Pushchair reviews: Features explained
The most important features on pushchairs
Pushchair brake pedals
A pushchair's single brake lever
Good pushchairs should have brake pedals that are easy to put on and off. Brake pedals that project beyond the pushchair's wheels can catch on stairs and engage the brakes accidentally.
Some pushchairs have one button that clicks the brakes on and another one to click them off. This feature is popular with our pushchair testers.
A bar that connects the rear brakes can obstruct your feet.
Folding mechanisms on pushchairs
Pushchairs with a good folding mechanism can be the difference between a simple one-handed motion with your baby on your hip or having to put your baby down while you struggle with pushchair's clips, catches and buttons.
We check how easy pushchairs are to fold and unfold – compare pushchairs with the Which? product finder to find one that's rated highly for folding. It's worth either trying it yourself or getting a demonstration in the shop.
Look for pushchairs with a one-handed motion and accessories that don’t need to be detached; don’t take the manufacturer's word for it, try before you buy. See Buying pushchairs for more advice.
These handles are angled for comfort
Pushchair handles
Choose a pushchair with handles that turn inward to help support the wrist in a natural position and make pushing more comfortable.
Check you can find a comfortable position if you are particularly tall, small or amply proportioned. Pushchairs with height-adjustable handles are worth paying more for if people of very different heights will push the pushchair.
We often find that separate handles seem to flex quite a bit when you apply pressure to turn the pushchair, but they are tested to ensure that they comply with the British Standard for handle strength.
A handle bar is sometimes a more comfortable option, but a surprising number are oval or square-shaped which become uncomfortable to use.
Compare pushchairs using the Which? product finder to find a pushchair that's comfortable to push.
A recline of more than 150 degrees is best for newborns
Pushchairs with reclining backrests
Look for pushchairs with a mechanism that makes it easy to lower the backrest with your child in the seat; some are much smoother than others.
The best pushchairs for newborn babies have a recline greater than 150 degrees.
Compare pushchairs with the Which? product finder to find the best pushchairs for newborns.
Pushchairs with suspension
Pushchairs with suspension generally give a more comfortable ride, but the level of padding and seat design will also influence comfort.
If your pushchair will only ever see the inside of a shopping mall or well-finished pavements, you don't really need to pay more to get a pushchair with suspension.
Look for pushchairs with a leg rest for added comfort
Adjustable leg support
Smaller children who can't reach the foot rest often end up with their lower legs hanging off the end of the pushchair seat in mid air.
An adjustable leg rest prevents this by adding to the length of the seat, providing good calf support which helps to keep toddler's legs comfortable.
Pushchairs usually have between two and six positions for an adjustable leg support.
Some are simply yanked into position, other pushchairs have a push-button or lever mechanism to release before you can raise or lower it.
Pushchairs with pneumatic tyres offer a soft ride
Pushchair tyres
Pushchairs with pneumatic tyres, the same as on a bicycle, give a smooth ride on bumpy surfaces. However, they can be a real headache if you get a puncture.
The tyres arrive flat and need pumping up, which you can do with a normal bicycle pump. Pumps are supplied with some pushchairs.
It's worth keeping a puncture repair kit on hand if you opt for a pushchair with pneumatic tyres, and you'll have to let down the tyres if you want to take it on a plane.
Pushchairs with swivel wheels
Some pushchairs have swivel wheels that can lock for extra stability
Some pushchairs have swivel front wheels, which rotate to move in any direction with very little pushing and pulling, making your pushchair easy to manoeuvre on normal ground.
But these pushchairs are less suitable for rougher ground, where the swivel wheel can easily be knocked off course by bumps and dips. Pushchairs with fixed wheels are best on rough surfaces.
For the best of both worlds, choose a pushchair with swivel wheels that can lock. Use the Which? product finder to compare pushchairs and find the best model for your needs.