Joybuy Insights

Buying a pushchair: how to find the right model for everyday life, travel and family life

A pushchair needs to suit your family’s everyday life – not just its product description. City streets, cobbles, public transport, the car boot and shopping all place different demands on it. Three common marketing traps are particularly likely to lead to the wrong purchase:

  • “From birth” without checking the details: A seat unit is not automatically suitable for newborns. What matters is a genuinely flat recline, the manufacturer’s approval and, where necessary, a separate carrycot.
  • Compact doesn’t always mean lightweight: A folding pushchair may fold down small but still be heavy or bulky. Check the weight, folded dimensions and car boot size together.
  • A high weight limit can be misleading: “Up to 22 kg” usually refers to the child’s maximum weight. The shopping basket, accessories and additional seats have their own weight limits, which must not simply be added together.

Pushchair features to consider before you buy

1. Age, recline and weight limit

A pushchair from birth should have a suitable lie-flat surface or a carrycot approved by the manufacturer. For a pushchair with a lie-flat function, check whether the backrest can be adjusted to a fully or sufficiently flat position, and whether the footrest supports your child’s posture.

A pushchair up to 22 kg can often be used for longer as your child grows. This usually means up to around four years old, but it depends on your child’s individual development and the manufacturer’s guidance. A buggy such as the CYBEX Gold LIBELLE, on the other hand, is stated to be suitable from around six months. A fully reclining backrest does not automatically replace a carrycot.

2. Folded size, weight and transport

A compact pushchair with a low weight is useful for train journeys, holidays or a small hallway. Compare:

  • Dimensions when folded, including the wheels and handle
  • Weight of the frame with the seat unit and accessories
  • Whether it can stand upright when folded
  • How easy the folding mechanism is to use
  • The size of your car boot or the hand luggage allowance of the airline you’re travelling with

A travel buggy that meets hand luggage size requirements may be suitable for air travel. However, whether you can take it on board depends on the airline’s rules. The CYBEX Gold LIBELLE is listed with folded dimensions of 20 × 32 × 48 cm and a weight of 6 kg; check the airline’s requirements separately before you travel.

3. Wheels, suspension and safety

Large wheels and suspension can make a pushchair easier to handle on uneven ground. Swivel front wheels, a reliable braking mechanism and a sturdy frame are practical features for pavements, kerbs and cobbled streets. If you often use country or gravel paths, compare the tyre material, wheel size and ground clearance too.

Also look for:

  • An adjustable five-point harness
  • Seats and adaptors that lock securely into place
  • A parking brake that can be used on slopes
  • An easy-to-reach, height-adjustable handlebar
  • Information about the relevant standard, such as EN 1888, if provided by the retailer

Accessories hung from the handlebar can affect stability. Put heavy bags in the shopping basket provided, not on the handle.

Which pushchair suits your family?

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Kikka Boo Autofolding Stroller Eden Black

Kikka Boo Autofolding Stroller Eden Black

Why this product suits your needs: This pushchair has a listed weight of 7.8 kg, an automatic folding mechanism and is suitable from birth up to 22 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specific folded dimensions of 47 × 30 × 77 cm and the stated weight limit of up to 22 kg make it easier to check the details before you buy.

Key benefit & features

Automatic folding mechanism, 360° swivel front wheels, suspension and adjustable backrest.

Ideal for: Buyers looking for premium quality
cybex Gazelle S TPE Almond Beige

cybex Gazelle S TPE Almond Beige

Why this product suits your needs: This modular system is designed for families who want to adapt their pushchair for one child, siblings or twins.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details list a weight of 12.9 kg, folded dimensions of 32 × 56 × 74.5 cm, and a weight limit of 22 kg in single mode and 2 × 22 kg in double mode.

Key benefit & features

Over 20 configuration options, two shopping solutions with a combined capacity of 23 kg, and a flat lying position.

Ideal for: Specific needs & frequent use
cybex eGazelle S SLV Stone Grey

cybex eGazelle S SLV Stone Grey

Why this product suits your needs: The electric assistance is designed for families who often tackle hills, uneven paths or heavy loads.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The battery, charger, motor assistance and handlebar controls are all clearly listed. Before use, check the battery charge, brakes and permitted gradients.

Key benefit & features

Electric drive, automatic rocking function, more than 20 configurations and up to 23 kg of storage capacity.

Ideal for: Travellers and parents short on space
Chicco Travel Stroller WE Black

Chicco Travel Stroller WE Black

Why this product suits your needs: Weighing 5.5 kg, with a compact fold and a travel backpack, this model is made for frequent changes of location.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The folded dimensions of 59 × 21.5 × 46.5 cm and the 22 kg weight limit are clearly stated. However, you’ll still need to check with your airline whether it’s accepted as hand luggage.

Key benefit & features

One-hand fold, fully adjustable backrest, ventilation panels and compatibility with the Chicco Kory i-Size infant car seat.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about pushchairs

When can a baby sit in a buggy?

It depends on the model. Many buggies are only suitable from around six months, according to the manufacturer. A pushchair for use from birth needs a suitable lie-flat position or a carrycot. Always check the age and weight guidance, as well as the instruction manual.

How long can you use a pushchair?

Models with a stated weight limit of 22 kg are often designed for use until around four years old. However, your child’s height, seat width and freedom of movement also matter, as does the condition of the harness, wheels and locking mechanisms. Stop using the product if it becomes worn or damaged.

What are the running costs of a pushchair?

As well as the purchase price, you may need to pay for a rain cover, infant car seat adaptors, replacement wheels, seat liners or an additional carrycot. With an electric pushchair, you’ll also need to factor in charging time and possible future costs for a replacement battery or charging accessories. Before you buy, check which accessories are actually included.