Pushchairs: FAQs
Will a pushchair fit in the boot of my car?
As Myleene Klass found when she was snapped struggling to load her Quinny pushchair into a waiting taxi, nobody looks cool struggling with a screaming infant and a reluctant pushchair.
Make sure you measure your boot opening before leaving to look at pushchairs, and always check you can fit it (and all its accessories) in before you buy. Most pushchairs are between 95 and 115 cm long when folded – but we find it hard to fit anything longer than 105 cm into a Golf GTI medium-sized car.
Buggies tend to be less than 30 cm wide and tall when folded and don't have many additional accessories to fit in the car – they’ll usually take between 50 and 90 litres of space in your boot.
Most strollers are between 30 and 40 cm high and wide, although the most robust can be more than 50 cm. The majority take up less than 150 litres in a car boot, but 3-wheeled versions can take up as much as 330 litres.
The largest all-terrain pushchairs we’ve tested are huge. You’ll need a vast car boot for all of them, but if you want one of these you'll probably have a 4x4 or MPV already.
How do travel systems work with child car seats?
A complete baby transporting package
In most travel systems, the child car seats fit onto the pushchair above the normal seat, clipping onto the frame and bumper bar. In most cases the child seat clicks on to the frame easily, but some systems use Velcro to secure the seat which is more fussy.
In some more expensive travel systems, the car seat is clipped on to the frame instead of the pushchair seat. This tends to be with systems that have a whole range of different seat options including pram, pushchair and carrycot that all fit on the same chassis.
Should I buy 2 pushchairs (lightweight and sturdier) if I can afford it?
Many 1st-time parents end up buying 2 pushchairs because the one that suits their baby while they're small isn't so good as they get older. While it's tempting to buy a travel system that appears to suit the baby from birth to 15 kg, you may only get limited use from any travel cot or car seat component, and may find the whole system rather bulky.
Don't get carried away with fancy features. Good basics will always beat cup holders
If you can afford it, it’s probably worth buying a solid pushchair that will suit a young baby with fully reclining seat, padded adjustable leg support and harness that adjusts to fit a small body.
At a later date you could buy a buggy that features a wider seat and longer backrest, with one-handed folding to make transporting the pushchair easier.
If you want to buy only 1 pushchair that will take them from infant to toddler, your best bet is probably a good quality stroller that has all the features listed above. It should be robust, offer good under seat storage and have a long guarantee.
Look for one with lockable swivel front wheels for the best smooth and rough surface ride, and additional accessories such as infant head hugger, rain cover and sun shade. Don’t go overboard buying the biggest pushchair you can find to protect junior, because you’ll probably find it impractical when they start wanting to walk for part of your time out together.
Are there any tips for pushchair safely?
- Always apply the brake when your baby is in the pushchair and it's stationary.
- Strap the baby into the harness whenever they're in the chair and don’t leave them unattended. Use both crotch and waist harnesses.
- Apply the brake before attaching a child car seat.
- Keep the baby clear of the pushchair when you're folding or unfolding it to keep their limbs and fingers safe.
- Check both locking mechanisms are engaged before allowing the child in the pushchair.
- Don’t exceed the maximum weight for the chair or allow a 2nd child to ride in it unless it's designed for 2.
How should I look after my pushchair?
It's always best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, but generally they have similar tips for care and maintenance.
Safety and maintenance
Reduce the abuse your pushchair experiences – don't bump it up and down stairs with your baby in it.
Check all the components for signs of wear and tear regularly. Check the brakes are still holding the chair still, and that the harness and connections are free from tears and firmly attached. Ensure the locking mechanisms are working properly and check them for signs of damage .
Some manufacturers suggest you should get your pushchair serviced every year.
Removable wheels can make cleaning your pushchair and storing it in the car easier
Cleaning
- Clean the frame with a damp cloth and mild detergent and dry thoroughly. Don't use abrasive cleaners on the frame or bleach near the covers.
- Sponge the hood and seats lightly with mild detergent, unless the seat covers can be removed for washing, which you should do according to the care label.
- Clean sand and salt water from the chassis with fresh water.
- Lubricate squeaky wheels with Teflon or silicone-based lubricant, not oil or grease which attract dust and clog the movement.
- Avoid mildew by allowing the pushchair to dry before you fold it and never store in a damp place.
- Avoid leaving the pushchair in direct sunlight which will fade the covers.
Is it safe to buy 2nd hand?
Although many new parents want only the best for their 1st child, you can save a lot of money by buying children’s products 2nd-hand.
A good place to start is a National Childbirth Trust (NCT) nearly new sale. A huge range of goods is available. Watch out for the kinds of things that are being sold entirely unused. If those parents haven’t needed them, there’s a good chance you won’t either.
Pushchairs can be a bargain, but you need to be check them carefully.
Ensure it's labelled as complying with British Standard BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. Look for the original instructions too as these will tell you how to use it safely.
- Check the frame is rigid and sturdy, there are no dents, broken parts, sharp edges, corrosion or wobbly wheels, and that it appears to be well maintained.
- Look for badly worn wheels, which can affect how well the brakes engage, and ensure the brakes operate easily and can hold the pushchair on a slope.
- Make sure the material on the seat and all the seams are intact.
- Check there are 2 locking mechanisms to release before the pushchair will fold down – try the folding mechanism yourself and check for finger traps.
- Always check the harness and its fixing points are intact and only buy one with a 5-point harness.
I want to go jogging - do you need a special pushchair to run with, and is it a good idea?
Provide extra support for baby's head with an infant head hugger
Although all-terrain pushchairs are the descendents of the original American jogging strollers, if you're a serious jogger it would be best to look for a jogging stroller designed specifically for this purpose.
These feature 3 rust-resistant alloy wheels, distinctive frame designs, 20, 16 or 12 inch wheels, shock absorbers, suspension and a fixed front wheel.
The large wheels make the ride smoother, and give better control and shock absorption in off-road conditions. They're designed for running on pavements, rough and sandy surfaces.
If you're more of an occasional jogger or frequent stroller, an all-terrain model may do. Choose one with 16 or 12 inch wheels.
Look for a lockable swivel wheel which will allow you to manoeuvre easily in the shopping centre but can be locked for stability – you don’t want a front wheel that swivels off as it hits bumps when you're running.
A reclining seat is always useful to have in a stroller, but don’t even consider jogging with your baby until they're 6 months old – able to support their head and neck independently. A head support such as a head hugger will help to keep the baby’s head from bobbing.
Make sure the harness fits your baby well and will hold them if you need to stop quickly.
Which pushchairs are ideal for disabled parents?
If you are disabled, see our sister charity Ricability's report for disabled parents on choosing a pushchair, as well as reports on other childcare products at the Ricability website.