Pushchairs: How to buy the best pushchair Where to buy pushchairs

A pushchair's brake bar

Will the pushchair's brake bar shorten your stride?

You can find out about the differences between buggies, strollers, all-terrain pushchairs and travel systems on the types of pushchairs page in our pushchairs review. It also tells you about the key features to look out for, such as adequate brake pedals and simple folding mechanisms. 

And head to our Best Buy pushchairs page to find out about the top models we recommend, from brands such as Chicco, Maclaren, Mamas & Papas and Quinny.

However, it's absolutely essential to try out pushchairs before you buy one. Even our Best Buy pushchairs might not be entirely suitable for you, and road testing the pushchairs will help you identify your own preferences.

These large retailers have websites giving details of their stock of pushchairs, which can be handy if you're looking for a specific model.

Buying pushchairs from major nursery chain stores

  • Babies ‘R’ Us A specialist baby department of the Toys 'R' Us chain, selling a range of pushchairs, toys and accessories.
  • Mamas & Papas A major nursery goods manufacturer. Extensive range of own-label products, including pushchairs.
  • Mothercare The largest and best-known nursery chain, with more than 200 stores and larger out-of-town stores called ‘Mothercare World’. You can order pushchairs via the catalogue or the website, both of which offer a far more extensive range than in many of the high-street stores, and the Mothercare Mothercard offers reward points when you use it.

Buying pushchairs from independent nursery stores

Local independent nursery stores are one of the best places to go for one-to-one advice on buying pushchairs in an unhurried atmosphere.

But the range of pushchairs available and their prices can be an issue, as independents don't have the value own-brand lines that the main chain stores have, or their massive buying power.

Many independent nursery stores also have an online presence, but they won't thank you for trying pushchairs out in their store and then leaving to buy cheaper online.

Mail order and online shopping for pushchairs

You can browse through pushchairs in the catalogue in the comfort of your own home, and some catalogues let you pay for pushchairs by instalment. You’ll usually have to pay for delivery, and returning unwanted goods can be inconvenient.

Many nursery catalogue specialists have quite an upmarket range of pushchairs; the products they sell and the prices they charge tend to reflect this. We don't have customer satisfaction data on many of these stores – before you buy, it's a good idea to talk to other parents about stores they've used and their experience. Or you could check out some parents' forums online.

  • Baby days direct General baby retailer with a good range of accessories for the pushchairs they sell.
  • Babythings4u Specialising in the pushchair brands Cosatto, OBaby, Hauck, Petite Star and Graco.
  • Bizrate Links to retailers selling particular pushchairs.
  • Kays A good selection of nursery products and pushchairs. You can pay over a few months.
  • Kiddicare Stocks a wide range of well-known brands of nursery items and pushchairs, many with discounts. Massive showroom at Peterborough with baby products ranged over three floors.
  • Littlewoods Website has a reasonable range of nursery items including cots and pushchairs.
  • Special needs pushchairs Focus on pushchairs for larger and older children with special needs.

Other chain stores that sell pushchairs

  • Argos Large nursery range with major pushchair brand names represented, all at value-for-money prices.
  • Asda Some larger stores contain a baby department with car seats, pushchairs and other nursery items.
  • Boots Order a wide selection of larger baby items and pushchairs online or from the catalogue available in stores.
  • Debenhams Baby products including clothing and pushchairs
  • John Lewis Good reputation for upmarket nursery products and accessories. You can order pushchairs online. An online buying guide is also available.
  • Tesco A range of baby products and pushchairs in larger stores, online or through their catalogue. An online buying guide is also available.

More for your baby...

 

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