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:
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.
A compact pushchair with a low weight is useful for train journeys, holidays or a small hallway. Compare:
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.
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:
Accessories hung from the handlebar can affect stability. Put heavy bags in the shopping basket provided, not on the handle.
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.
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.
Automatic folding mechanism, 360° swivel front wheels, suspension and adjustable backrest.
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.
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.
Over 20 configuration options, two shopping solutions with a combined capacity of 23 kg, and a flat lying position.
Why this product suits your needs: The electric assistance is designed for families who often tackle hills, uneven paths or heavy loads.
The battery, charger, motor assistance and handlebar controls are all clearly listed. Before use, check the battery charge, brakes and permitted gradients.
Electric drive, automatic rocking function, more than 20 configurations and up to 23 kg of storage capacity.
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.
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.
One-hand fold, fully adjustable backrest, ventilation panels and compatibility with the Chicco Kory i-Size infant car seat.
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.
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.
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.
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.