Pushchair options explained

Strollers
These are the lightest, most easily transportable pushchairs – ideal if you’ll be using public transport, going on holiday or using the car. The needs of a small baby and an active toddler are often very different so it’s worth having a stroller as a second, lightweight option.

• Available in a wide choice of styles and prices, ranging from the budget-conscious to the luxurious
• Easy to operate umbrella fold for easy travel or storage
• Many models have a full lie-back option making them suitable for newborns
• Some models have an optional car seat to fit on to the frame

 Travel Systems
These come complete with an infant carrier (car seat) that attaches securely to the conventional pushchair base

• Available in a wide range of options and may include a carry cot option for full versatility
• Allows you to move your sleeping baby between your car and pushchair without disturbance
• Suitable from birth

2 – in – 1 pushchairs
These offer the classic lie flat function of a pram with the versatility of a pushchair

• Suitable from birth
• Some models feature a reversible seat unit so that your baby can face forward or face you
• Some models have an optional infant carrier (car seat) or carry cot which fits on to the frame

3 Wheelers
A stylish option, perfect for walking, whether around town or on rougher terrain

• Stylish, sporty looks
• Some models include an infant carrier(car seat) to form a travel system
• Some models include a carry cot to allow your baby to lie flat and face you.

When there are two
Tandem pushchair

• Forward facing tandem seats with individual adjustment
• Suitable for two children of different ages
• Rear seat reclines fully for a newborn baby
• Some models have an optional infant carrier (car seat)

 Twin pushchair

• Side by side seats with individual adjustment
• Suitable for two babies, or children of different ages

What will I need?

What you may need...
• Pushchair
• Optional carry cot
• Compatible Infant Carrier (Car Seat)
• Carry cot sheets & blankets (look for the same size bedding as Moses baskets/cribs)
• Raincover/Mothercare Weathershield™  (often included in the price of your pushchair)
• Parasol
• Cosytoes or footmuff for colder weather
• Change bag or rucksack for carrying baby essentials

 Nice to have...
    * Stroller blanket
    * Sheepskin pushchair liner
    * Clip on toys and books

Things to consider

Things to consider...

There are 3 really important things to bear in mind when you’re choosing your pushchair:

1. Your child’s needs

• If you have a newborn baby, the pushchair you choose should have a full lie-back seat unit. Alternatively, use a carry cot that fits on to a pushchair to form a pram or a baby car seat that clips in to a pushchair frame (called a ‘travel system’) so that you can move your baby to and from the car without disturbance.
• You may prefer your baby to face you when you’re pushing your pushchair. You’ll find options in our range which offer this flexibility.
• Comfort is especially important – a comfy baby is a happy baby. Look out for features such as adjustable seat positions, well-padded seating and weatherproof material.
• Generally speaking, the needs of a small baby and an active toddler are very different – but these days many pushchairs are designed to cater for several stages of your child’s growth and development.

 2. Your lifestyle

• If you prefer the car to pounding the pavements, choose a lightweight, compact fold pushchair. Some of the telescopic fold pushchairs are so compact they will fit into the smallest boot.
• If you do a lot of shopping on foot, you’ll need a large shopping basket underneath the seat unit. Some strollers give you little room for purchases.
• Pushability, manoeuvrability and a smooth ride are essential for country walks and can be a plus for uneven city pavements. 3-wheelers really come in to their own on uneven terrain!
• If you frequently use public transport, a lightweight, easy folding, compact pushchair is really important.
• Consider the size of your home. You need to make sure you can get your pushchair through the front door and up or down any stairs. You’ll also need space to store it. Check your car boot size, it sounds obvious, but if you can only just squeeze the pushchair in there, where’s all your shopping going to go? Check for fit before you buy.
• If size and weight is an issue, move on to a stroller as soon as your baby is old enough and select an aluminium framed pushchair.

3. Your budget
We stock an excellent range of all types of pushchair for all budgets. If you plan to pass it on to your next baby, invest a little more for durability. A 2-in-1, 3-wheeler or travel system may be your best bet. If you want to move to a stroller at three months you may not need to spend quite so much. The more you spend, the more features you’ll get, and if you go for top-of-the-range, both looks and functionality will be maximised.

Remember to check which accessories (cosytoes, raincovers etc) are included in the price of your pushchair – and then compare it with similar models. You can compare up to 5 models side by side on our product pages.

Five questions to ask when buying a pushchair:

How old is my baby and will I be pushing one or more?
Until three months, newborns need a lie-flat option to support and protect their backs. Choose from a two-in-one, travel system or 3-wheeler. A forward-facing pushchair is only suitable if it can be laid flat.

What will I use the pushchair for?
If you're having twins or will be pushing a toddler as well as a newborn, a two-seater is the answer. A side-by-side pushchair is great for twins; a tandem (one seat in front, one behind) is best for a toddler and a baby (the baby goes in the lie-flat seat at the back).

When your baby is between three and six months, you can choose a lightweight stroller.

If you prefer the car to pounding the pavements, choose a lightweight model - a two-in-one may suit more than a 3-wheeler which is heavier to lift in and out of the boot. A travel system would be ideal for getting in and out of the car with minimum disturbance to you baby.

If you do a lot of shopping on foot, you'll need a large shopping basket underneath, such as those on a two-in-one or forward-facing pushchair. Strollers give you little room for purchases.

Pushability, manoeuvrability and a smooth ride are essential for country walks and can be a plus for uneven city pavements. If this is your lifestyle, choose a 3-wheeler.

If you use public transport or hop on and off planes for holidays, a lightweight, easy-folding, compact pushchair is important - check out the forward-facing options.

Where will I keep my pushchair?
Consider the size of your home. You need to make sure you can get your pushchair through the front door and up or down any stairs. You'll also need space to store it. And check your car-boot size. Sounds obvious, but if you can only just squeeze the pram in there, where's all your shopping going to go? Check the fit before you buy.

If size and weight is an issue, move on to a stroller as soon as your baby is old enough.

How long will I use my pushchair?
If you plan to pass it on to your next baby, invest a little more for durability. A two-in-one, 3-wheeler or a travel system may be your best bet. If you want to move to a stroller at three months, don't spend quite so much.

How much can I spend?
The more you spend, the more features you'll get, and if you go for top-of-the-range, both looks and functionality will be maximised.

Why buy a mothercare pushchair? - click here

To shop Mothercare's range of pushchairs - click here

Last Modified: 29/01/2010