How to Pick the Perfect Buggy

Choosing a new buggy sounds perfectly simple; all you need to do is have a budget in mind, find a store with a good selection of buggy models and strollers, and choose the one you like the most. The reality is often quite different! Whether walking into a dedicated baby equipment superstore or a local department store with a baby and children’s section, there is a vast array of prams, buggies and strollers to choose from, from the very basic to the most top of the range and technically advanced, and it’s very easy to become overwhelmed. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to ask yourself a few questions before you go shopping, to help narrow down what you want to look for in your new buggy or stroller.

When your little one is ready to progress from their newborn-friendly pram, you will probably want to look for something that will carry them into toddlerhood. Think of your stroller as a portable seat for your little one; it will be your go-to place to put them when you’re out on a walk together, meeting friends in a local café or venturing out around a town or city. Your baby will need to be able to sit comfortably so that they can rest or sleep in a position that’s suitable for them. This could be a car seat style attachment to the frame of the buggy, an interchangeable seat, or it could be a fixed unit.

As your baby grows and is able to sit, they’ll need a comfortable place especially if they are too small to walk or you’re going too far for their little legs, so make sure the stroller or buggy is well padded and the ride is smooth and easy. Many strollers have the ability to recline the back of the seat, so you can create a more suitable environment for your toddler to sleep, should they nod off while you’re out.

You may come to rely on your buggy for daily outings, so it’s a good idea to think about your lifestyle and where you think you might be taking the buggy. If you like spending time outdoors or going on long walks in the countryside and want to take your baby with you, an all-terrain buggy or stroller is perhaps more suitable for you. These buggies have large air-filled tires and great suspension that are perfect for going on grass, footpaths, sand and pavements alike. If you live in the city or will be making regular trips on public transport, a lightweight buggy or stroller that folds easily and quickly will be vital for nipping on and off trains and buses.

If you have a car, it is absolutely essential that you make sure your chosen stroller or buggy can fit into it! Measure your boot or the space in the rear of your car to make sure you can fit your buggy in safely. For many people, a travel system - which often includes a car seat that attaches to the frame of the stroller - is a neat solution to travelling with your baby, as you are able to simply attach the car seat to the stroller and vice versa. This can be very handy if you have a sleeping baby that you don’t want to disturb.

If you also have slightly older children that might not be able to walk very far or very well, it’s a good idea to think about a buggy or stroller that can take two (or more) children. Double buggies are great for twins or two children of a similar age. You can also find buggies where a second child can ride below the first in a double-decker style model. If you have a toddler or smaller child who can walk, but might want to take a rest, then a ‘buggy board’ might be a great solution without the need for a second seat. These boards attach to your chosen stroller for the second child to stand on (some come with straps too) at the rear of the stroller, so they too can enjoy the ride.