Choosing a pushchair: from birth, compact or for travel

Pushchair or pram?

A pushchair (buggy) is lighter and smaller than a pram and often folds with one hand. A pram usually has a carrycot or a seat that lies completely flat, and bigger wheels. How to choose a pram is in choosing a pram. This guide is about the pushchair: as a second vehicle next to the pram, or as the only one for a slightly older child.

Prams and pushchairs fall under the European standard EN 1888: part 1 covers children up to 15 kg, and part 2 adds to it for children from 15 to 22 kg. The specifications say which age and weight a pushchair is made for.

From birth or from 6 months

This is the first choice, because it decides which pushchairs are left.

• From birth. The maker then lists a flat lying position, a newborn nest or a separate newborn pack. Maxi-Cosi gives 0 to 4 years and 0 to 22 kg for the Eva3. The Cybex Balios S Lux and the Bébé Confort Zephir are also sold as from birth, and Babyzen sells the YOYO 0+, where 0+ stands for the version from birth.
• From about 6 months. Your child then sits in a seat with an adjustable backrest. The Stokke YOYO3 says from 6 months, as does the MoMi Estelle. The Caretero Sfera gives 6 months up to 15 kg.

Check the maximum weight too. It is listed in kilograms in the specifications and differs between models.

Folding and weight

You lift a pushchair in and out of the car, onto the bus or into a shop. Three figures matter:

• Folded size. Length, width and height when folded. Measure your boot or the space in the hall.
• Weight. Listed in kilograms in the specifications. Caretero gives 7 kg for the Sfera.
• How it folds. With one hand or two, and whether it stands up on its own when folded.

Many brands make compact pushchairs, such as the Cybex Beezy, the Joolz Aer², the Maxi-Cosi Lara² and the Chicco Cheerio.

Taking it on a plane

A travel pushchair folds small enough that, according to the maker, it can go in the cabin as hand luggage. Cybex sells the Libelle and the Orfeo as suitable for hand luggage. The Kinderkraft Nebo and the Jané Rocket Sport are also sold with a cabin-size fold, and the Stokke YOYO3 and the Bébé Confort Zephir have "hand luggage" in their product names.

Every airline sets its own hand luggage sizes. Compare the pushchair's folded size with your airline's sizes before you fly.

Wheels, basket and hood

Small wheels keep a pushchair light and nimble on pavements and shop floors. On gravel, forest paths or bumpy streets, bigger wheels or suspension make for a smoother ride. Makers list the wheels and suspension in the description.

Look at the shopping basket as well: Cybex gives up to 10 kg for the Balios S Lux basket. A large hood or a hood extension keeps out more sun and wind; the description says whether one is included. A rain cover and a footmuff are often sold separately.

Comparing on LeBaby

Every model is under pushchairs and travel pushchairs. Many pushchairs come in several colours or as a set with a newborn pack or accessories. LeBaby compares each version separately, so you can see what is included.