Best pushchairs and prams 2024: tested and reviewed by experts

We've tested hundreds of pushchairs to help you find the perfect one for your child. Read on for our expert buying advice and latest recommendations.

Our rigorous, independent lab tests have found the worst pushchairs, that are prone to breaking, are heavy and cumbersome to use, or uncomfortable for your baby. They've also uncovered fantastic pushchairs that are a breeze to push, simple to fold and carry, comfortable for baby and have useful features to make using them as straightforward as possible. 

The pushchairs below impressed us in our tests. Our advice will help you decide which one is right for your home.

Alternatively, go to our pushchair reviews to see all of the models we've tested from popular brands including Bugaboo, Cybex and Mamas & Papas.

Best pushchairs for 2024

Every year we rigorously test hundreds of pushchairs. Join Which? to get access to all our Best Buys and independent pushchair reviews.

Best travel system pushchair

Why you can trust our product reviews

We test our pushchairs in a special lab that's accredited to the latest safety and structural standards. The people that carry out this testing are experts in their field, and can tell a great pushchair from a shoddy one. We also get a panel of parents to try out the pushchairs with their baby or toddler to give their first-hand feedback and scores.

This means that when you pick a Best Buy pushchair, you'll know it's a model that's been recommended by experts and parents.

We don't accept free samples of products and buy them in the same way that consumers do, so we can remain completely impartial.

What is the difference between a pushchair, a pram, a travel system, a lightweight stroller and a running buggy?

A pushchair is the term used to describe transportation for your baby that features a chair attached to a wheeled chassis. They're sometimes also called a buggy or stroller, but they're essentially all the same aside from differences in terms of price and features.

If you're unsure which one you need, we explain the differences below, as well as their main pros and cons.

Pram

Pros: Suitable from birth, lie-flat surface

Cons: Carrycot can only be used up to 9kg, some carrycots are bulky to store

When we talk about a pram, it's usually in the context of a detachable carrycot or bassinet, which you click onto the chassis of a pushchair. You either remove the seat and click the carrycot in its place, or you click it on top of a reclined seat unit. 

In most cases, if a pushchair can take a carrycot, it can also take a child car seat, which means it's a travel system pushchair, too. The only time you might come across a pram that can't be converted into a pushchair or travel system is if you buy a vintage pram from a brand such as Silver Cross.

See all our pram reviews.

Travel system pushchair

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

Cons: Expensive, bulky, car seat suitable only 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 attach an i-Size baby car seat or Group 0/0+ car seat meaning you can go from vehicle to pushchair without having to disturb your baby.

But it's worth noting that 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.

Lightweight 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 pushchairs 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 models 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 cabin luggage.

For more tips and advice, read our guide to choosing a compact and lightweight stroller for travel.

Running buggy

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

Cons: Often too large for public transport, expensive

If you want to exercise with your baby, you might opt for a running buggy. These are usually three-wheeler pushchairs and have air-filled tyres and brakes on the handlebars as well as on the rear wheel axle for quicker stopping.

Although running pushchairs might be just the thing to take to your local Park Run, they're not that practical for everyday use. 

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.

If you're opting for a running buggy, look out for a handbrake, lockable front wheels, all-wheel suspension, an adjustable handlebar and a sturdy five-point harness.

See our round-up of popular running buggies. 

Buying a newborn pushchair or pram

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.

Preparing for a growing family

Our expert advice helps you make the best decisions for your loved ones

Visit our growing families hub

How much will a good pushchair cost?

We've uncovered 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 leaderboard, read our advice for which pushchair brand to buy.

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.

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Is it safe to buy a second-hand 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, Facebook Marketplace, 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 pushchair's frame 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.

Pushchair features to look out for

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 it.
• 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.

Pushchair safety

Are buggy boards safe?

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 seven 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 raise the temperature of the interior and cause your baby to overheat. 

We recommend pulling your pushchair hood as far over as possible and keeping your child out of the sun wherever possible. 

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.

Can you go running with a normal pushchair?

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.

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

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.