Pushchairs Buying Guide: What to Look for When Buying a Pushchair

A pushchair is one of those baby accessories that is a necessity for any parent but finding the right one can be easier said than done with all the choices out there. Sure, many look the same, but with pushchairs, there are many features you should look for before deciding what’s best for you, your baby and your lifestyle.

Figuring out where to start with all the choices available can be difficult. Do you need one that reclines? Should it be rear or forward-facing? Do you need a complete system or something that is already compatible with a car seat you own? How big should it be?

With all these questions and more that many new parents have, it’s no wonder that figuring out which pushchair to buy can be daunting, but we’re here to help! Our pushchair buying guide explains more about what to look for and how to choose the right one for you, making the experience of buying pushchairs a lot easier.

 

Buying for a Newborn

It is obvious that babies’ needs change throughout the first few years and even months, and this includes the type of pushchair that’s most appropriate for them as they grow too.

Newborn babies will be doing a lot of sleeping in their first few months, and like sleeping in their cot or Moses basket, they should lie flat in their pushchair. This is to help them be able to breath better, protects their back and aids development, all while keeping your baby comfortable.

These newborn pushchairs from Mima are just one great choice for this reason, with carrycot systems that allow newborns to stay flat but with a recline for when they are old enough and better able to support themselves, at around three to six months of age.

Pictured above, Mima pushchairs.

The egg Complete is also a favourite for new parents. It offers a cosy environment for your newborn whilst laying flat and can be adjusted to a recline to look and interact with you when they’re older.

Pictured above, egg Complete.

 

Moving On

For babies who are able to sit up comfortably and support themselves, usually from six months onward, then it’s time to move from lying flat to being more reclined. At this age, they’re ready to see the world too, so a forward-facing pushchair is a good idea.

Popular brand Cybex offers a great range of strollers for this age that both babies and parents love. Surpassing in safety and quality, the Cybex range features a beautiful selection of pushchairs that are great for babies who are ready to explore the world and are aesthetically pleasing for parents with a unique range of styles.

Pictured above, Cybex Fashion Collections, Mios, Ballios S. 

 

3-in-1 Pushchairs

A 3-in-1 pushchair is a great choice of pushchair since it can be adjusted in three ways to be used from birth to around two years of age. It can be used as a carrycot so your newborn can lie flat, a pushchair that allows them to sit up for when your child is a bit older and also as a travel system so a car seat can be attached to the chassis. Read our Car Seat Buying Guide.

A 3-in-1 pushchair can be on the more expensive side, but they’re built to last and generally easier for parents without having to invest in a new pushchair at every stage of their baby’s early development.

Some 3-in-1 pushchairs can be on the larger side, so you will want to make sure you check out the sizes and make sure you have sufficient space.

These pushchairs are definitely for the longer-term, so they should look great too if you’re going to be using it for a good couple of years! Our vast range of 3-in-1 pushchairs has something for all styles, from neutral tones to bolder colours, all while offering the highest of quality in materials and functionality.

 

What Other Features Should I Look For?

There are many different features to consider when buying pushchairs. To make sure you get the best for your baby and to suit your lifestyle, be sure to keep these details in mind.

Foldability & Size

Pushchairs that fold are great for saving on space and packing up in the car, but not all models make this easy. Folding and unfolding is something parents might find themselves doing a few times a day, so take the time to try out the folding mechanism and see how easy you find it, especially with one hand. You will also get an idea of the size once it is folded. Is this something that can easily be put into your car or other transport, or stored somewhere safe in your home?

Even if folded, pushchairs can be bulky, but some are so compact, they are perfect for travelling and storing in smaller spaces. The BABYZEN YOYO2 is perfect for this and more. Ideal for the parent on the go, BABYZEN has designed an innovative ultra-compact stroller that is light and compact, with the ability to even fit in many overhead compartments on planes. Not only that, but they look fantastic too!

Pictured above, BABYZEN YOYO2.

Safety

Obviously a detail that’s at the forefront of every parent’s mind, pushchairs should come with safety features such as a five-point safety harness. This should fit over your child’s shoulders, waist and between the legs to keep them securely in.

Pushchairs should also have two locking mechanisms – one to prevent the pushchair from folding up when in use and the other the keep it secure when folded down.

Also, check the weight limits and be sure to adhere to them. If your baby exceeds the weight limit according to the manufacturer, this could cause the pushchair to become unstable and unsafe to use.

Accessories

Some pushchair models come with additional accessories such as a rain cover, but not every model offers this. Be sure to check out what your pushchair comes with and what other accessories you may need separately, like a UV sunshade or parasol for the warmer months, or a footmuff and fleece lining for the colder times of the year.

Brakes

Look for foot brakes that are easy to apply and that aren’t in the way of your toes when walking. The wheels should be easy to lock and unlock yet stay secure.

Adjustable handles

Everyone is different, so a one-size-fits-all pushchair handle isn’t always ideal. Adjustable handles ensure that anyone using the pushchair is comfortable and in better control of the pushchair.

 

We Can Help!

If you’re still unsure where to start in your pushchair shopping journey, we’re here to help! At Beautiful Bambino, we offer a superb collection of pushchairs for every stage of your baby’s development. Full of style and functionality, our range features the best and most well-known brands.

Discover our entire collection and even more amazing baby accessories over at Beautiful Bambino!