The Different Types of Baby Pushchairs

Now this is where it starts to get confusing as both manufacturers and suppliers, and sometime retailers too, will call a pushchair by another name or combine it with another name so it is easier to promote!

Unfortunately it seems that there is no standard or conformity when it comes to naming conventions in the pushchair industry, which is ok for the manufacturers, but not for the consumer who has to makes sense of it all…

So for Pushchair, you should also include the names Buggy and Stroller. Fortunately the word pram is not so often used now in this context. But of course it will still occur to confuse you even more.

The Original Pram

This is the traditional and original way of transporting your baby or toddler. Normally in prams your infant can only lie flat as that is the basis of the design and you will find that there is very little scope for folding up the unit. And to be honest, as already mentioned, prams tend not to be a very a popular option anymore as the options available from baby pushchairs in their various guises just offer so much more!

The Fixed Seat Baby Pushchair

These pushchairs are built with a fixed seat arrangement and they are most suitable for young babies after they have reached 6 months old. They are also usually built in a light construction and are easy to drive.

The Two in One Pushchair

As you can imagine these have a dual functionality built into them. They combine a normal pushchair with a facility which also allows your baby to lie flat as in a pram. In some cases your baby can also be situated facing back towards you, an option that many parents will like.

Also some of these baby pushchairs do not include the “lie flat” option, but replace it by including a car seat instead.

These are suitable for newly born babies.

The Two in One “Plus” Pushchair

These pushchairs will include an additional that provides you with a removable seat or car seat, which also has integrated handles so that it can be used as a small carrycot. These are extremely popular as they are perfect for moving your sleeping baby from outside or from the car directly into your home.

The Three in One Pushchair

These are basically “two in one” pushchair, where the “lie flat facility is a removable carry cot, which you can also use as a moses basket. There are some models of this type of pushchair will have removable seats instead and there are some others where the seats will fold to enable you position the cot correctly. These are most suitable for use newborn babies and toddlers as well, but be warned that they can be a little on the heavy side because of the strength built into them.

Pushchair “Travel Systems”

Travel systems for babies are becoming more and more popular as the designs improve. What you get is a completely integrated pushchair transport system for your baby, which ensures that your baby can stay sleeping at all times. This is a real benefit to every parent!

These pushchair travel systems provide you with an integrated pushchair and removable car seat combined in a single transportation unit. Be aware that the car seats will be categorised according to different weight bands and will therefore have a short life span of use as your baby grows. However the pushchair itself is good for that are 3 months and older. You can also buy travel models that come with padded foot muffs and also sometimes with a bag for all your baby things as well as the integrated car seat. These systems are just so versatile and useful, but can be a little more expensive, just because of what they do.

“All Terrain” Pushchairs

Designed to go “off-road” or at least off the pavement, they will allow you to take baby on ways where the surface may not be as smooth as down your local high street.

The design will normally incorporate large wheels and real pneumatic tyres.

Because of this they are always very maneuverable across many types of different and rougher terrain.

You can go pretty much anywhere with one of these!

Some Useful Advice For First Time Buyers

You really need to sit down and decide on what your priorities are for you baby’s pushchair. It might be really useful to make a list of all those things that you really think are important to you and get your partner to do the same. If you like you could use a rating system to give each priority and indication of importance by giving a score of 1 to 10.

You should the compare lists and discuss what is really important to both of you. Then create a final list from what you have discussed. You will find that some facilities or features or requirements that you have will be essential and you will need to find a pushchair that matches these.

Some will be in the “nice to have” category and some others will be restricted by budget. You probably get the picture by now! But make sure you take the time to do this and if necessary look at what is available in your price range as this may determine what you can afford.

Also you may not get this right the first time round, but just keep at it and only by your baby’s pushchair when you are sure that you have found exactly what you want and that you can afford it. Good luck!