier to check whether it will suit your space.

Key benefit & strengths

All-wheel suspension, an XL UPF50+ sun canopy and compatibility with CYBEX and gb infant car seats using separately available adapters.

Ideal for: Specific needs & frequent use
CYBEX Gazelle S Stone Grey

CYBEX Gazelle S Stone Grey

Why it suits this profile: This modular system is designed for families with one child, siblings or twins, and offers more than 20 configuration options.

How it avoids the pitfall

If you plan to use it for siblings or twins, check which seats and adapters you’ll actually need rather than focusing only on the number of configurations.

Key benefit & strengths

Weight capacity of up to 22 kg per seat, or 2 × 22 kg in double mode, plus storage with a stated total capacity of up to 23 kg.

Ideal for: Frequent use on hilly routes
CYBEX eGazelle S Stone Grey

CYBEX eGazelle S Stone Grey

Why it suits this profile: This electric pushchair is designed for families who often tackle hills, uneven paths or longer distances and would appreciate a helping hand when pushing.

How it avoids the pitfall

Before buying, factor in the battery, charging requirements, 14.7 kg weight and safe use on slopes.

Key benefit & strengths

Electric assistance, automatic rocking function, lie-flat position and single or double mode for up to 2 × 22 kg.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Frequently asked questions about pushchairs

Which pushchair is suitable for newborns?

A model should be explicitly approved for use from birth and offer a suitable lie-flat position or a compatible carrycot. Also check whether an infant car seat can only be attached using a separately available adapter.

How long can you use a pushchair for?

Many models are designed for children weighing up to around 22 kg, or until they’re about four years old. However, the manufacturer’s guidance on age, weight and seating position is what matters. A travel buggy such as the CYBEX LIBELLE, for example, is intended for use from around six months.

What are the ongoing costs of owning a pushchair?

As well as the purchase price, you may need to budget for adapters, rain covers, replacement wheels, accessories and, where relevant, a battery or charging accessories. For an electric model, also consider how often it needs charging, battery care and keeping the electrical components stored in a dry place.