Pushchairs: Features explained
Types of pushchair
Pushchairs can be quite difficult to classify; there's such a wide size variation between those that share common features, and so many hybrids designs that it is hard to know where to draw the line between the different types.
It can be hard to tell when a buggy gets heavy enough, or has enough extra features, to be called a pushchair, or whether a three-wheeler is just a three-wheeled pushchair or is really meant for using over rough ground.
You'll also find different words used to describe the same type of pushchair - no wonder it's so confusing.
At Which? we divide them in to 4 main types:
- Buggies and strollers
- Off-road buggies and all-terrain pushchairs
- Travel systems and combinations
- Double or twin pushchairs and tandems
Some fit into more than one category. For instance, a 3-wheeled pushchair with pneumatic wheels that can be used with a car seat falls into both the all-terrain and travel system categories.
Buggies and strollers
Great all-rounders
Also known as: buggys, strollers, lightweight pushchairs
Stroller is an umbrella term that covers anything from the lightest, most basic buggy to more robust pushchairs that cater to every possible aspect of your child’s comfort.
Generally, the simplest buggies are little more than a chair on wheels. As they get heavier, features such as a rain cover, shopping basket, reclining back rest and hood are added.
High-specification models will include features such as suspension or larger wheels, ‘footmuffs’ or aprons to keep babies warm, storage pockets and accessories bags, bumper bars and cup holders.
Some can even be used as a travel system with a compatible child car seat, but they tend to be larger and heavier.
Who should get one?
Every parent needs some kind of stroller, but the huge variety of styles and features means that some are suited more to particular activities or age groups than others.
Pros
- Buggies and strollers are generally the cheapest type of pushchair.
- They're ideal for day-to-day use and the best ones can be folded using just one hand.
- Strollers are generally lightweight and compact, which is good if you live in a flat or rely on public transport.
- They’re easy to carry up and down stairs and great for throwing in the back of the car, and when you’re nipping to the shops or going on holiday.
Cons
- Some models aren’t suitable for newborns because they don’t recline enough for the baby to sleep.
- Many aren’t ideal for bumpy ground, as they have hard plastic wheels, short wheelbases and no suspension.
Off-road buggies and all-terrain pushchairs
For the great outdoors
Also known as: Off-road buggies, off-roaders, all-terrain, joggers
What are they?
Usually three-wheelers, these have large, chunky, pneumatic tyres, which make them ideal for crossing bumpy, rough terrain or loose surfaces, such as sand or gravel.
They often have a swivel wheel at the front, which makes them easy to manoeuvre on smooth surfaces, but the wheel can also be locked so it doesn’t twist. This gives it the strength to cope with rougher ground.
Some pushchairs also have added suspension to give a more comfortable ride.
Who should get one?
These will suit parents who love the great outdoors and who spend their free time in the countryside or parks, or who live in areas where the pavements are poor.
You’ll need a big boot to put them in the car and a large storage space at home.
They’re often too large to use easily on public transport or in crowded places, such as the high street or supermarkets.
Pros
- They provide a smooth and comfortable ride and can cope with rough ground.
- Some can be used for jogging with your child.
Cons
- They’re usually heavy and very bulky and have a long wheelbase, which means they're difficult to turn in tight spaces.
- They can also be unwieldy on steps and in places where you’ll balance the weight on the front wheel, such as going up kerbs.
- Smaller, lighter models tend to be basic and may not have the suspension to handle well on rough ground.
Travel systems and combinations
A complete baby transporting package
Also known as: Travel systems, 2-in-1s (pushchair and carrycot) 3-in-1s (pushchair, carrycot and child car seat), pramettes
What are they?
These ‘all-inclusive’ models aim to provide the answer to all your baby transporting needs in one stylish package.
They are versatile but pricey pushchairs that can be used with a car seat and/or carrycot (but these aren't always included in the price).
Some car seats and carrycots slide onto the chassis in place of the normal seat, others clip on or are fastened on with Velcro over the normal seat.
You’ll often see a pushchair sold both on its own and as a travel system, where the price includes a compatible child car seat.
The car seat is not always from the same manufacturer; the Maxi Cosi Cabrio is a very popular child car seat, so many brands make adaptors for it to go with their pushchairs.
Who should get one?
They are aimed at anyone who uses their car a lot. The main benefit is that you can transfer your baby between car, pushchair, and house without disturbing them too much.
That's great if you spend a lot of time in the car – on the school run, shopping etc. But you should remember that babies should not spend long periods of time in a child car seat.
Pros
- They appear to be a bargain because they offer a lot of flexibility.
- Some are compatible with Best Buy car seats. We'd urge you to buy one of our Best Buy car seats for babies up to 13kg.
Cons
- Pushchairs that can be used as travel systems are often quite large.
- Babies often outgrow the carrycot and child car seat in around 12 months.
- You’ll need space to store the various parts when you’re not using them, and not all car seats are compatible with all chassis.
The most important features
Brake pedals
A single brake lever
These should be easy to put on and off. Brake pedals that project beyond the 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 testers.
A bar that connects the rear brakes can obstruct your feet.
Folding mechanisms
A good folding mechanism can be the difference between a simple 1-handed motion with your baby on your hip or having to put your baby down while you struggle with clips, catches and buttons.
We check how easy they are to fold and unfold, but it's worth either trying it yourself or getting a demonstration in the shop.
Look for chairs with a 1-handed motion and accessories that don’t need to be detached; don’t take the manufacturer's word for it, try before you buy.
Angled for comfort
Handles
Choose those 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. Height adjustable handles are worth paying more for if people of vastly different heights will push the buggy.
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.
Unstrapped to recline
Reclining backrest
Look for 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.
Suspension
Pushchairs with suspension generally give a more comfortable ride, but the level of padding and seat design will also influence comfort.
Keep their legs comfy
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 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.
There are usually between two and six positions for an adjustable leg support.
Some are simply yanked into position, others have a push-button or lever mechanism to release before you can raise or lower it.
Pumped for a soft ride
Tyres
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 models.
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.
Lock for extra stability
Swivel wheels
Swivel front wheels rotate to move in any direction with very little pushing and pulling, making your pushchair easy to manoeuvre on normal ground.
But they are less suitable for rougher ground where the swivel wheel can easily be knocked off course by bumps and dips. Fixed wheels are best on rough surfaces.
For the best of both worlds choose swivel wheels that can lock.