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Your Guide to choosing a Pram, Pushchair, Travel System or Stroller

September 1, 2023

How to Choose Your Pushchair Pram or Stroller

When you become a parent, there are so many things to think about and so many choices to make. One of the big choices you'll face is what type of travel system, pushchair or pram to choose for your baby. It can be a daunting task, but don't worry - we're here to help! In this blog post, we'll give you all the information you need to make the right choice for your family. Keep reading to learn more!

So let's cover the basics first. You've most likely heard the terms pushchair, pram, stroller, travel system...but what is the difference between each. Here's our guide to simplifying your pushchair shopping.

Pram

Suitable from birth - approx 6 months.
Is ideal for a newborn.
Is traditionally what most parents of newborns will opt for.
Has lots of room for your baby to lie-flat and rest.
It consists of a cot and mattress.

Pro's of a Pram are…

They allow your baby to lie flat, supporting their body and head.
They're great for supervised naps for when you are out and about with your newborn.
Some Carrycots are now approved for overnight sleeping.
They're parent-facing, so you can maintain eye contact with your baby.
They're wide and deep, designed in a classic style.

Pushchair

Suitable from 6 months - approx 4 years ( varies per brand & model).
Typically consists of a harnessed seat and frame.
Can be folded for easy storage.
Good for getting out and about with your child, and has storage for shopping etc.

Pro's of a Pushchair are...

They're suitable for newborn babies if they have a fully reclinable seat.
Some models can be folded with one hand and all-in-one, while others fold in two pieces and feature a carry handle or fold strap.
They have various wheel types (fixed, swivel or lockable) for different terrains.
They can be set as parent-facing or world-facing.
Some models will accommodate 2 children, for growing families or parents with twins.
You can add many different accessories such as a footmuff, reflectors, rain covers, to make you and your child comfy and safe.

Travel System

Suitable from birth - approx 4 years ( varies per brand & model).
Typically consists of a full bundle including a carrycot (newborn attachment), pushchair, car seat, Isofix base and car seat adapters.
They tend to include all you need to travel with your baby.
Often travel systems are bundled and include discounts, so this offers a good saving for new parents.

Pro's of a Travel System are...

The frame is often compatible with carrycots, car seats and a toddler seat for convenience.
Some models come with carrycots included, but most retailers will add them into the bundle for a complete solution.
They usually feature shopping baskets for hands-free storage.
You can add accessories, including adaptors, rain covers, seat inserts, footmuffs.

Top Tip: Don't just look at the price; always research the car seat included in your chosen travel system; more details are in our handy car seat guide here.

Stroller

Suitable from 6 months - approx 4 years ( varies per brand & model).
Tend to be more compact and lightweight.
More suitable for good - moderate terrain as they have smaller wheels and less robust suspension.
All-in-one fold.
Some models can be used from birth with the use of inserts.
The BABYZEN Yoyo2 is a really great example, more details here.

Pro's of a Stroller are...

Great for city living and have a compact fold.
They're easy to lift and carry.
They're ideal for running out to do some shopping, going travelling or on holiday.
They're lightweight, compact and can be taken as hand luggage on some aircraft.

What should you focus on, when choosing your Travel System?

It's important to consider your individual needs when choosing a travel system for your baby. Do you need something lightweight? Will you be using it primarily in the city or off-road? Is there enough storage space for all of your travel essentials? Answering these questions can help narrow down the best travel system option for you.

Additionally, consider the size of the travel system and its weight capacity. For city travel, a lightweight travel system may be a better option, while off-road excursions may require sturdier construction.

A travel system is a convenient, one-stop solution for parents who want to travel with their infants and young children. This system allows you to easily take your car seat and pushchair from car to car, making it a breeze when switching vehicles during your journey. What’s great about this system is that the car seat not only safely secures your little one into the car but it also connects right onto the pushchair so that you can quickly and smoothly transfer your baby from car to car without any fuss. Travel systems eliminate the need to lug around multiple pieces of bulky equipment as well as provide convenience, comfort and stability for both you and your child on all of life’s adventures!

Travel systems have become a top choice for busy parents looking to manage the hustle and bustle of everyday life with kids. They offer convenient solutions when it comes to navigating errands or outings. On the market, you can find compact strollers, that are easy to fold away while perfectly suited for infants. All-terrain pushchairs lift you off sidewalks and feature large tires suitable for all kinds of terrain—perfect for adventurous parents! And if you’re blessed with two children, there are several double and twin pushchair options available which allow you to transport both babies at once in safety and comfort. When it comes to this incredible range of travel system options, there’s something out there for everyone!

Shopping for a new travel system doesn't have to be overwhelming! For families on a budget, the Babyzen YOYO2 and Bugaboo Dragonfly are great options. More robust models include the Cybex Priam, Uppababy Vista V2, or Cybex Balios S Lux. If you're looking for something truly luxurious, the Stokke Xplory X is sure to impress. When selecting one of these featured products, consider the safety rating of each car seat included in your travel system, as well as compatibility with your pushchair of choice. Regardless of which travel system you select, you can be assured that safety and quality come first!

So, When Should You Think About Ordering Your Pushchair?

We typically advise against leaving things too tight on time when ordering; lead times on many models vary between 2 weeks but can stretch up to 12 weeks or more, just depending on the brand and the model. Therefore the ideal time to think about ordering might be around the 20-week mark of your pregnancy.

You can arrange for delivery later, so you don't need to have it sitting at home for months. Or paying for prams on interest-free finance such as SplitIt is also a popular option, and in this case, you would pay for your pram in instalments over several weeks or months, and delivery or collection, will take place once the full payment has been received.

We usually aim for a 4-week pre-due-date delivery/collection time frame; this means you have all your essentials in plenty of time.

All in all, a travel system is a useful investment for any parent and offers convenience and easy. Knowing the different types available, understanding the features to consider as well as getting acquainted with different safety tips and product recommendations are essential to make sure you get the right one for you and your family. And while we might not have discussed all of your questions here, we hope this article has helped you understand pushchairs better. Therefore, if still have some doubts or just want to double-check your pick before making a purchase, don't hesitate to contact us. We offer a variety of resources our customers can use to find their ideal travel system: book yourself an appointment with our personal shopping experts; shop from the comfort of your home; or visit one of our physical stores where we offer dedicated advice for buying the best products for each family's budget.

Still, need a little extra help? Why not book in online today for your in-store Personal Shopping appointment? Details here.

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