How to Choose a Pram or Stroller: A Complete Buyer's Guide

A pram or stroller is one of the most significant baby purchases you will make, both in terms of cost and daily use. You may use it every single day for two or three years, so it is worth taking time to choose carefully.

Different types of pushchair

**Travel systems** combine a pram or stroller with a car seat that clicks directly onto the chassis without disturbing a sleeping baby. They are enormously popular with new parents and the most practical option for the early months.

**Traditional prams** have the baby facing the parents and lying flat, which is ideal for newborns. Many convert to a forward-facing seat as baby grows. They are usually larger and less suitable for smaller cars or city living.

**Lightweight buggies** are compact, easy to fold, and ideal for city living or as a second pram. They typically cannot accommodate newborns from birth without an additional insert.

**All-terrain prams** handle rough surfaces, gravel paths, and running pace. They tend to be larger and heavier but offer a more stable ride for active families.

What to look for

**Weight and fold mechanism:** You will fold this pram dozens of times, often one-handed while holding a baby. Test the fold in the shop. Test whether it fits in your car boot with your usual shopping.

**Wheel type and suspension:** Air-filled tyres give a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. Foam or plastic wheels are maintenance-free. Better suspension makes a real difference in comfort.

**Seat recline:** For newborns, a full lie-flat position is important. Check how the recline mechanism works and whether it is accessible while baby is in the seat.

**Facing direction:** Parent-facing seats help with early bonding and allow you to watch your baby. Forward-facing gives baby more to look at as they get older. Some prams offer both.

Top picks

For an all-around premium option that grows from newborn to toddler:

For a lightweight and compact option ideal for city living:

For an all-terrain active family:

Travel systems

If you want a travel system where the car seat clips onto the pram chassis:

When to buy

Order your pram in advance of your due date, especially for popular models that sometimes have waiting times. Having it assembled and ready before baby arrives is one less thing to do in the newborn rush.