Joybuy Insights

Buying a Pushchair: How Families Can Find the Right Model Without Making a Costly Mistake

A pushchair accompanies families for several years. Yet eye-catching designs, unclear age recommendations and seemingly practical extras can quickly lead to a wrong purchase. The Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer provides a factual breakdown of the most important criteria, so that expectant parents and families with toddlers can choose models that truly suit their everyday lives.

Typical Buying and Marketing Pitfalls with Pushchairs

1. “From birth” is often equated with any reclining position

A pushchair suitable from birth should offer an expressly appropriate flat recline position or a separate carrycot. A merely slightly tilted backrest is not automatically suitable for a newborn. Always check the age approval, the maximum weight capacity and the instruction manual of the particular model.

2. A small folded size doesn’t tell you much about everyday use

A foldable pushchair can be compact when collapsed, while the unfolded model may be too wide for doors, lifts or narrow pavements. Both measurements are therefore relevant: folded size and external dimensions when in use. Weight should also be considered if the pushchair is regularly carried up stairs or lifted into the boot.

3. Lots of features can mean you need to buy extra accessories

A travel system, a carrycot or a car seat is not always fully included with every offer. With a pushchair that has a car seat adapter, the adapters may be sold separately. Before buying, check the scope of delivery, compatibility and any additional costs. This prevents a seemingly low price from rising significantly due to necessary pushchair accessories.

These Parameters You Should Check Before Buying

Age, Weight and Seating Position

For toddlers up to around four years, models with a weight capacity of up to 22 kg are common. A buggy or travel buggy is usually only suitable from around six months, when the child can sit up independently. Models such as the CYBEX LIBELLE are, according to product information, designed for children from six months up to approximately four years and up to 22 kg.

With a pushchair that has a recline position, the backrest should be able to lower sufficiently. For combination pushchairs or 2-in-1 models, it is also important to check whether switching from carrycot to seat unit is possible without an additional purchase.

Safety Features and Standard Information

Look for a functioning 5-point harness system, a reliably locking mechanism and a parking brake. The product information should include details of the applicable standard, such as EN 1888-2:2018+A1:2022. The Kikka Boo Eden mentions this standard in its provided product information.

Before every outing, you should check:

  • Is the frame fully unfolded and locked?
  • Is the safety harness fitted correctly and not twisted?
  • Does the brake engage reliably?
  • Are the wheels, joints and fixings free from visible damage?
  • Is the maximum load, including the shopping basket, being observed?

Folded Size, Weight and Storage Space

A lightweight pushchair weighing around 5 to 8 kg makes carrying easier, but it doesn’t always offer the same storage space or off-road capability as a larger model. For daily shopping, a pushchair with a large shopping basket can be useful. With the CYBEX Gazelle S, for example, a removable bag with a capacity of up to 10 kg and an under-basket with a capacity of up to 13 kg are specified. The weight limits must not be exceeded.

For air travel, weight alone isn’t the only factor. Also check the specific requirements of your airline. A travel buggy that is suitable as hand luggage may still be treated as checked baggage depending on the airline.

Our Selection for Different Family Profiles

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners
Kikka Boo Autofolding Stroller Eden Grey

Kikka Boo Autofolding Stroller Eden Grey

Why this product fits the profile: This model is specified for use from birth up to 22 kg and combines a weight of 7.8 kg with an automatic one-touch fold. This makes it suitable for city journeys, the home and the car boot.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies concrete folded dimensions, age range, weight limit and a 5-point harness rather than just general comfort promises.

Key benefit & strengths

4-way adjustable backrest, adjustable footrest, swivel front wheels and rain cover.

Best for: Buyers with high quality expectations
CYBEX Gold BEEZY pushchair

CYBEX Gold BEEZY Stroller, ergonomic recline position

Why this product fits the profile: This compact city pushchair is, according to the information, suitable from birth up to around four years or up to 22 kg. The freestanding folded size is 27 × 48.5 × 64.5 cm.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The flat recline position, the weight limit and the folded size are clearly stated. The car seat adapter is needed separately and should be factored into the total cost.

Key benefit & strengths

8.5 kg weight, XL sun canopy with UPF50+, 5 kg shopping basket and suspension on all four wheels.

Best for: Special uses & heavy users
CYBEX Gazelle S pushchair

CYBEX Gazelle S Stroller BLK Moon Black

Why this product fits the profile: This sibling pushchair or twin pushchair offers, according to the manufacturer, over 20 combination options and can be used with one or two children.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Single and double use, as well as the maximum child weights of 22 kg per seat, are specifically stated. Additional seats or adapters must be checked against the scope of delivery before purchase.

Key benefit & strengths

23 kg combined storage space, adjustable handlebar, flat recline position and compact dimensions of approximately 73.5 × 56.5 × 32 cm when folded.

Best for: Travel families with limited storage space
Chicco Travel Stroller WE Black

Chicco Travel Stroller WE Black

Why this product fits the profile: This travel buggy weighs 5.5 kg and, according to the product information, folds down to 59 × 21.5 × 46.5 cm. A transport rucksack is included in the scope of delivery.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states the specific folded size and also advises checking the current hand luggage rules of your airline.

Key benefit & strengths

One-hand fold, fully reclining backrest, UV protection 50+ and compatibility with the Chicco Kory i-Size car seat.

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 in force in the EU.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pushchairs

How long can you use a pushchair?

That depends on the model, seat size and weight limit. Many combination pushchairs and city models are designed for use from birth up to around four years or up to 22 kg. A buggy such as the CYBEX LIBELLE, on the other hand, is only suitable from six months according to the information. The manufacturer’s specifications and the safe fit for your child are always the deciding factors.

What are the ongoing costs of a pushchair?

In addition to the purchase price, costs can arise for a carrycot, adapters, rain cover, footmuff, replacement wheels or a sunshade. With an electric pushchair, there are additional costs for the charger, battery and possible replacement parts in the long term. Comparing the scope of delivery prevents you from having to buy important components later.

Which pushchair is suitable for travel?

For train, car and air travel, a low weight, a small folded size and a carrying handle are helpful. A travel buggy should still have a suitable backrest, a harness system and a brake. Always check the baggage regulations before your flight and stow the pushchair according to the airline’s requirements.