Do You Need a Pushchair, Travel System or a Stroller?

6 min read

Last Modified 28 August 2024 First Added 2 June 2023

Author Emilie

Like every parent, you are now looking to buy your little one a mode of transport for when you’re out and about. But what to choose!? What is the difference between a pushchair and a stroller? Between pram and buggy?

Pushchair or Pram?

Prams

Are designed to carry newborns and younger babies. Prams are quite bulky and sturdy, and take up more space than a stroller as they cannot be folded flat. This is suitable from birth to around 6 to 9 months old.

It comes in different structures to accommodate your needs, depending on whether you need an urban style or something more suitable for the countryside. Some come with bigger and grippier wheels to support you on off-trail walks and the large handlebar makes it easier to move around.

Pushchairs

The pushchair is designed to be placed in a lying down position, so your baby can have the option to sleep while you are on your journey. The backrest pulls down, making it easier for your little one to have a comfy snooze while adults are busy in their daily outings, such as food shopping or going on long walks.

Pushchairs usually come with a rain cover which makes this product suitable for any weather, meaning you don’t have to stay trapped indoors if the rain decides to make an appearance and disturb your plans to go out! It also includes a hood, which, typically, can be detachable.

There is a variety of accessories that can also be purchased for a pushchair such as a footmuff to keep babies’ legs warm and cosy during winter or clipable parasols to protect your little one from the sun during your summer strolls.

parked buggies

A Travel System

The travel system is one of our highly recommended items for new parents as it includes different detachable parts which can be used for many different circumstances.

The single travel system consists of a carrycot only, which can be detached from the frame so you do not have to disturb your baby during their precious nap time when arriving at your destination and need to put the wheelbase away.

This simply unclips and has a comfy handle to carry the cot around without waking your baby up. It also comes with a cover to keep your baby extra warm in any weather. Like the pushchair, it has a sturdy and bulky base – which does not fold flat.

Some travel systems convert easily between a carrycot for newborns and a seat unit for older babies who can sit up on their own, this also includes a car seat and base so you don’t have to move the baby from the pushchair to the car and vice versa.

The travel system can be used from birth to roughly 6 to 9 months old.

The Stroller

The stroller is designed for older children.

It has the advantage of folding flat, which is quite good in terms of saving space. This is perfect for holidays or navigating urban spaces with ease.

The backrest reclines for your little one to rest if needed.

The stroller is suitable from 6 months onwards. It is lightweight and has two handles to facilitate the navigation of the stroller in busy environments.

The stroller will not be your best choice for off-track or countryside walks. It is, however, very convenient and handy for urban conditions. It also features a detachable canopy to provide your little one with some protection while out on your walk.

Child smiles in stroller

How Do I Choose What’s Right for My Baby?

First, it depends on how old your little one is. While for newborn and younger children you would prefer to go for a more sturdy and comfortable design like the pushchair or pram, after 6 months to a year old, many parents would choose a lightweight and manoeuvrable mode of transport for their children, similar to the stroller.

With the inevitability of wear and tear when on the go, you want to be able to rely on your pushchair’s durability.

A pushchair is a great choice for parents with newborns and younger babies. Its sturdy features will let you use it to the fullest whilst knowing your baby is comfortable and protected.

As your babies grow and start to walk on their own, you may start to think about switching to a stroller. They are great in assisting you and supporting your child as a backup for your family adventures. As your toddler begins to explore on their own, it’s important to know that you have a dependable stroller to use when they’ve had enough of walking!

It is also important to take into account the weight of the pushchair you’re looking to buy. Some of them are quite heavy and can be difficult to move around. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the weight of the product before you buy it.

Do you have more than one baby or toddler?

Make your family life easy with a double buggy! Move around with ease with both babies in tow, and with a choice of different seat layouts, parents can choose the configuration that works best for them. You can seat your children comfortably next to each other or one in front of the other. With so much variety, there’s a perfect option for everyone.

The last point, which is quite an important one, is storage. How much storage do you have for your baby’s wheels? Some pushchairs can take up quite a bit of space while folded, so, if your storage is limited, you might prefer one that folds flatter or a stroller if your child is old enough.

Family walking with pushchair.

Can I Buy a Second-Hand Pushchair or Stroller?

The short answer is, yes.

However, there are crucial things to be cautious of:

  • Loose parts: look out for anything that looks broken or missing.
  • Rips and tears in fabric: you do not want your baby to fall off or through the pushchair if the fabric rips.
  • Harness function: test try that the harness works well and is secure enough to keep your little one safe on your walks
  • Brakes: another key feature to keep your little one safe. You need to try to see if the brakes work correctly to keep your wheels on a standstill if needed.
  • Wheel control: make sure the wheels work fine and turn easily. You do not want to end up with a buggy you cannot control properly as this would jeopardise your little one’s safety.

We hope the content above will help you make the choice that’s right for you and your little one to enjoy outdoor life, whether in the city or the countryside.

There is a wide selection of pushchairs, buggies, and strollers out there. Plenty to suit every parent and child’s expectations!

To read our disclaimers, please click here.

Baby smiling in pushchair.

About the Author

Emilie

With 7 years experience under her belt, veteran writer Emilie Biggio is a knowledgeable voice on everything Entertainer.

Her experience as a mother also gives her a unique perspective when it comes to choosing the perfect toys and gifts. 

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