The Ultimate Guide to Shopping for the Perfect Pushchair

Shopping for the Perfect Pushchair: Essential Questions for New Parents

Congratulations on your imminent new arrival! As you embark on this exciting journey of parenthood, one of the first purchases you’ll likely consider is a pushchair. With a vast array of options available, navigating the world of pushchairs can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, this guide equips you with essential questions to ask nursery retailers, ensuring you choose the perfect pushchair for you and your little one. We have put together a useful list of questions to ask yourselves before you embark on your shopping trip. It also covers lots of things to ask your retailer if you are feeling unsure. 

When Should you Start Shopping for your Pushchair?

Our advice is to start researching early on as the more you learn about pushchairs, the more you may change your mind. Immerse yourself in the PUSHCHAIR HUB and check back for regular articles about all the latest pushchair news, reviews and more.

Remember that unless a retailer has something in stock, there could be a delay getting it to you. If you want the latest colours of a particular pushchair, you may need to order months in advance to ensure you get the option that you really want. We would recommend that you seriously start considering your pushchair requirements once you reach 20 weeks.

Understanding Your Needs

Before visiting a nursery retailer, consider your lifestyle and needs. Download our PDF of questions to ask yourself before you go shopping here. There is so much to think about and let’s face it, the pram is an expensive piece of baby equipment and you don’t want to make the wrong choice! Think about –  Where will you be using the pushchair most often? Do you require manoeuvrability for city streets or durability for off-road adventures? How many children do you plan to have using the stroller? What’s your budget?

Key Questions to Ask Nursery Retailers

Nursery Retailers will be happy to spend time with you to explain the differences between all the different brands. They are usually very  knowledgeable! As a starting point, you may have already heard of some of the brands (Silver Cross or iCandy for example), but do you know the differences between the different models? Our advice is to visit your retailer with an open mind. Compare, contrast the different offerings. Most good retailers will allow you to check whether if fits in your boot and some even have a test-track and weighted ‘babies’ for you to really give prams a test-drive. Download our PDF of questions to retailer when you visit their store here.

Functionality

Your pushchair has got to ‘work for you’. Have a go at folding and unfolding. Take it for a spin. Try it in the boot of your car. If you are purchasing a car seat at the same time, make sure that it is compatible with your car and any other car you use regularly. Make sure that you know about the car seat regulations.

Folding Mechanism: How easily does the pushchair fold and unfold? Can you do it with one hand while holding the baby? Does it auto-lock?

Weight and Manoeuvrability: How much does the pushchair weigh? Is it easy to steer and navigate tight spaces? Can you lift it into the boot of your car? Remember that a light pushchair won’t necessarily be the best one to push from day-to-day!

Travel System Compatibility: Does the pushchair integrate seamlessly with your chosen infant car seat?

Comfort and Safety

It’s important to consider the comfort and safety for your little one. Consider whether you want a carrycot or a from-birth seat and the pros and cons of this.

Seating: Is the seat adjustable and well-padded for comfort? Does it recline for naps? Does the seat have the option to parent-face?

Harness System: Is the harness secure and easy to use? Does it adjust to accommodate your growing child?

Sun Canopy and Weather Protection: Does the pushchair offer adequate sun protection and protection from the weather?

Storage and Practicality

You are going to use your pushchair on a daily basis potentially for 2+ years. It has to be practical and work for you and your family. If not, you will regret it.

Storage Basket: Is the storage basket spacious and easily accessible?

Cup Holders and Parent Console: Does the pushchair have cup holders and a parent console for storing essentials?

Wheel Type: What type of wheels does the pushchair have? Are they suitable for your intended use (e.g., air-filled for off-roading?)

Additional Considerations when shopping for the perfect pushchair

There are so many things to think about when shopping for the perfect pushchair. We have covered all the obvious but of course you will have your own criteria – for example some people even want to make sure that they can carry their beloved pooch in the basket!

Budget: Pushchairs come in a variety of price ranges. Set a realistic budget and think about the features that are the most important to you. If you need an infant carrier (baby car seat), it may be cheaper to buy a ready-made bundle!

Style: While functionality is key, don’t neglect aesthetics! Choose a pushchair that complements your style and preferences.

Warranty: Check the warranty coverage offered on the pushchair.

Remember: Don’t hesitate to ask the nursery retailer to demonstrate the pushchair’s features and functionalities. If you have already had your baby, make sure you bring them along. If you haven’t had your baby, ask the retailer if they have a weighted baby. Remember, you will never push an empty pram!

Useful Downloads

By asking the right questions and considering your needs, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect pushchair for countless adventures with your little one! Shopping for the perfect pushchair is supposed to be fun, and armed with this guide you will be fine!