What is the best pushchair on the market for you and your baby?

The best pushchair on the market is the pushchair (pram, buggy, buggy, travel system) that suits your lifestyle. You'll be using it every day until your baby is three or four years old. You need to ask yourself some questions...

Will the pushchair be used from birth?

The age of your baby will determine the kind of pushchair you go for. Because newborn babies need to lie flat, you should choose a pushchair with a fully reclining seat while your baby is young. From three months, you can try a partly reclining pushchair, then from six months it's ok for your child to sit upright. These days, a lot of pushchairs are designed to grow with your child, featuring multiple recline positions.

Keeping your eye on baby?

Many pushchairs now have a reversible seat, so you can choose whether your baby faces forward or faces you. Seats that turn around to face you are a great option if you'd like to be able to pull faces at your baby, check whether they're asleep, or just see what they're up to!

Added features that may make life easier?

Check the added extras and accessories available. An easy-to-use folding mechanism is a must, and adjustable handle heights and shopping baskets can really help to make life easier. Detachable seat pads, a footrest, raincovers, sun parasols and footmuffs are also available helping you ensure your baby stays comfy all year round.

Where are you going to use it?

When you're choosing a pushchair, it's really important to take your lifestyle into account. How are you going to use the pushchair? Do you make a lot of journeys on foot, on the bus, or will you be taking your pushchair with you in the car? Manoeuvrability, sturdy wheels and suspension are all important if you're going to be doing a lot of walking, while a lightweight, easy-to-fold frame is key to getting the pushchair in and out of the car. Look for pushchairs that offer one-handed folding mechanisms for extra convenience, and if you've ever had back problems, it's worth looking for a lightweight model.

What about storage?

Before you choose, measure the size of your car boot and have a think about where in your home you'll store the pushchair when you're not using it. If your home is quite small, then compact folding will be important. Also think about getting in and out of the house - some pushchairs are more practical than others if there are a lot of steps involved!

What is your budget?

Together with the length of time you'll be using the pushchair for. If you'd like to pass it on to your next child, you might want to invest a bit more. But if you're thinking of switching to a buggy after a few months then you might not spend as much. Also make sure you know what accessories are included. A great value option is a travel system - it has all the parts and accessories you need for the car and when you're out and about, plus you only need to buy one thing.

Types of Pushchairs, Prams and Buggies

Travel systems

Travel systems are a fantastic all-in-one option for your baby's first few months. It incorporates a pushchair and a compatible car seat that fits into the pushchair frame, making it easy to move your baby from one to the other without waking him or her. You can use a travel system from birth to about 3 years, however, the baby will outgrow the car seat after abut 9 months. A travel system is sturdier and super comfortable for your baby in those early months. Standard travel systems can be quite large so make sure that it fits in your car before buying. However, more compact versions are available, these are really light and won't take up so much space. Look at the product weight and the folding dimensions as a way of seeing how compatible it is for your day-to-day routine.Travel systems can either be 2-in-1 (with a pushchair and car seat) or 3-in-1. A 3-in-1 travel system will have a car seat, plus a multi-position pushchair that lets your baby sit up or lie flat.

Buggies

Lightweight, compact and highly manoeuvrable, a buggy (sometimes called a stroller) is ideal if you use public transport a lot, as they're really easy to fold. Some can be adjusted to let your baby lie flat, making them suitable from birth. Otherwise, a buggy is suitable to use once your baby is six months old.

Three wheeled, All Terrain, Off Road Pushchairs

A three-wheeled pushchair makes getting around even easier, thanks to state-of-the-art suspension and sturdy tyres, which glide over even the hardest-going terrain. They're great if you're an outdoor type - you can even take them jogging - but as they're not particularly compact, they're not ideal for using public transport or getting up and down stairs. We stock a three-wheeler model with a fully reclining seat that can be used from birth. Most other three-wheelers have partly reclining seats, making them suitable from three months.

Tandem Pushchairs and Twin Buggies

If you've got twins, you'll definitely need a double or tandem pushchair. They're also a great option if you've got a newborn and a toddler. A tandem pushchair sits your babies one in front of the other. This makes it narrower than a double model (which sits them side by side), but it will be longer so it's wise to check its folded size. If you do choose a tandem, you'll be able to move the two seats independently of each other, and fully recline the seat at the rear for a newborn baby. Double pushchairs are suitable for children up to four years old.

Pushchair Accessories

With so many accessories to choose from when you're buying a pushchair, it can be a little bit daunting. But the best way to work out what you need is to look at how you'll use the pushchair.

If you're using your pushchair in all weathers, you can keep your little one cosy and dry by choosing a foot muff (sometimes called a cosytoes) and a raincover. Sun parasols are also available - a good idea for summer. It's also often possible to find a coordinating change bag to keep you organised.

Some buggies also come with a bumper bar, play tray and pushchair toys to help keep your little one amused. Head supports and footrests are available for extra comfort, and a shopping basket is a must for trips into town.