At Babycare, we have a wide range of prams & pushchairs from leading brands. Not all of our stock is online but if there is any specific brand or model you would like we can order it in for you. We are only happy to help you choose the right model and give you a demonstration.
WHAT TYPE OF PUSHCHAIR SHOULD I BUY?
When buying a pushchair or pram keep in mind three important considerations: your needs, your baby's needs and your general lifestyle.
A PUSHCHAIR THAT SUITS YOUR LIFESTYLE
If you use public transport regularly, or have steps leading to your home, a lightweight pram or compact folding pushchair would be best. If space is a premium at home, it's worth looking out for models where the seat unit will fold away as this will take up much less space.
If you use a car, check the size of your car boot and compare it´s size with the folded dimensions of the pram or pushchair you're thinking about buying. If you use a car regularly you might want to consider a multi-function travel system that's an infant carrier and pushchair in one. This allows you to transport your baby from home to the car and to the pushchair without waking them. However, it should be noted that babies shouldn't be left in their infant carrier for more than 2 hours.
If you walk a lot, choose a sturdy model with lockable wheels. Swivel wheels make a pushchair easy to manoeuvre, while fixed wheels make handling easier over rough surfaces. Some pushchairs offer both a fixed and swivel wheel option. However you travel, make sure you choose the correct handle height for both you and your partner - some models have adjustable handle heights.
TIPS WHEN BUYING A PRAM: YOUR BABY'S NEEDS
Newborn babies need to lie back, so you'll need a pram, a pushchair-carrycot combination, or a pushchair with a lie-back facility. Some models have fully reversible seat units so your baby can face you.
Consider also where your newborn baby will sleep: in a Moses basket, crib, cot or carrycot. This will also help you decide on what type of pram or carrycot to buy.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
3-in-1 Travel Systems
A 3-in-1 combination gives you choice, flexibility and versatility as you can mix and match to create a combination that is ideal for you and your baby. These models include a carrycot and convertible two-in-one pram-pushchair and are suitable for newborns and toddlers. These adaptable models incorporate the benefits of a pram and a pushchair and by adding an infant carrier, they also allow you to easily move your baby in and out of the car.
See our selection of pushchair systems here.
Prams & Pushchairs
Although the name is often interchangeable with buggy or stroller, our definition of a pushchair is anything that is compatible with an infant carrier. Typically it will also have a lie-back seat unit or a reclining bucket seat.
Things you may want to consider when buying a pushchair:
- Newborn babies need to lie back, so if you are interested in a pushchair you will need either a pushchair-carrycot combination or a pushchair with a lie-back facility.
- Some models have a reversible seat unit so your baby can face you, and when they’re a bit older they can look out as you stroll. A lie-back seat will make it suitable for newborns.
- Different models fold in different ways, some can be folded and unfolded with one hand and some are freestanding when folded. A carry handle or fold strap may help to make things easier. The fold function and weight are particularly important features to consider if you often use public transport or a car.
- You may wish to consider the terrain the pushchair will be used on as different models are equipped with different types of wheels (they may be fixed, swivel or lockable) to make strolling easier in different situations. The size of the wheels varies between models, larger wheels can offer better suspension. Some models are fitted with pneumatic tyres for a comfortable ride on uneven ground.
- Shopping trays and baskets can make things easier if you’re running errands with a little one in tow.
- You may wish to transport the pushchair in a carry bag, some models have this included or they may be sold separately.
A pram allows your baby to lie flat. The benefit of this is that they will be supported while being kept comfortable and protected in a warm and cosy carrycot. In this secure rear-facing environment you can maintain eye contact with your newborn, so you can keep an eye on them. You may also like the more traditional look associated with a pram.
See our selection of prams & pushchairs here
Buggies & Strollers
Buggies and strollers are lightweight, versatile and simple to use. They're ideal for shopping, travelling and holidays, and most can be used for newborn babies. A buggy or stroller will not be compatible with carrycots or infant carriers and can be used only in seat mode - although some will feature a lie-back function, making them suitable for newborns. You may find it particularly useful to compare the different weights of the models and the different ways in which they fold in order to find a lightweight and easy-to-use model to suit your lifestyle.
See our selection of buggies here.
Doubling up - If you have more than one child?
If you have twins, or small children close in age and weight, double buggies and tandems are ideal.
Tandems
A tandem pushchair has one seat in front of the other and offers a practical solution to transporting your baby and toddler together. They're suitable for babies from birth onwards, and some are suitable for twins.
Different models have a combination of the features below:
- A number of lie-back positions including full
- lie-back or incline
- Independent, multi-position reclining seats
- Independent adjustable foot rests
- Bumper bar for older babies
- Lockable swivel wheels
- Removable washable covers
- Padded liners
- Shopping basket
Double buggies
For carrying two babies, or a baby and toddler, side by side. Some are suitable for babies from birth and different models have a combination of the features below:
- A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline
- Independent, multi-position reclining seats
- Lockable swivel wheels
- Umbrella fold for easy storage
- Optional carrycot
See our selection of twins and tandems here.
Accessories for your pram, pushchair or stroller
At Babycare, we stock a range of accessories that will help you make the most of your pram, pushchair or buggy.
See a selection of our accessories here.