Pushchairs Made Simple: Compare Features, Fit, and Function

When to Buy Your Pushchair

There isn’t a “perfect” week to buy a pushchair, but we decided to order ours around 26 weeks, just after our 20-week scan. It gave us time to research, make appointments, and allow for delivery, which can sometimes take up to six weeks. Having the pushchair assembled before your baby arrives is a total life-saver.

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.

Pushchairs vs Travel Systems

Most pushchairs are sold as part of a travel system, which usually includes:

• A car seat (suitable from birth)
• A bassinet/carrycot (lie-flat option for newborns)
• The main pushchair seat (used from around six months)
• The frame with wheels that fits both bassinet and seat

The bassinet is ideal for newborns, usually until six months. Once your baby can sit up or wants to see the world, you’ll switch to the main seat. Many seats can face you or outward, letting your baby explore while still feeling secure.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Pushchair

Before making your decision, think about your lifestyle and daily routines:

• Where you’ll be walking – Cobblestones, grass, city streets, or countryside? Match the wheels and suspension to your terrain.
• Weight of the pushchair – Lifting it in/out of the car or up stairs? Lightweight models are easier to carry, but may not handle rough terrain as well.
• Compact fold – Make sure it fits in your car boot or storage space at home.
• Car fit – Test the pushchair alongside other items in your car, like a dog crate or groceries.
• Storage basket size – Handy for shopping trips, but less important if you mainly do weekly shops.
• Adjustable handle height – Useful if you and your partner have different heights.
• Colour and style – Think about longevity; a neutral colour might work for future siblings.
• Warranty and guarantee – Some brands offer 2–4 years; consider this if you want peace of mind.
• Overnight sleeping – Some carrycots double as overnight sleeping options.
• Future-proofing – Some pushchairs can accommodate a second child with a buggy board or extra seat.

What’s Included in a 9-in-1 Travel System

Not all bundles are the same, but typical extras include:

• Car Seat Base (ISOFIX or Belt-Fit) – Quick and secure installation in the car
• Rain Cover – Keeps your baby dry
• Footmuff – Keeps baby cosy in cold weather
• Changing Bag – Often matches the pushchair
• Cup Holder – For coffee on the go!
• Adapters – For attaching your car seat to the pushchair frame

Pushchair vs Stroller

While “stroller” is more common in the US, in the UK it usually means a lighter, more compact pushchair. Strollers are ideal for travel or quick trips but generally have fewer features and less comfort for your baby. Many parents buy a stroller for holidays or when their baby is 6–12 months old.

Our Choice

We went with the Nuna MIXX Next travel system. It suits our lifestyle perfectly, and while you don’t always know what features you might miss until you try them, it’s ticked all the right boxes so far.

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.

Choosing the right pushchair comes down to your lifestyle, space, and routines. There isn’t one perfect option, but thinking through features like terrain, weight, foldability, car fit, and extras will help you make a confident choice.

Pushchairs are just one of many essentials in Listely’s baby shopping list, helping you stay organised and confident week by week. With interactive checklists, tailored advice based on your birth and feeding choices, and progress tracking, Listely supports you at every stage, so you can focus on what truly matters: welcoming your little one with confidence.

Explore lists today: Pregnancy Week-by-Week To-Do List, Hospital Bag List, Shopping List, and First 8 Weeks List.