The stroller (also known as a pram, buggy, or pushchair) is usually the first of the ‘big’ purchases couples tend to make when they’re having a baby. It certainly was for me and my wife!
That’s partially because it is probably the most expensive purchase you’ll make for the Baby, and one that will probably be with you well into their toddler years.
For that reason, it’s important to take your time and really think about what’s best for you, your partner, and your baby for the next two, three or even four years.
We’ve put this guide to help you understand the different types of Stroller, what to look out for when buying a stroller, and finally, we suggest some of the best strollers on the market.
Types of baby strollers
Pram, stroller, buggy, pushchair… they’re all probably pretty familiar terms to you, and they’re all interchangeable names for pretty much the same thing. Sometimes they’re literally different names for the same product, other times there are slight differences in what the product is and its purpose.
Newborn pram
Prams are effectively moses baskets on wheels. Designed specifically for newborns, suitable from birth to around 6 months (or when baby can hold their head up). They have a high-sided carrycot with a padded, built-in mattress and sunshade. Babies can only lie down in a pram - there is no upright seating position.
Because babies come with a lot of stuff, there’s usually a large storage basket underneath the carrycot and/or some hooks to hang your bag.Travel system
Travel systems have become arguably the most popular and common type of stroller. With a carrycot, car seat and stroller seat, they’ve become the versatile stroller of choice for many parents who want one stroller system from birth to toddler years.
Most travel systems (sometimes referred to as ‘3in1’ prams, pushchairs, strollers or buggies) will transform from carrycot to stroller seat, with the ability to attach an infant car seat - perfect for when baby falls asleep in the car.
Some travel systems will allow you to switch the stroller seat from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child gets a bit older, and nearly all will allow you to adjust the backrest from an upright to lying position.
Confused? The Discount Pram Centre has you covered...
Running stroller
As you might have guessed, a running stroller (also known as a ‘jogging stroller’) is specifically designed to allow parents to jog while pushing their little one in a seated position. They’ve become increasingly popular in recent years alongside the spike in popularity of running, providing the ideal solution for parents to keep (or get) fit after having children.
Unlike most traditional strollers, they sit on three wheels and most are fitted with all wheel suspension to ensure the smoothest ride possible. For that reason, they also have air-inflated rubber tread tyres (more like a bike tyre) with provide greater traction and stability; although they are at risk of puncture unlike most stroller wheels.
Most running strollers have the ability to be used as a newborn pram, but the carrycot and car seats are often optional extras, making them more costly.
It’s important to note, most manufacturers recommend that the stroller is not used for running until your baby is roughly nine months old to support head and neck movement and prevent impact.
Umbrella stroller
Umbrella strollers are probably what you would picture if I said ‘toddler pushchair’. They’re a single stroller, with an upright, forward-facing toddler seat, and hood (or ‘canopy’, or ‘umbrella’) to protect them from the sun. You’ll often find the hood has a small flap that allows you to check if your child is asleep.
As they’re typically used for older babies and toddlers, umbrella strollers are usually lighter and less bulky in size than travel systems, and lower in price too!
Double stroller
If you’ve got twins - or have two children quite close together - you’re going to need a double stroller. Double strollers either come side-by-side or one in front of the other. Side-by-side double strollers are naturally very wide and tough in tight spaces, but allow you to see both of your children easily (and allow them both to see out, if they’re in toddler seats). One in front of the other makes the whole thing thinner, but can make it trickier to see one child (and gives one of them a view of the back of the front seat).
Most double strollers are designed for children who are the same age - ie a double travel system that has two carrycots or two infant car seats side-by-side, or two toddler seats sitting next to each other. However, there are some that recognise you might have two young children at different ages, and offer plenty of options to suit you and your children’s needs.
Baby stroller features
Now that we know the main differences between stroller types, let’s look at some of the features you can expect to see on most, if not all, strollers.
The chassis is the stroller’s frame, usually made out of metal. Strollers at the lower end of the market are likely to be made from steel, while more expensive options tend to be made from aluminium which is lighter.
Traditional strollers will sit on four wheels, although some modern ones use three. Most use hard-rubber wheels but larger, air-inflated and treaded tyres are becoming more popular. They offer great stability and traction, but can puncture and be costly to replace.
There are certain situations where we will need to let go of the stroller for a few seconds, and we want to be sure it won’t roll away. All strollers have brakes of some sort. These are usually either a small foot pedal near the back wheels or a twistable section on single handlebars.
All newborns will lie down in their stroller carrycot until around the age of six months (or until they can hold their own head up). Once they are in the upright position, strollers will allow you to change their seating position - tilting the backrest to allow them to lie back, or adjustable leg rests.
Whether your child is a newborn baby lying down, or a three-year old sitting upright, they must be strapped into the stroller with a harness. Three-point, padded harnesses are usually used for babies under six months lying down, while five-point harnesses are used for children in the upright position.
Strollers will have one, continuous handlebar or two, separated handlebars. But nearly every single stroller in the world has adjustable handlebars - essential for tall dads! Most simply extend, while some single strollers with single handlebars will allow you to change the angle of the handlebar itself.
You’d be hard pressed to find a stroller that doesn’t have some sort of storage basket underneath where your baby is lying or sitting down. These really do vary in size from stroller to stroller.
Sometimes called a ‘canopy’ or ‘umbrella’, the retractable hood provides protection against the sun. Some of the more expensive strollers will have fully adjustable hoods, allowing you to keep the sun out of their eyes no matter whether they’re sat up or led down.
A few decades ago, difficulty collapsing their stroller was one of parents’ biggest frustrations. Sometimes it could feel like a two-person job. In recent years, however, brands have made a point of making their strollers easier to fold away. Many still need two hands but are much easier than they used to be, while some go as far as offering the convenience of one-handed collapsing.
This is one to be wary of. Many parents-to-be assume that all strollers will come with a rain cover, but this isn’t always the case. Some will include them as part of a bundle, while others they are an optional extra. So make sure to check before you buy.
I’ll admit, not every stroller or travel system has a cup holder, particularly at the lower end of the market. But they should. And it’s definitely something to look out for. You can get universal clip on ones, but they probably won’t match the aesthetic of the stroller and won’t fit perfectly. All strollers should have cup holders. Period.
Our top picks
Best overall Mamas & Papas Ocarro
Editor's Review
“The best choice I could make for the pram! Big wheels, easy and light to move around even in the most uncomfortable places. Comfy carrycot, comfy and spacious buggy, and an amazing & extra warm foot mat!! Very good car seat also. It’s just a great choice for your little ones.”
The Ocarro is Mamas & Papas’ complete travel system that offers all of our travel essentials from newborn to toddler. Everything about it screams quality, from the modern slate colour palettes and herringbone weaves to the sheepskin pushchair liner. The ride is smooth and comfortable for little one thanks to dual suspension on all four wheels and padded seats, while the ergonomic design of the chassis itself helps it to tackle rougher surfaces.
You’ll pay a premium for it, though. The standard stroller alone (no carrycot or accessories) will set you back £899 ($1,112). If you want a carry cot, you need the 5 piece bundle which costs over £1,200 ($1,500). And if you want the complete 9 piece bundle, you’re talking about £1,700 - £1,900 ($2,100 - $2,350) depending on which colour and car seat you opt for.
Wheels: Four puncture-proof wheels
Suspension: All wheel dual suspension
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Weight: 13.7kg
Size: 39.7 x 23.2 x 39.7” (101 x 59 x 101cm)
Frame: Gunmetal (aka red brass)
Key features
Ergonomic chassis
Sheepskin liner
One hand fold mechanism
PROS
CONS
Best budget travel system KinderKraft 3-in-1 MOOV Travel System
Editor's Review
“This is all you need if you have a newborn. Decent price, excellent quality.”
At less than £250 ($310), the KinderKraft 3in1 MOOV is already a winner because of its price tag. Then you realise that it comes with a rain cover, foot muff, car seat adapters, a shoulder bag, and a mosquito cover as standard, and you realise how much you’re getting for your money. Sure, it’s not the best stroller on the market - it’s heavy and a little dull to look at - but you can’t complain for that sort of price.
Wheels: Four air inflated wheels, 7.8” front wheels and 11.8” rear wheels
Suspension: All wheel suspension
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Weight: 14kg
Size: 36.2 x 24.4 x 40.9" (94 x 62 x 104cm)
Frame: Alloy steel
Key features
3in1 system from birth
Compact fold
Large storage basket
