How to choose your pushchair

There isn't a 'perfect' moment during pregnancy to buy a pushchair. We decided to order ours around the 26th week of my pregnancy, as I began to get more organised after our 20-week scan, like many others often do. It's worth noting that some pushchairs can take up to six weeks to arrive, which came as a surprise to us initially! So, it's wise to give yourself some buffer time between placing the order and its delivery, and then to ensure it's assembled before your baby arrives.

We started off browsing pushchairs online, but honestly, I found the whole process a bit overwhelming, the exciting step I imagined. Some of the travel systems were listed as '9-in-1' bundles, and I wondered, what even are the nine items included? And do I really need all of them? Don’t worry, I’ve covered what is included in a 9-in-1 bundle later in the blog!

To make sense of it all, we booked a couple of appointments at big-name retailers and spoke to some of their experts. They were great, they took the time to walk us through the different options, explaining the pros and cons of some of the most popular pushchairs. It definitely helped us feel a lot more confident in our choice.

In the end, we went with the Nuna MIXX Next travel system, and we’re really pleased with it, it’s suited our lifestyle perfectly. That said, unless you’ve had the chance to regularly use another pushchair, it’s hard to know what features you might be missing out on. You don’t know what you don’t know, really – but so far, it’s ticked all the right boxes for us.

 

So, let’s start with the basics: what is a pushchair, and what’s a travel system?

Most pushchairs (or a pram) are usually sold as part of a travel system. This typically includes a car seat, a bassinet (also called a carrycot), the main pushchair seat (usually used from around six months onwards), and the frame with wheels that supports either the bassinet or seat. 

The bassinet is the lie-flat option, ideal for newborns, and is generally used until your baby is about six months old. After that, they’ll move into the main seat, which can often be used right through to the toddler years. All the parts usually click in and out of the same frame, making it easy to switch things up as your baby grows.

Once your baby starts using the seat (usually around six months), most can be positioned to face either you or outward towards the world. Some seats are suitable from birth, while others are designed for when your baby is around six months old or can confidently hold their head up. Our Nuna pushchair seat could be used from birth, which worked out perfectly for us, especially when our curious little girl decided the bassinet was far too boring! She wanted to see everything going on around her, so we made the switch to the seat when she was about three months.

Chances are, friends who love their pushchair will tell you it's the only one worth getting. But the truth is, what works brilliantly for one family might not suit another at all, it really depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences. Every pushchair has its strengths, but whether it fits your lifestyle, your space, and your routines is what really matters.

Here are a few practical things to think about before you make your decision:

• Where you'll be walking - Think about the terrain around you. Are you mostly strolling through town, navigating country lanes, tackling cobbled streets, or walking across grass? Some pushchairs handle rougher ground far better than others, so it's worth matching the wheels and suspension to your usual route.
• Weight of the pushchair - If you live in a flat, need to carry the pushchair upstairs, or regularly lift it in and out of the car, weight is a big consideration. Lightweight pushchairs are generally easier to carry and manoeuvre - but they might not cope as well on uneven ground.
• How compact it folds down - Does it fold down small enough to store neatly at home or slot into your car boot? This is especially handy if space is tight at home or in your car boot
• How it fits in your car - Don't just assume it'll fit! Our pushchair needed to go in the boot alongside the dog crate, so it was important to test this. The local retailer we saw did a trial run with us using our dog crate in the boot, which gave me peace of mind I had no issue fitting Teddy and the pushchair in the car safely together.
• Storage basket size - Storage basket size - Planning to walk into town or pop to the shops? If carrying shopping in the storage basket underneath the pushchair is essential, then consider the size of the storage basket. A roomy storage basket can save you having to lug groceries home in a backpack or carrying an extra bag with the pushchair. That said, if you're more of a big-weekly-shop kind of family, this might not be a dealbreaker.
• Adjustable handle height - If there's a height difference between you and your partner, an adjustable handle makes pushing much more comfortable for both of you.
• Colour and style - Colour and style - A purely aesthetic one, but still worth thinking about! If you're planning to reuse the pushchair for a future baby, it might be wise to go for a neutral colour that'll work again.
• Warranty and guarantee - Some brands offer a two-year guarantee, others go up to four. If longevity and peace of mind are important to you, this could be something to factor in.

Some carrycots or bassinets are suitable for overnight sleeping, which can save you needing a travel cot during those early newborn days; definitely something worth thinking about if that’s important to you and you are planning to travel whilst your baby is a newborn.

Some pushchairs can be adapted to carry two children, either by adding a second seat or attaching a buggy board to the back so an older child can hop on for a ride. Whether or not you want to plan ahead for this is totally personal – some parents like the idea of future-proofing, while others prefer to cross that bridge when they come to it.

 

So, what else do you typically get in a travel system?

Here are a few of the extras you might find bundled with a travel system – you can decide which ones are must-haves for you:

• Car Seat Base (ISOFIX or Belt-Fit): A base that stays in your car, making it quick and secure to click the car seat in and out.
• Rain Cover: A clear waterproof shield to keep baby dry on rainy walks.
• Footmuff: A cosy, insulated cover that keeps your little one snug in chilly weather.
• Changing Bag: Usually designed to match the pushchair.
• Cup Holder: For that all-important coffee during the newborn days!
• Adapters: These let you attach your car seat directly onto the pushchair frame, if required.

What’s the difference between a pushchair and a stroller?

While “stroller” is the go-to term in the US, in the UK we tend to use it to describe a lighter, more compact version of a pushchair. Strollers are ideal for travel or quick trips, as they’re easy to fold, carry, and store. That said, they usually have fewer features and might not be quite as comfy for your baby. Many parents consider getting a stroller once their baby is around 6 to 12 months old – especially for holidays or when you’re just nipping out and about.

Hopefully, this blog has given you a few helpful things to think about when choosing your pushchair, and helped you figure out what’s important to you and what you might be happy to skip.

 

Pushchairs are just one of many baby essentials covered in Listely’s baby shopping list – your go-to guide for all things bump, baby and beyond. Our dedicated baby list is thoughtfully organised into three key sections: the to-do list, shopping list, and hospital bag list. Each list doesn’t just tell you what you need – it also offers helpful advice on why you might need it, along with recommended products to make the decision-making easier.

The added bonus is "the baby bundle" includes a 120 item glossary and a 12 item "First 8 Weeks List".