Pushchairs – which one should you choose and how can you pick the right one for your needs?
A carrycot, stroller, umbrella stroller, multi-functional pushchair, twin pushchair, joggers, with air-filled or foam wheels, steel or aluminium – when browsing pushchair offers, you may feel that there's an endless number of types, models and options. We've prepared this guide for anyone who'd like to quickly get up to speed on this topic. Browse the options and choose a pushchair that's perfectly tailored to your needs!
A carrycot – a classic pushchair
A carrycot, which is a classic pushchair, is designed for young children. You'll use it from birth up to approximately six months of age, and specifically until your little one starts to roll over and get up from all fours. The most important parameters of such a pushchair are depth and width. It's good for your little one to have sufficient room in the carrycot. This is important to avoid limiting their movements. The right depth is crucial for safety. Pushchairs with a lower base don't pose a risk of falling out when your child starts lifting themselves up – our EVERYDAY and B-TOUR models offer such large carrycots. An extendable hood is an important accessory for carrycots. It protects against unfavourable weather conditions, such as rain, wind and strong sun. It's best if the hood has a wide scope of adjustment and reclines quietly – this means that you won't wake your sleeping darling when adjusting.
Stroller
The popular stroller is a pushchair for children who are able to sit up. Some models – ones with a backrest that reclines to the lie-flat position, such as our VESTO – can be used by youngsters who are just six months old. Younger babies must always be in carrycots or pram bodies. We know that sometimes there's not enough room at home to store a separate carrycot, so a seat that converts from a pram body into a stroller is a practical solution. You can find this in our XMOOV and MOOV. The most important feature of all strollers is adjustment options. A good pushchair should have a wide range of adjustment of the backrest, head restraint, footrest and safety harness. This allows you to tailor it to both your child's and your needs. Remember that in this stage, children grow very fast, while a stroller can last even several years. Models that do this and have a range of features are our CRUISER LX and ALL ROAD. It's also good to be able to change the position of the seat to face towards or away from the direction of travel. This is important, because younger children need constant visual contact with their parent, while slightly older ones are more interested in the world around them.
An umbrella stroller
There are several types of strollers. One of them is the so-called umbrella stroller, which is an ideal solution for parents who value mobility. Strollers, especially the more comfortable, wider ones with more adjustment options, aren't necessarily convenient – they can be quite heavy and big even when folded. The solution is an umbrella stroller, which weighs less compared with traditional strollers, is easy to fold, and doesn't take up much room. But everything has its price. In this case, the cost is stability and your child's comfort. That's why people usually use umbrella strollers in good weather (they provide less protection against poor atmospheric conditions) or on short holiday trips. It's worth adding that this type of pushchair usually doesn't come with any additional accessories.
Multi-functional 2-in-1 pushchair – a carrycot and stroller
A very popular category is multi-functional 2-in-1 pushchairs, which combine several options. Such pushchairs last for longer and save you money and space. This is because they have one common frame onto which you put either a carrycot/pram body or a stroller seat, like in 2-in-1 pushchairs. Examples of such multi-functional pushchairs include our EVERYDAY 2-in-1 and PRIME 2020 2-in-1. There are also systems, like in our XMOOV, in which you can convert the seat from a pram body into a stroller. It's also important that our 2-in-1 models often come with adapters to allow you to create the TRAVEL SYSTEM.
Multi-functional 3-in-1 pushchair – a carrycot, stroller and car seat
An option that's just as popular as 2-in-1 pushchairs is 3-in-1 pushchairs. They also offer a carrycot and stroller seat, and are equipped with car seats from the 0+ group (for the youngest children) up to 13 kg, which come with special adapters that enable you to secure them to the pushchair frame. Such a set includes all elements needed to move about with your baby from birth up to three or four years of age (some of our pushchairs, e.g. PRIME, are suitable for children up to 22 kg, which is approximately four years). This is a great option, particularly for parents who value mobility. You can take your child out of the car in the car seat, and clip the car seat (with your baby still inside) to the pushchair frame, without needing to move the littlie from the car seat to the pram body. This means it'll take you less time to get organised after getting out of the car, and you won't wake your darling if they're sleeping in the car seat. If you'd like to find out more about this type of pushchair, look no further than our PRIME 2020 3-in-1.
Multi-functional 4-in-1 pushchair – a carrycot, stroller, car seat and car seat base
There are many advanced multi-functional 4-in-1 pushchairs on the market – in addition to a pram body, stroller seat and car seat, they also offer a car seat base, which makes it even quicker and more convenient to disassemble. In addition, the base increases the stability of the car seat installed in the car.
Jogger
If you have no intention of giving up your active lifestyle after the birth of your baby, why not consider purchasing a pushchair with which you'll be able to continue training running? Popular joggers are pushchairs designed especially for parents who like running. They have three large wheels (one at the front and two in the rear), a streamlined shape, well-cushioned shock absorption and a handbrake. The last one is a must to provide you with full control over what's happening with the pushchair while you're moving quickly. For even greater safety, joggers are equipped with tether straps that attach to the parent's wrist. This gives you peace of mind that the pushchair won't roll away. Joggers are designed to make them easy to manoeuvre. They're lightweight, streamlined, easy to fold and don't take up much room. They also ensure safety for your child. The seat resembles a hammock that your youngster sinks into, meaning they can't lean out of the pushchair. But remember that joggers are suitable for children who are able to sit up steadily and hold their head up confidently.
Twin pushchair
As the name suggests, a twin pushchair is designed for twins. This is simply a pushchair with two identical elements – carrycots or stroller seats. There are two versions of this type of pushchair: tandem, in which children sit one behind the other, and ones in which your youngsters sit next to each other. Tandems have the advantage that they're easier to manoeuvre, particularly on tight streets and narrow aisles, for example, in a store. Another version of a twin pushchair is a sibling pushchair designed for siblings. They differ from twin pushchairs because they combine a classic pushchair and a stroller.
Pushchair frame types
Weight and durability are crucial pushchair features. The pushchair frame is largely responsible for these two factors. What types are there on the market? There are two main types of frames – steel and aluminium. The former are very durable, but their downsides are weight and bulkiness. For people who'll have to frequently carry the pushchair up stairs, a steel frame won't be the optimal choice. Aluminium is different. Such pushchairs are just as durable as steel ones, and they weigh much less. Anyone who values pushchair mobility should choose this material. Another important frame parameter is the maximum load. The higher this is, the longer your pushchair will last you, because it'll hold a bigger child. Our XMOOV and EVERYDAY pushchairs offer a large load capacity – 22 kg – and can be used by children up to four years of age.
Wheel types
When you're planning to buy a pushchair, don't forget to check the wheels. This is an important element that may determine how happy you'll be with your purchase. Whether or not your pushchair will be able to ride on unpaved roads and you'll have to stick to asphalt alleys all depends on the wheels. The type of wheels used also impacts riding comfort and smoothness. So read on to see which options you can choose from.
Swivel wheels
The ability of pushchair wheels to swivel is an important feature. A large turning range increases ease of steering, as it allows you to turn the pushchair on the spot, which is handy on narrows streets. Anyone who learns about our strollers will appreciate this, because most of them have this type of wheels, as well as a lock to drive straight. Swivel wheels are at the front of the pushchair. Also, the front wheels should be smaller than the rear ones to ensure better manoeuvrability and ease of use.
Air-filled wheels
Air-filled wheels have much better shock absorption than foam ones. That's why if you're planning to use the pushchair on dirt roads or in the forest and you live outside the city, air-filled wheels will definitely be the best option. They're very flexible, so they adjust to the surface well, and the shock absorption ensures greater comfort for your child. However, these wheels also have downsides. First of all, they need to be pumped up without being overpumped. They're also susceptible to damage, such as puncture and abrasion.
Foam wheels
If you want to avoid mechanical damage and would like a lighter and less problematic option, consider foam wheels. You won't have to worry about puncturing or abrasion. This makes them more durable. In addition, they're lighter and often used in pushchair models designed for parents who value mobility – those who frequently carry pushchairs up stairs and transport them in cars with a small boot. Foam wheels are best on smooth, asphalt roads, and don't deal well on uneven surfaces.
Wheels with bearings
Wheels with bearings are loved for their riding smoothness. Thanks to them, you won't need to use as much force when pushing, which is very important, particularly in heavier models. Also important is the fact that wheels with bearings are easy to fix if needed, because they're made up of spare parts. Wheels with ball bearings are usually used in pushchairs.
Three of four wheels?
When you think of a pushchair, you likely get an image of a four-wheeler. It's no wonder, as this is the most popular type of pushchair. But it's also good to consider a model with three wheels. Why? Such pushchairs are designed especially for parents who have an active lifestyle. You'll find three-wheeler pushchairs among joggers, as they're easier to manoeuvre thanks to the front wheel, which swivels. No dirt path or bumpy forest road will stop such a pushchair.
But there are reasons why four-wheeler pushchairs are much more popular. They're stable, unlike three-wheeler pushchairs, which are often criticised for being prone to tipping. Four-wheeler pushchairs are versatile and provide easy riding on all surfaces, particularly if they have air-filled wheels. But remember that you should match the type of pushchair to your lifestyle. If you value manoeuvrability, light weight and a fast pace, a three-wheeler model will be much better. If you prefer stability, convenience and comfort on all surfaces, you should opt for a classic four-wheeler pushchair.
Pushchair accessories – which ones are must-haves?
When browsing the offers of pushchair manufacturers, you'll notice that there's a race in who offers the most accessories. Are all necessary? You may find it difficult to know, especially if you haven't had any experience using a pushchair yet. Not all gadgets are needed, but there are many accessories that'll come in very handy. They don't come with every model, so before making your purchase, you should check if you won't have to spend extra on accessories you need.
A rain cover is extremely useful – it'll come in handy even in a light drizzle, as hoods don't always afford enough protection from the rain. If you're intending to separately purchase a rain cover from a different manufacturer, first make sure that the dimensions will fit your pushchair. A cosy leg warmer will also be useful on cooler days. There are also models on the market designed for warmer spring/summer days – these are made of thinner material. They often come in sets with pushchairs.
It's good to have a mosquito net on hand for summer days. On very sunny days, you'll love the sun umbrella, which will protect your littlie from excessive exposure to the sun. Make sure it's firmly affixed to the pushchair frame and is easy to adjust, so that it can provide shade exactly where you want it.
Every outing with your baby is quite a trip, and you need the right equipment, such as bottles, nappies, clothes and food. It's good to have a place that you can fit everything in and easily take every item out in case you suddenly need it. That's why a bag, which usually hangs on the pushchair handle, is a must-have accessory for every parent. If your pushchair doesn't come with a bag, a great option is special backpacks and bags that can be worn both traditionally or hung on the pushchair frame. Our MOLLY and MOONPACK backpacks and MOMMY BAG have these functions.
A pushchair that comes with many extremely useful accessories is our 2-in-1 EVOLUTION COCOON – it comes with a rain cover, mosquito net and leg warmer, plus several other additions, e.g. a cup holder.
Pushchair with shock absorption
A pushchair with shock absorption will provide your child with comfort and make it easy for you to push. It's definitely one of the most important things to consider when choosing a pushchair, as it determines whether you'll be able to ride on all surfaces. There are several types of shock absorption.
Leather (strap) shock absorption
In shock absorption using leather straps, this material is used to connect the bottom and top part of the pushchair frame. It's a type of soft suspension, meaning it provides good shock absorption on various surfaces. A downside of this solution is that the straps can sometimes stretch, so they need to be tightened or replaced from time to time.
Wishbone shock absorbers
Wishbone shock absorption doesn't provide the right level of comfort when riding on uneven surfaces. But they're great on smooth, even streets. Hooks on wishbones are placed on the pushchair frame, at the wheels, or in some models in the frame. When riding, the mechanism tilts and absorbs shocks in this way.
Spring-based shock absorbers
Spring hooks provide effective absorption of all types of shocks, although they're recommended mainly for straight roads. Some pushchairs have the option of adjusting suspension hardness, meaning you can tailor the shock absorption to various surfaces. The springs are installed in the pushchair frame, and in most models are hidden inside the frame. If you want to have very good shock absorption that won't let you down on any terrain, check out our ALL ROAD pushchair, which has good reasons for its name!
Weight and dimensions of pushchairs – choose a pushchair that's right for your needs
When choosing a pushchair, you first have to consider what your needs are. You should already know where you'll be storing it. Will you be carrying it up three flights of stairs every day? Or perhaps you don't have much room for storage? Or you want your pushchair to be easy to fold and compact? The answers to these important questions will help you pick a pushchair that's perfectly tailored to your needs.
Weight is a key parameter if you'll be carrying the pushchair up and down stairs every day. The average pushchair weight is between 10 and 20 kg, so the range is quite big. There are also ultra-lightweight models on the market – 7 kg ones, such as our unique NUBI, and umbrella strollers can even weigh 5 kg. The material that the frame is made of is the main thing that influences the weight of the pushchair. Steel ones are heavier, while aluminium ones are lighter. But also check the wheels, as they impact weight as well. Air-filled wheels are usually heavier than foam ones.
Size – if you live in a small apartment, you must take this pushchair aspect into consideration. Compact models are also loved by those whose apartment block stairwells are narrow and those who often use public transport. The size of the pushchair when folded is also important. If you intend to transport the pushchair in your car boot, make sure you check this. Before buying, check to see if the model you want fits into your boot. If you don't do this, you may be disappointed.
Safety harness – safety and comfort
The main purpose of a safety harness is to ensure safety for your youngster. It gives you peace of mind that your little one won't fall out of the pushchair or lean out too far. But it's also extremely important for the safety harness in your pushchair to, quite simply, be comfortable. That's why you should check if it's a comfortable five-point safety harness or a three-point one, which may cause discomfort for your littlie. It's good if it has soft cushions for the shoulders and is sufficiently wide to not rub against your child.
Safety approvals
You can see if a pushchair is safe for your child by checking the safety approvals. Pushchairs sold in Poland must meet the requirements of both national and EU law. They may not contain any substances harmful to children, and the safety harness buckle is assessed, as are the quality of the finish, durability of materials, head protection, reflective elements, and quality of the brake and frame. The manufacturer should provide detailed information about each of these elements, and about the certificates they hold. Those issued in Poland are marked with the letter "B" in a triangle. An important indicator is information about a positive assessment from the Institute of Mother and Child, which confirms that the pushchair is made of safe materials. Some pushchairs are also tested by the prestigious Stiftung Warentest foundation, which grants its own certificates. Our MOOV holds this certificate.