Buying a pushchair: a guide to choosing the right one for everyday life, travel and growing families

A pushchair has to take on plenty of different jobs in everyday life in the UK. It needs to accompany your baby on short trips, fit in the car and remain easy to manoeuvre on pavements, cobbles and park paths. At the same time, travel systems, pushchairs, travel buggies and models for siblings vary considerably in weight, folded size and approved age range.

Common buying pitfalls arise when marketing claims aren’t compared with how you’ll actually use the pushchair. Three points deserve particular attention:

• “Cabin-baggage friendly” doesn’t guarantee acceptance by every airline. Each airline sets its own size and weight limits for cabin baggage. Before travelling, check the pushchair against your airline’s latest requirements.
• “From birth” means you need a suitable lie-flat position or carrycot. A standard seat buggy isn’t automatically suitable for newborns, even if its backrest reclines a long way.
• A low weight doesn’t tell you much about what a pushchair is suited to. A lightweight pushchair is handy to carry, but may involve compromises on wheel size, storage or suitability for rougher ground.

What to check before you buy

1. Age range, recline and weight limit

For newborns, choose a model with a lie-flat position, a carrycot or an approved infant car seat. If you’re considering a pushchair from birth, check that the manufacturer clearly confirms it’s suitable. Also check whether the lie-flat position can be used at all times or only with a particular seat unit.

Many current models are designed for children up to 22 kg. This often equates to use until around four years old, but it doesn’t guarantee a particular period of use. Your child’s height, the seat width and their ability to climb out of the pushchair independently also matter.

2. Compare folded size and weight realistically

A compact-folding pushchair won’t necessarily fit in every car boot. Compare:

• Folded size, including the wheels and seat unit
• Weight of the pushchair in the configuration you’ll actually use
• Carry handle or transport bag
• Whether it stands upright when folded
• Width when unfolded

For travel, a travel buggy weighing around six kilograms may be a good choice. For everyday trips involving shopping, walking and public transport, suspension, basket capacity and an easy-to-reach brake may be more important.

3. Safety, handling and everyday practicality

Always unfold and lock the pushchair fully before use. A 5-point harness keeps your child in the intended seating position. Avoid hanging heavy bags from the handlebar, as they can affect stability and increase the risk of tipping.

Look for clear product information and refer to the relevant instruction manual. For example, the Kikka Boo Eden lists EN 1888-2:2018+A1:2022 as its testing standard. This doesn’t replace checking the specific model, its locking mechanisms and the condition of the harness.

The wheels should also suit the surfaces you’ll be using:

• Small swivel wheels: easy to manoeuvre in tight shops and on smooth pavements
• Larger wheels with suspension: more comfortable on uneven paths
• Air-filled tyres: can roll smoothly on country paths, but need checking and maintenance
• Puncture-proof wheels: reduce the risk of a flat tyre

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: First-time buyers on a budget

Kikka Boo Autofolding Stroller Eden Grey

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this pushchair is suitable from birth up to 22 kg and combines a weight of 7.8 kg with an automatic fold. It’s a good fit for families looking for one pushchair for trips around town and short outings.

How it helps you avoid common pitfalls

The product details specify a lie-flat position, a 5-point harness and an adjustable footrest. This makes it easier to assess the suitable age range than with a seat that has no clear age guidance.

Key benefits and features

Automatic one-handed folding, 360-degree swivel wheels with suspension and a rain cover included.

Ideal for: Quality-conscious buyers

CYBEX Gold BEEZY Stroller, Almond Beige

Why it suits this profile: According to the product details, this compact city pushchair is suitable from birth up to 22 kg. It weighs 8.5 kg and features a fully reclining backrest and an XL sun canopy with UPF 50+ protection.

How it helps you avoid common pitfalls

The folded size of 27 × 48.5 × 64.5 cm and weight limit of 22 kg are clearly specified. A separate adapter is needed to attach a car seat.

Key benefits and features

Stands upright when folded, 5-point harness with one-handed adjustment and an under-seat basket with a capacity of up to 5 kg.

Ideal for: Specific needs and frequent use

cybex Gazelle S Stroller BLK Moon Black

Why it suits this profile: This pushchair is designed for families with one child, siblings or twins. According to the product details, it offers more than 20 configurations, with a capacity of up to 2 × 22 kg in double mode.

How it helps you avoid common pitfalls

The product details explain more than just the number of seats, including individual weight limits, folded size and basket capacity. Check that any additional seats or accessories are compatible before buying.

Key benefits and features

23 kg combined storage capacity, height-adjustable handlebar and one-pull harness system.

Ideal for: City trips and outings from birth

hauck Comfort N Care Air Set 2-in-1 travel system

Why it suits this profile: This 2-in-1 set includes a carrycot and seat unit. According to the product details, it’s suitable from birth to around four years old, or up to 22 kg. The air-filled tyres and four-point suspension make it a good choice for longer outings.

How it helps you avoid common pitfalls

The carrycot is designed for use from birth, while the seat unit is for the later stage. Before buying, consider the space you’ll need to store it, the size of your car boot and the maintenance required for the air-filled tyres.

Key benefits and features

Reversible seat unit, large air-filled tyres, XL sun canopy with UV 50+ protection, plus accessories including a footmuff and cup holder.

Frequently asked questions about pushchairs

Which pushchair is suitable for newborns?

For newborns, you can choose a travel system with a carrycot, a model with an explicitly approved lie-flat position or a compatible travel system. Check the manufacturer’s age guidance and make sure you use the seat unit correctly.

How long can you use a pushchair for?

Many models are designed for children up to 22 kg or around four years old. The actual length of use also depends on the seat width, your child’s height, the weight limit, the condition of the harness and whether your child can climb out of the pushchair independently.

Can you take a travel buggy as cabin baggage?

Not automatically. A compact-folding travel buggy may be suitable for the cabin, but airlines set their own size and weight limits and transport conditions. Check the airline’s requirements directly before booking.