Best pram reviews online
Choosing your pushchair
Pushchair
The forward-facing four wheel pushchair is ideal for newborns and toddlers. They are also available as two and three-in-one depending on your needs. Many provide a large and easy access shopping basket which is great for storing all those baby essentials such as the travel bag, spare nappies and play activities.
Check the reclining positions and back support if you are intending using this pushchair for newborns. Also check with the store, as often head huggers, shoulder supports and foot cosies are provided. Read more on our pushchair reviews.
Lightweight buggy
The lightweight buggy (or stroller) is typically used for holidays, older children and quick visits to the shop. Check out our up-to-date holiday buggy guide, for our buggy reviews of the best holiday pushchair. Pushchairs are also ideal as a secondary purchase for grandparents or a reserve to keep in the boot of the car. The umbrella folding style is most common and is quick to open and close with just one hand. As the buggy does not always provide reclined seating positions or good back support, they are not recommended for babies younger than six months. Read more on our buggy reviews.
All-terrain pushchair
Typically three-wheelers fitted under a light, strong frame. These are ideal for transporting your baby over all kinds of terrain, however they are often larger in size when collapsed than normal pushchairs so check that it will fit easily in the boot of your car. Three wheeler pushchairs are often seen as more fashionable than the four wheeled pushchair variety, but remember to check it supports newborns without additional attachments, as these can often add to the purchase price. Read more on our All-terrain pushchair reviews.
Travel systems
The travel system is usually a three or four piece pushchair which includes a carrycot and clip in car seat. Your baby can be easily transported from the car to the chair without waking them up and there are often special supermarket trollies which support placing the carrycot system on top. Read more on our Travel system pushchair reviews.
The upright pushchair
The old fashioned upright pram looks like it arrived straight from the film Mary Poppins. Made famous by the Silver Cross brand, the upright are favourites of grandparents and the older generations. They are usually expensive and make sure you have a good porch or hallway capable of storing them. Read more on our pram reviews.
Buying tips for your pushchair
Size and weight
Think about how heavy the pushchair is. Before finding the best price on the internet visit your local baby supply store and try out the latest models. Don't be afraid to take it for a test drive around the shop, and throw your handbag in the seat to get a feel for the extra weight when baby is in there. Rugged manouverable wheels are a must, as trips to the park can take their toll on some of the less sturdy models.
Think about where you will store your pushchair, both in the car and when you get home. Space close to the entrance door where you will not have to run mucky wheels over your carpet is ideal. Measure the space under your coat rack or in the hallway and ensure your pushchair will fit either open or folded.
Travelling with your pushchair
Do you own a car? Will you be using public transport? Ensure you get an easy folding chair which can be collapsed using one hand if you are having to carry your little one under one arm when boarding a bus or train. Don't check boot space when its completly empty, ensure you test the space when you have a few shopping bags or your baby changing bag.
A travel system pushchair is usually more expensive, however having all the matching parts, and being able to extract your baby from the car straight onto the pushchair frame without waking them up is priceless. Small children often fall asleep in the car and being able to transport them into the house without waking them up so you can get a few minutes peace, or housework done is invaluable.
A generous shopping basket is an ideal way to carry around essentials. Remember hanging shopping bags on the pushchair handles can be dangerous. Make sure you feel comfortable. The height of the handle is critical, as pushing can be hard work and you don't want to be stooping. Handles with soft, rounded edges are best. Many brands provide specialist foam handles for extra comfort.
Pushchair tips
- Go for a travel system if you will be using the pushchair for several years.
- Test drive the buggy on several surfaces.
- Test the weight of the pushchair with something sitting inside it.
- Good suspension provides a smooth ride for your baby.
- Reclining seating positions and back support is essential for children under six months
- Lockable wheels are useful when you need to take a break.
- Handle height needs to be right for your arms. Don't stoop to push.
- Can it be folded with one hand.
- What rain and sun cover is provided.
- Are foot warmers, shoulder supports and cushions provided.
- Check our pushchair safety guide for top safety tips.
Remember
Buying a pushchair is not cheap, but it is an investment. Feeling good for you and baby during this special time in your life is important. Try out as many styles and varieties of pushchair as you can, check out online pram reviews, as buying online can typically save you 10-20% on high street store prices, and with many good online pushchair retailers in this area, you can trust that your purchase will be high quality and come with a good warranty.
