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Best pushchairs 2024: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

Discover the best pushchairs for your little one and see our expert tips on the key features to look out for
Verity MannPrincipal researcher & writer
pushchair features

We've tested hundreds of pushchairs to help you find the perfect one for your child. In our expert guide, we highlight the top-scoring models and explain how to choose the perfect stroller or travel system to suit your budget.

Our picks are safe, durable, comfortable and crammed with useful features. We'll also help you choose between lightweight buggies and strollers, travel system pushchairs and all-terrain or running pushchairs.

Below, we've rounded up five of our recommended Best Buy pushchairs. You'll also find details on typical costs and advice on saving money with a second-hand pushchair.

Best Buy pushchairs for 2024

Here's our pick of the top Best Buys – including a three-wheel pushchair, a lightweight pushchair, plus the cheapest pushchair to ace our tests.

Join Which? to get access to all our Best Buys and pushchair reviews from popular brands including Bugaboo, Cybex and Mamas & Papas.

Top scoring Best Buy pushchair

    • best buy
    • Pushing around obstacles
    • Shopping basket access and size
    • Comfort to push
    Test score
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    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

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Best cheap pushchair under £250

    • best buy
    • great value
    • Pushing around obstacles
    • Shopping basket access and size
    • Comfort to push
    Test score
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    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

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Best travel system pushchair

    • best buy
    • Pushing around obstacles
    • Shopping basket access and size
    • Comfort to push
    Test score
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    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

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Need more guidance on what to look for in a travel system pushchair? Read our guide on how to choose the best travel system pushchair.

Best lightweight pushchair

    • best buy
    • great value
    • Pushing around obstacles
    • Shopping basket access and size
    • Comfort to push
    Test score
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    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

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Find out what features to look for when buying a lightweight stroller by reading our guide to choosing the best stroller or buggy.

Best three-wheel pushchair

    • best buy
    • Pushing around obstacles
    • Shopping basket access and size
    • Comfort to push
    Test score
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    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

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If you're expecting a child and already have a toddler, or if you're about to be a parent of twins, see our guide to the best double pushchairs.


What are the different types of pushchair?

Mums and pushchairs in park

A simple buggy or stroller is very different from a travel system or an all-terrain pushchair, both in terms of price and features.

If you're unsure which one you need, we explain the differences between a standard buggy, an all-terrain (off-road) buggy and a travel system, as well as their main pros and cons.

Lightweight buggy or stroller

Pros: Lightweight, compact, easy to manoeuvre, affordable

Cons: Typically forward facing only, not ideal for off-road terrain, some only suitable from six months

Some lightweight buggies are suitable from birth, while others are only suitable for babies over six months old, as the back rest doesn't recline far enough.

Basic buggies are ideal for nipping around town or for parents who regularly use public transport. They’re also handy for holidays, as some fold down small enough to be suitable cabin luggage.

For more tips and advice, read our guide to choosing the best stroller or buggy.

Travel system pushchair

Pros: Suitable from birth, can be parent facing or world facing, ideal if you frequently use a car

Cons: Expensive, bulky, carrycot suitable only from birth to six months and car seat from birth to nine months  

Roughly 85% of the pushchairs we've tested are travel-system compatible, which means they are suitable to use from birth. 

You can use them with a carrycot or a seat unit that converts to a pram, and swap to the standard seat unit once your baby is ready (usually around six months). Or you can attach an i-Size baby car seat or Group 0/0+ car seat. 

While it's fine for your baby to sleep in a carrycot or lie-flat seat unit, long periods in infant car seats can be dangerous for young babies as it can restrict airflow to the baby’s lungs and can put a strain on their developing spine. It’s recommended not to keep a baby in a car seat – whether it’s in a car or attached to a pushchair – for longer than two hours at a time. This doesn’t apply if it’s a lie-flat car seat, though.

Jump straight to our travel system pushchair reviews or read our guide on how to choose the best travel system.

All-terrain or running pushchair

Pros: Can tackle tough ground, good suspension, can use while getting fit

Cons: Often too large for public transport, expensive

If you want to venture off the beaten track with your baby, you might want to opt for an all-terrain or off-road pushchair. These can be four-wheelers or three-wheelers – some three-wheel pushchairs are also running buggies. 

Although all-terrain pushchairs are a practical choice for active parents, they’re often longer than other models, and can be too large to use on public transport or in crowded places such as supermarkets. Plus, because of their size, you'll also need a big car boot to transport them.

Take a look our advice on buying a running buggy to see if this type of pushchair is right for you.

Buying a newborn pushchair or pram

Parent looking at baby in car seat

Not all pushchairs are suitable for a newborn baby. Before you set your heart on a Bugaboo or iCandy pushchair, check whether the seat is suitable from birth or whether it can only be used by babies more than six months old. 

Newborn babies can't support their own weight when they're small. It's important they lie flat on a firm horizontal base in order to support their developing spine. This allows them to breathe easily too. 

The best three options for a newborn are:

  • A from-birth seat – a seat unit that reclines 150° degrees or more.
  • Pram format – some pushchair seats can convert to a pram by unclipping or unzipping the fabrics.
  • A carrycot – if you're expecting to use the pushchair for lengthy daytime naps choose one that can take a carrycot.

When should you move a baby from a carrycot to a pushchair?

Most babies will be ready to transition from a carrycot to a pushchair at around six months. However, this will vary depending on your baby's size and weight.

If you're unsure, follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for both the carrycot and pushchair to ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable.

How much will a good pushchair cost?

Parent shopping for a pushchair

We've uncovered six Best Buy pushchairs for less than £200, so you don't necessarily have to spend a large amount to get an excellent stroller.

Our expert reviews also highlight Great Value pushchairs. These money-saving models scored at least 75% in our testing, but are also at least 20% cheaper than the average cost of a pushchair of a similar design in our tests – offering outstanding performance without burning a hole in your pocket.

To find out which pushchair brand tops our leader board, read our advice for which pushchair brand to buy.

Pushchair features to look out for

Inspecting a pushchair

Small niggles and frustrations will become very annoying when using your pushchair daily, so choosing the right one is essential.

Before you splash out, familiarise yourself with the features listed below:

  • Reversible seat – this means you have the choice to keep your baby parent-facing while young, then world-facing when they're older and more inquisitive.
  • Adjustable-height handlebars – these make the pushchair easier to move, especially if you're a different height from your partner or anyone else using the pushchair.
  • Suspension – if you're going to be travelling across gravelly car parks or out for country walks, your baby will have a more comfortable ride with decent suspension. This can be on some of the wheels (called front or rear suspension) or on all four (all-wheel suspension).
  • Shopping basket size – capacity varies from 1kg to 15kg, but the average pushchair shopping basket can hold 4kg to 5kg.
  • Padding – helps to keep your baby supported and snug. Check if the padding goes up the side of the seat as well as just on the base.
  • Swivel wheels  swivel front wheels rotate to move in any direction with very little pushing, but they can make it harder to navigate across rougher ground or gravel. For the best of both worlds, choose a pushchair with swivel wheels that can lock.
  • Uninterrupted stride – check you're able to walk with the pushchair using your normal stride.
  • Back rest recline – the angle of the recline on the back rest of your pushchair is important because newborns can't support their own weight and need to be in a lie-flat position. The best pushchairs for newborn babies are those with a recline of 150 degrees or more on the lowest setting.
  • Folding – an easy-to-use folding mechanism is essential. Many pushchairs come with claims of having a one-handed fold, but our tests prove that reality can be very different.
  • Brake pedals – watch out for brake pedals that stick out, as these can catch on stairs. Look for flip-flop-friendly brakes that you can press on and off to avoid scraped toes or shoes.
  • Size and shape – a good pushchair can be big without being difficult to use. We include the weight and dimensions of all the pushchairs we test so you can easily compare.
  • Leg rests and leg support – smaller children who can't reach the footrest often end up with their legs hanging off the end of the pushchair seat in mid-air. An adjustable leg rest provides good calf support.

Are buggy boards safe?

Child using a buggy board

A buggy board is a board on wheels that attaches to the back of your pushchair for your toddler to ride on. Some pushchair manufacturers make their own brand of buggy board, but there's also a specific brand called Buggy Board. 

Whatever the model, if you’re using one of these ride-on platforms on the back of your pushchair, follow the safety instructions carefully. Ensure the board is securely attached to the pushchair and that it can withstand the weight of the toddler on it. 

Make sure the child always holds on to the handlebars when riding on the buggy board. And also check that using the ride-on board won't affect your pushchair's warranty.

Discover the six pushchairs with buggy boards we love.

Are pram charms safe?

Pram charms or pushchair charms are decorations that clip on to the hood of a pushchair for your little one to play with. 

But, as with anything hanging close to a baby or child, there’s a risk that they could end up as a choking hazard if your baby gets hold of one and puts it in their mouth. For this reason, we'd advise against using them.

See the latest child safety news.

Do sun covers cause pushchairs to overheat?

The NHS advises keeping babies under six months completely out of direct sunlight, and recommends that parents protect young children’s skin from the sun when UV levels are high. 

While putting a blanket, towel or muslin cloth over your pram might seem like an easy way to shield your baby from the sun on a hot summer’s day, experts warn that covering a pram can cause your baby to overheat. But without a shade or cover, your child is left vulnerable to harmful UV rays and sunburn. 

We tested whether the temperature inside a pushchair rises when covered up. We used a range of materials (a muslin, a towel, a fleece blanket, a Koo-di stroller cover and a SnoozeShade) and a pushchair with the hood up for one hour, to see whether the temperature rises to the point where there’s cause for concern.

We did our testing on a very hot day. The temperature at the start of our test was 33°C, and increased to 34.8°C. We recorded the temperature at the start and then every 10 minutes behind each cover within the pushchair's seat area. We used identical pushchairs for each cover, and set up the seat to be parent-facing, with the hood catching the sun.

What we found

As you can see below, all the cover types we tested showed an increase in temperature within the seat area from the moment we added them.

Pushchair overheating graph

The interior of the pushchair with the hood extended fully showed the smallest increase in temperature, but we'd expect this, as it wasn't fully covered. 

This was followed by the pushchair covered with the SnoozeShade. The interior of the pushchair covered with the towel became the hottest – nearly 6°C more than the one with the sunshade.

Ultimately, what our test shows is that whatever cover you use, it's going to make the temperature inside the pushchair increase immediately. And if you leave your child in a covered pushchair in the sun over time, the temperature inside will continue to go up.

It's worth noting that specially designed products, such as the SnoozeShade and Koo-di cover we used in our test, have also been designed to protect babies from UVA and UVB rays. Indeed, using a sunshade responsibly can be safer than not using one at all.

If you want to cover your pushchair on a sunny day, make sure to check regularly on your baby's wellbeing to see if they are too hot. Feel their tummy or the back of their neck (your baby’s hands and feet will usually be cooler, which is normal) and if your baby’s skin is hot or sweaty, then this means they are too hot. Encourage regular drinking of water and get into the shade if possible.

Pushchair safety checklist

1. Avoid overloading/tipping

Bags on pushchair

A rickety pushchair that's prone to wobbling or tipping is an accident waiting to happen. Check for a wide, solid base, and get a feel for how the pushchair handles by testing it out in store and consulting our reviews.

Even if you’ve got a stable pushchair, avoid loading the handlebars with bags of shopping.

2. Look out for wobbly wheels

Check the wheels often – wobbly wheels can be a common issue, particularly if you’re using a stroller. 

Our February 2022 survey of 2,004 parents with a child under five revealed wheels are the most common pushchair feature to develop a fault with 19% of people experiencing this.

3. Check the seat recline

A newborn baby needs to be in a pushchair seat that reclines to 150 degrees or more, to create a lie-flat position. 

Not all pushchairs recline to the right angle, and therefore aren't suitable to use from birth. Our tests check the angle of the back rest, so you can tell whether your little one will be supported as they grow.

If you’re using a travel-system pushchair with a baby car seat on top, be aware that babies shouldn’t be confined to their car seats for longer than two hours, especially newborn and very young babies. This is because it can put a strain on your baby's spine and restrict airflow to their lungs, especially if their head has flopped forwards.

4. Know the weight limit

Pushchairs have maximum weight limits for the seat and the shopping basket. Our advice is to make sure you know what these are before nipping out with your baby, extra baggage, or even another child in the pushchair. 

Not only can overloading lead to instability, it could also potentially cause your pushchair to break. You'll be able to find the weight limit in the instruction manual or in the technical specifications in our reviews.

5. Check your pushchair brakes

Ensure your brakes are effective and easy to apply. We’ve found that some pushchairs have brakes that are tricky to get to, or not clearly labelled, and all too easy to leave off by accident. 

Our tests check how well each model's brakes work, and highlight any issues where brakes are fiddly or tricky to use.

6. Be careful with folding and locking devices

Keep children well away from a pushchair when you're folding it or making any adjustments. 

One of the most common pushchair-related injuries occurs when little fingers get stuck in locking mechanisms or folding hinges. 

It's worth checking that you’re able to fold and unfold it easily and smoothly, and lock it into place, to minimise the chance of an accident.

7. Use your pushchair harness

Most pushchairs will have a five-point harness built in, to help keep your little one safe and secure.

It’s important to use the harness every time your child is in the pushchair, and picking one with a harness that's simple to do up and undo will help.

8. Check the safety label

All pushchairs in the UK should carry a safety label confirming compliance with BS EN 1888:2018. If you can't see this in an obvious place, be wary.

9. Be aware of pushchair recalls and safety notices

Certain models from big brands have been recalled in recent years because of safety hazards. 

Stay up to date with the latest recalls and safety notices on Gov.uk to see if you own a potentially dangerous or faulty pushchair, and to find out what you can do about it.

10. Consider what accessories you'll use with your buggy

There are lots of buggy accessories out there and some provide a useful function (for example, a cup holder or a buggy board), but others can be a safety risk (such as pram charms or a faux-fur hood trim). 

Carefully consider any accessories before attaching them to your pushchair, and make sure that nothing with small parts is within reach of your child, as they can be a choking hazard.

Should I buy a running buggy?

Couple running with baby

If you’ve ever tried to get your child to sleep by putting them into a car seat and going for a 20-minute drive, then you may get the same effect while running with your child.

General advice is that you should wait until your baby is at least six months old, but we’d suggest waiting until around eight or nine months to be safe. This is because your baby’s neck muscles need to develop until they’re strong enough to sit up in a pushchair, and be able to handle the speed and slightly rougher ride they may experience while you’re running.

To make sure your little one is safe while you're on a run, consider the following:

  • Get the health 'all clear'. If you've recently given birth, don’t do any form of exercise until you’ve had the OK from your GP. Your body takes time to recover after having a baby, and it’s important you don’t push yourself too soon.
  • Don't use a carrycot or car seat. Don't run with your baby in the pushchair carrycot, or with the child car seat attached as a travel system. You should avoid carrycots because they're almost always only suitable up to the age of six months, so your baby is still too young. Meanwhile, car seats aren’t suitable because they usually hold your baby quite high on the chassis, which can change the pushchair's centre of gravity.
  • Dress your baby appropriately. You may be working up a sweat but your child will be sitting still, so be sure to dress them in layers. Standard guidance is that your baby should wear one more clothing layer than you would if you were out walking as normal.
  • Ensure the pushchair seat is upright. If your pushchair can recline back, make sure that it’s set in an upright position when you start running. This is the safest position for your toddler and the most stable position for the buggy when you’re pushing it.

Key features to look out for on a running buggy

  1. A handbrake will let you slow the pushchair down without having to break your stride.
  2. Lockable front wheels will make it easier to steer while running, particularly when going over gravel or rough terrain.
  3. All-wheel suspension will help to absorb any bumps that you’re speeding over.
  4. An adjustable handlebar is very useful as you need the handlebar to be far enough away so you don’t kick the axle between the wheels when running. 
  5. A sturdy five-point harness is a vital feature to ensure your little one stays securely in place while you’re moving.

Can you run with a normal buggy?

While the occasional dash to catch a bus while you’re pushing your pushchair should be fine, we don’t recommend using a standard pushchair or stroller for regular running.

If you don’t want to fork out for a proper running buggy, you can still exercise with a regular one, but switch to a brisk power walk. This can be just as effective as running, but it’s easier to control your speed.

Where to buy a pushchair?

Pushchairs vary enormously in cost. You can spend £100 or fork out more than £1,000, but in some cases, you'll be buying a desirable name and fancy fabrics rather than a practical pushchair that's easy to use and push. Make sure you consult our expert pushchair reviews before you buy.

Popular online retailers that sell pushchairs include:

  • Argos sells pushchairs from major baby brands including Bugaboo, Cosatto and Joie. Prices start at around £40 for basic strollers and go beyond £850 for premium models from Bugaboo and Cosatto. This retailer also stocks tandem pushchairs and three-wheeler models.
  • Boots has a wide range of pushchairs from popular brands, with prices starting at £68 for strollers and going up to £1,000 for travel system bundles that include a carrycot or car seat. 
  • John Lewis sells more than 100 single-seat pushchairs, with prices starting at around £85. The list of brands includes Baby Jogger, Babyzen and iCandy. If you're shopping for a double buggy, expect to spend at least £175. If you buy an item from John Lewis and it goes on sale through the same retailer within 35 days, you can submit a claim for a price drop refund.
  • Mamas & Papas has a large selection of pushchairs, including models suitable from birth and all-terrain buggies. Listed brands include Cybex and Joie. If you change your mind, the retailer will accept unused items for refund or exchange within 28 days of purchase.
  • Smyths Toys sells strollers, pushchairs and prams starting at around £60 and going up to £500, with listed brands including  Graco, Joie and Silver Cross.

To see which baby and child shops are rated highly, check our expert guide on the best and worst shops.

Is it safe to buy a second-hand pushchair?

Shopping for a pushchair

There's a sizeable market for second-hand pushchairs if you want to save money. Very often they're sold on eBay, via local Facebook groups, Gumtree or Shpock. There may even be one going for free on Freecycle. 

The safety risks from buying a second-hand pushchair are far less than those for a car seat. However, check if the model you have in mind has had any product safety alerts via the Trading Standards website or Gov.uk recall website. You should also check our list of Don't Buy pushchairs

When buying a second-hand pushchair, check or look over the following:

  • Seat padding, hood and basket – check for any areas where the stitching might be coming loose, or for any tears or holes.
  • Wheels – depending on the age of the pushchair, those wheels could have seen a fair amount of use, so take a look to ensure they're not rickety or coming loose. If the pushchair has pneumatic tyres, are there signs of cracking of the rubber near the rims? And does the pushchair come with its own pump? It's worth taking the pushchair for a quick circuit to make sure the wheels are aligned and it steers well.
  • Chassis frame – run your eyes (and hands) over the frame of the pushchair to check for any cracks that could be a weak spot over time or any dents that might affect the smoothness of the fold.
  • Folding and unfolding – is it easy to fold and unfold? Have a few tries to make sure you feel comfortable with the mechanism and ensure it doesn't get caught at any point.
  • Brake – make sure the brake still holds the pushchair securely, particularly on a slope.
  • Additional accessories – the pushchair might come with a rain cover or bumper bar, so make sure that's included. Ask the seller if they also bought any additional accessories that would go with the pushchair including a carrycot, footmuff or car seat adaptors.

What can I do with my old pushchair?

If you’ve got an unused pushchair (or two) lurking about, you can free up storage space and maybe make some extra cash while you’re at it.

  • Sell your pushchair online.
  • Use NCT and second-hand baby product sales.
  • Give your old pushchair to friends and family.
  • Freecycle your buggy.
  • If your buggy is worn out or not safe, contact your local council for recycling or disposal options in your area.

How we test pushchairs

Testing pushchairs

We want to help you make the best buying decision for your family, which is why we send the latest prams, buggies and strollers for testing at our lab throughout the year.

To see which models are safe and durable, each pushchair is wheeled across 200km of bumpy treadmill while loaded with the weight of a baby and a full shopping basket. Our experts also look out for any choking hazards and traps for arms, legs or fingers.

The worst pushchairs are a pain to move around, which is why our parent testers put each pushchair through its paces on our specially designed obstacle course. This reveals which models cope well with tricky terrain.

Find out what exactly makes a Best Buy pushchair by reading all about how we test pushchairs.