16 of the best prams, pushchairs and buggies of 2024, tried and tested

There’s so much to consider when buying your first pram or pushchair, so below you’ll find the key things to think about and features to consider below our list of recommended prams and pushchairs. Alternatively, head straight to our list of the best prams and pushchairs in the UK, to read more about each product. We also found the best baby Black Friday deals for you.

Best prams and pushchairs at a glance – for all budgets

• Best for easy travel and storage: Babystyle Oyster 3, £899
• Best for adjustable seat height: Graco Near2Me, £270 + £100 for carrycot
• Best for everyday value: Joie Vinca with Ramble XL carrycot, £665 £565.25 at Natural Baby Shower (Save £99.75 or 15%)
• Best budget buy: Mothercare Journey Edit, £150 (including carrycot)
• Best pushchair for clever features: Nuna Mixx Next, £660 + £200 for carrycot
• Best carrycot attachment: UPPAbaby Minu V2, £564.85 £480.12 (including carrycot) at Natural Baby Shower (Save £84.73 or 15%)
• Best for suburban families: Bugaboo Dragonfly, £945 £803.25 (including carrycot) at Bugaboo (Save £141.75 or 15%)
• Best pushchair for a lighter-weight 3-wheeler: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, £489 £366.75 at John Lewis (Save £122.25 or 25%) + £244 for carrycot
• Best for solid build quality: Silver Cross Tide, £595 £545 (including carrycot) at John Lewis (Save £50 or 8%)
• Best for public transport and travel: Babyzen YOYO2, from £339 £299 at Natural Baby Shower (Save £100 or 25%) + £195 for newborn pack or £245 for bassinet
• Best for trusted quality: Mamas & Papas Ocarro, £1,096 £659 (including carrycot) at Mamas & Papas (Save £473 or 40%)
• Best for premium value: Cybex Balios S Lux, £839.80 £671.84 (including Cot S Lux) at Natural Baby Shower (Save £167.96 or 20%)
• Best single to double: iCandy Peach 7, £1,249 (including carrycot)
• Best pushchair for modern style: Babystyle Egg2, £1,499 £1,099 (including carrycot) at Kiddies Kingdom (Save £400 or 26%)
• Best pushchair for stylish all-terrain: Bugaboo Fox 5, £1,115 £947.75 (including carrycot) at Bugaboo (Save £167.25 or 15%)
• Best pushchair for all seasons: iCandy Core, from £1,450 (including carrycot)

Jump to are all pushchairs suitable for a newborn baby?
Jump to do I need to buy a carrycot?
Jump to what else should I look out for when buying a newborn pushchair?
What's a travel system?
When should I buy a pushchair?
How much does a pram for a newborn cost?

Here’s our pick of the best prams for your newborn baby in 2024:

1. Babystyle Oyster 3, from £689 (+£199 for carrycot)

Best for easy travel and storage

Suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approx 4-5 yrs) | Pushchair weight: 11.75kg | Carrycot weight: 5kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes, occasional | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H37cm x W57cm x L94cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H25.5cm x W65cm x L71cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes |

Pros:

• Compact fold for an everyday pushchair
• Useful carry handle
• Easy to fold and change seat direction

Cons:

• Not the lightest on our list, despite the compact size

For a larger pram, the fold on the Oyster 3 is impressively compact – a big plus in our book for fitting into a car and storing at home. As well as it’s neat size, there’s also a retractable carry handle to make this previous award winner even more manageable. While the Oyster 3 does offer a full lie-flat recline, the open sides mean we’ve included the carrycot here.

MFM home tester Becky really rated the fold mechanism and folded size, saying, “The Babystyle Oyster 3 is compact, easy to store and fits into small car boots as the wheels are easy to remove.”

Then when your baby has moved up into the Oyster’s pushchair mode, the pram will fold with the seat in either the rear or forward-facing position. The seat’s also super easy to remove so you can switch the travel position.

For parents looking for a one-stop shop, more components, there are a variety of bundles available including accessories like car seats, footmuffs and backacks. And with respect to car seats, as well as Babystyle’s own Capsule (i-Size) car seat the Oyster 3 is also compatible with some of the other big names on the market including the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro and the Primo Viaggio Lounge. With a choice of 10 finishes, plus special editions, there’s bound to be something in the range to suit all tastes.

Read our full MadeForMums Babystyle Oyster 3 review

Available from: John Lewis

2. Graco Near2Me, £270 (+£100 for carrycot)

Best for adjustable seat height

Suitable for: Birth to approx. 4 years (22kg) | Pushchair weight: 11.19kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes, occasional | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H119cm x W65.5cm x L94.2cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H44cm x W65.5cm x L98.8cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Good value
• Large storage basket and hood
• Seat/carrycot height can be raised and lowered easily

Cons:

• Bulky when folded
• Handlebar height not adjustable

As its name promises, the nifty raise and lower feature on the Graco Near2Me means your little one can glide up the frame to meet you at the squeeze of a button – a lovely feature to help maintain eye contact and closeness. As well as with the carrycot, the feature also works with the seat unit or car seat attached. Our parent tester Jaya found this really appealed to her 10-month-old son, who was starting to enjoy peering around the outside of the pushchair.

“The real stand-out feature of this product is the adjustable height of the seat, meaning that you can bring your baby much closer to you than you can on other prams,” she said.

For a budget buy, the Near2Me is robust and well made, as well as being a breeze to put together. Where it perhaps lags behind its competitors though is in the neatness of its fold – when collapsed it still took up most of our tester’s boot space (although the wheels can be removed for really small cars).

But where it loses marks for bulk, it wins them back for under-pram storage space. And due to the high positioning of the seat or carrycot, it’s very easy to access. And for price, it really can’t be beaten – even with the additional £100 for the carrycot – as the base unit also comes with a luxury footmuff and rain cover.

Read our full MadeForMums Graco Near2Me pushchair review

Available from: Boots, Kiddies Kingdom

3. Joie Vinca with Ramble XL carrycot £665

Best for everyday value

Suitable for: Birth (with carrycot) to approx. 4 years (22kg) | Pushchair weight: 13.52kg | Carrycot weight: 3.55kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: No | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H109cm x W65cm x L97cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H42cm x W65cm x L109cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Awards: Silver - Newborn Pram/Pushchair Under £800, MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• Easy fold
• Large basket
• Adjustable seat height
• Good value

Cons:

• Bulky when folded
• Heavy
• Can be tricky to push onto kerbs

New parents will find a lot to love about the Joie Vinca, which packs in some fantastic features for a very reasonable price.
You can use the chassis with Joie’s Ramble carrycot from birth up until 9kg, but it’s the spacious seat that’s most noteworthy. Suitable for newborns thanks to a lie-flat recline, the seat has 3 adjustable height positions – raise it up for better eye contact with your newborn, or lower it to make it more accessible for a toddler.

MadeForMums head of consumer content Christy McGhee adds, “As well its innovative seat, the Vinca has some lovely features. The huge basket that can hold shopping as well as your changing bag, a really easy-to-use harness, and puncture-proof foam-filled rubber tyres make this a great pushchair for everyday use, especially if you live in the suburbs or countryside and have a little more space.”

It’s not a small pushchair, even when folded, but tester Joanna praised the “ease of handling across difficult terrain” when testing the Vinca with her 4 month old, adding, “It's a big pram, but one that feels robust and ready for anything,” although kerbs were sometimes hard work. They also loved that the Ramble carrycot is collapsible, making it easier to transport.
Despite its lower pricepoint, our testers found the pushchair easy to set up and use overall, and especially adaptable features such as the adjustable pushbar. “It is great for my tall husband, and is very easily altered lower for myself,” says parent tester Sandy.

Sandy, who used the pushchair with her 3-month-old daughter and 2.5-year-old son, particularly rated how easy it is to adjust the seat angle even with a child in situ – perfect for naptime on the move. Joanna adds: “The quality has not suffered given the price bracket - it feels and looks premium and there are some excellent features such as the covered basket and the collapsible bassinet.”

Read our full MadeForMums Joie Vinca pushchair review

Available from: Natural Baby Shower

4. Mothercare Journey Edit, £150 (including carrycot)

Best budget buy

Suitable for: Birth (with carrycot) to approx 3 years (15kg) | Pushchair weight: 11.3kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: No | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H109cm x W58cm x L100cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H66cm x W58cm x L95cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Brilliant pram for the money
• Easy to push around town

Cons:

• Less robust off-road than other models
• May need a parasol as sun shade is quite small (no visor)

For such a keenly priced pram, you might be surprised at the sturdy build and attractive design – it really does look a lot more expensive. And it has a whole load of the features you’d expect in a much more expensive pushchair – both forward and parent-facing modes, height-adjustable handles and lovely big storage basket underneath. Swapping the pushchair from seat mode to carrycot is a breeze too.

While the Journey Edit covers with pavements and roads without missing a beat, it might struggle over rougher terrain. The solid plastic wheels can make for a bumpier ride, too – but for the price you’re probably not expecting a rough and tough off-roader. It’s not the sleekest either when folded, but it still fits easily into the boot of a medium-sized car.

But to get back to the positives, Mothercare have thrown in a lot of extras for the price. On top of the luxurious feeling leatherette handle, it comes with the carrycot, apron, cosy toe and raincover. And to top it all off, the Journey Edit is compatible with a host of popular car seats including models by Maxi-Cosi and Joie. MFM home tester Dan, dad to a 5-week-old, said, “The stroller certainly looks far more expensive than it is, making me wonder if they’ve somehow got the price wrong! At a budget price, the Journey Edit offers a lot of style and substance for your money.”

Read our full MadeForMums Mothercare Journey Edit review

Available from: Boots

5. Nuna Mixx Next, £660 (+ £200 for carrycot)

Best for clever features

Suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approx 5 yrs) | Pushchair weight: 11.1kg | Carrycot weight: 4.5kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair dimensions unfolded: H110cm x W60cm x L82cm | Pushchair dimensions folded: H42cm x W60cm x L82cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Compact fold
• Large canopy
• Lie-flat seat

Cons:

• Not too easy to lift up when folded

With its new and improved steering and a compact fold, the Nuna Mixx Next offers a sturdy and stylish ride at an affordable price.

One of the key selling points is its compact fold, which has been improved with the latest upgrade and thanks to the frame overlapping when folding and the wheels tucking in, even more space is saved. This makes it ideal for small spaces, car boots or travelling, although our reviewer found it a little cumbersome to pick up when folded.

There's an all-season seat to keep your child warm in the winter, that changes to mesh for a well-ventilated ride in the summer. There's also a generously-sized canopy, providing plenty of coverage for sunny and rainy days, and featuring further ventilation.

While this pram nips through city settings with ease thanks to its one-hand steer and springy suspension, the tyres are also foam-filled meaning there’s no risk of punctures and you can take on more rural settings with ease, too.

Another bonus is its complete lie-flat function, and the hidden flaps which can be lifted into place, giving an almost carrycot-style protective environment without having to buy the additional high-sided carrycot. It's not the same as a proper bassinet, but a better option than other lie-flats. MFM home tester and mum of 2 Karolina was impressed – “Shout out to the fab insert with no less than 46 clear illustrations. I’m a bit of an instructions-reading geek, so I know a good one when I see it. Other brands take note!”

Read our full MadeForMums Nuna Mixx Next pushchair review

Available from: John Lewis, Kiddies Kingdom

6. UPPAbaby Minu V2, £564.85 (including carrycot)

Best for carrycot attachment

Suitable for: Birth (with carrycot) to approx. 4 years (22kg) | Pushchair weight: 7.7kg | Carrycot weight: 6.3kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H104cm x W52cm x L90.17cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H58.4cm x W52cm x L31.7cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Spacious carrycot that can be used overnight
• Lightweight
• Easy to travel with

Cons:

• Basket is awkward
• Useful extras come at a cost (£140 for footmuff and £30 for adapters)

At under 8kg, the Minu V2 (minus the carrycot) is a really lightweight little machine, yet with finishing touches like grained leather on the handle and bumper bars it doesn't compromise on features.

It’s the long and spacious carrycot, however, (a necessary add-on to use this pushchair from birth) that we’ve singled out for special praise. Not only does it have a well-positioned release button (at the top of the hood so you don’t need to lean over to lift it) but the extendable integrated sunshade also impressed our reviewer. For overnight sleeping it’s great – the canopy unzips for extra air flow and the base and mattress are vented too. Best of all though, there’s a compact stand so you can click it on and have it set up in the bedroom and fold it away out of sight when it’s not in use. It comes at an extra cost of course (£199) but is available in three colours, while the carrycot itself has a palette of 12 classily muted tones to choose from.

MFM home tester Frances, mum to a 6 month old, said her daughter seems cosy and comfortable inside the carrycot, adding, “I loved the fact it can be flattened down and transported in a travel bag (available to buy separately). It’s suitable for overnight sleeping and you can buy a carrycot stand at an additional cost of £199.99”

Other features that make this former Gold Award-winning pushchair a good choice are the compact size both when up and when collapsed, its easy fold action (our tester could even sling it over her shoulder on a strap) and its smooth ride on pavements and roads. It’s not built for rough terrain though, as the weight would suggest. And the basket, although voluminous, can be tricky to access. Also, accessories like the carrycot/car seat adaptors, footmuff and newborn insert all come as (quite expensive) extras. They do match the quality you'd expect from the brand though – MFM Head of Consumer Content and mum of 3 Christy says: "It's pricey, but the CozyGanoosh was worth every penny, it kept my son so warm on winter walks we didn't need to use an additional pramsuit – I was really impressed."

Read our full MadeForMums UPPAbaby Minu V2 review

Available from: Natural Baby Shower

7. Bugaboo Dragonfly, £945 (including carrycot)

Best for suburban families

Suitable for: Birth to approx. 4 years (22kg) | Pushchair weight: 7.9kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: No | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H104cm x W52cm x L106cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H90cm x W52cm x L33cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Awards: Gold - Lightweight Stroller Over £200, MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• Luxurious
• Stylish
• Folds with carrycot attached
• Bugaboo have some decent bundle offers

Cons:

• Pricey
• Not as compact as other prams for city living, public transport etc

When the brand is Bugaboo, you can be confident you’re going to get a product that looks great feels high end and the brand’s new Dragonfly is no exception. With the carrycot bundle, you’ve got a pram that’s suitable for a newborn and can be folded and put up with one hand (admittedly with a little practice) with the carrycot still in place. As most carrycots have to be removed from the frame for folding, this is a fantastic timesaving feature.

When it’s folded it stands up securely and can be tucked away in a cupboard, but MFM home tester India, mum to a 3 month old, found wearing it with the shoulder strap was too uncomfortable to be a viable option for her. And while it's not the smallest compact-sized pushchair to store, she adds: “In comparison to models like the Fox 5, the Dragonfly is 2.5kg lighter at 7.9kg, and more suited to urban and city living.”

Out and about it’s more versatile than this suggests – with built-in suspension and the Bugaboo ‘puncture-proof’ promise, the Dragonfly feels sturdy and reliable no matter the terrain. So for families outside the cut and thrust of a busy city it’s ideal. The handle is height-adjustable and the underseat basket is wonderfully spacious and strong, with a hefty 10kg weight limit. As the base for a travel system, it works with a large array of car seats too, including models for Maxi Cosi and Bugaboo’s own Turtle Air (adapters required).

And as Bugaboo is now a recognised B Corp, its green credentials have been put to the test too with a significant cut in the carbon footprint of its manufacturing process.

Read our full MadeForMums Bugaboo Dragonfly review

Available from: Bugaboo, Boots, Mamas & Papas and John Lewis

8. Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, £489 (+£244 for carrycot)

Best lighter-weight 3-wheeler

Suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approx 4 yrs) | Pushchair weight: 10.3kg | Carrycot weight: 3.7kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H112.5cm-112.5cm x W65cm x L105cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H26.5cm x W65cm x L78cm | Folds with seat on: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Awards: Silver — All-Terrain Pushchair, MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• One-handed fold
• Good suspension
• Affordable
• Generous hood

Cons:

• No parent-facing option
• Hand-operated brake
• Rain cover not included

This good value 3-wheeler from Baby Jogger features all-wheel suspension which allows you to negotiate any terrain with speed and ease, so it’s great for families who love rugged walks.

The ‘forever air’ rubber tyres are filled with foam rather than air, which MFM reviewer mum-of-1 Becky praised as light and easy to push, but without the risk of punctures. She loved the pushchair’s agility and the simple one-handed fold.

Becky also found the steering very “reactive” – an opinion backed up by our home tester, who said it was “exceptionally easy to steer while feeling sturdy as well”. The hood was also praised for its large, factor 50 sunshade. All of these features make it great for long trips in the country, but as our reviewer found, you have to purchase the rain cover separately, which is definitely an essential when it comes to UK weather.

It’s also worth noting that, despite its name, it can’t actually be used as a running buggy and unlike most models it features a hand-operated brake rather than a foot brake, which can be off-putting for some.

Read our full MadeForMums Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 pushchair review

Available from: John Lewis, Amazon, Boots and Pramworld

9. Silver Cross Tide, £595 (including carrycot)

Best for solid build quality

Suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approx 4 yrs) | Pushchair weight: 10.7kg | Carrycot weight: 3.95kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H105cm x W59cm x L72cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H293cm x W40.5cm x L61cm | Folds with seat on: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Awards: Gold - Newborn Pram/Pushchair Under £800, MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• Secure, stylish
• Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping
• Adjustable handlebar
• 4-wheel suspension

Cons:

• Not a one-handed fold
• Carrycot mattress quite thin

It’s fair to say that Silver Cross has established itself as a heritage brand and the quality of the Tide model met our expectations, in terms of both style and substance. The multi-terrain pushchair can be used from birth with the cosy carrycot (included) or with the reversible lie-flat seat.

Despite it's relatively compact size, our MFM reviewer and mum-of-1, India, was impressed with how robust the Tide was, even over rougher ground, thanks to the large puncture-proof wheels and 4-wheel suspension. She said: "It's easy to manoeuvre over gravel, grass and uneven footpaths. My 11-week-old baby seemed very comfortable in the bassinet, even when being pushed over rough ground. She fell asleep quickly during most outings and remained asleep when the pram was pushed along a bumpy path, over uneven grass in a park, over gravel outside my house, and when going up a steep curb and wide steps."

The quality isn't limited to the sturdy build, there are some thoughtful touches like Silver Cross's own magnetic buckle system, the soft bamboo fabric, overnight sleeping approved carrycot and spacious basket, which MFM reviewer India said had "plenty of space for a nappy bag, a handbag and some shopping or toys."

There's also an adjustable handlebar to make pushing the Tide as easy as possible, and its stylish looks make it right at home on city pavements as well as countryside strolls.

Available from: Silver Cross, John Lewis and Boots

10. Babyzen YOYO2, from £399 (+ £195 for newborn pack or £245 for bassinet)

Best for public transport and travel

Suitable for: Birth to 22kg | Pushchair weight: 6.1kg | Carrycot weight: 2kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: No | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H106cm x W44cm x L86cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H52cm x W44cm x L18cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Very lightweight
• Easy to fold
• Handy shoulder strap to carry
• Great manoeuvrability

Cons:

• Can’t handle tougher terrain
• Carrycot not suitable for overnight sleeping

Incredibly lightweight at just 6.1kg, the YOYO2 from Babyzen is a modern, nippy and agile pushchair that's hugely popular families living in the city who use public transport a lot, as well as those who travel far and wide.

The YOYO2 can be used with a bassinet or with the newborn pack (a cocoon-type attachment). The newborn pack is able to fold on the frame which is great for portability, but it doesn't have solid, enclosed sides. The bassinet, on the other hand, is just like a carrycot and was an instant hit with our MFM reviewer Natalie, who said “my newborn settles in the bassinet straight away and was well cocooned”. Although it seems much smaller than other carrycots due to its compact design, if you compare mattresses you'll see it actually offers the same sleep surface. The mattress is breathable and comfy, but it’s not recommended for overnight sleeping.

“The compact fold is where this product comes into its own,” says our reviewer. It's a 2-step process which takes a few minutes to learn, but once folded, at a diminutive 52cm x 44cm x 18cm, it’s recognised as cabin luggage by most airlines and is perfect for taking on the train or bus. The buggy is also small enough to push down the middle aisle of a bus or train.

Given its small wheels, the Babyzen YOYO2 is a dream to steer and push on pavements and pathways. It's not designed for multiple terrains, however, and can struggle on wet grass, cobblestones and mud. MFM reviewer Natalie said, “It’s ideal for nipping into the shops or onto busy public transport.”

And despite its compact frame, the latest version of this popular stroller can now hold up to 22kg, giving it a longer lifespan than it's predecessor.

Read our full MadeForMums Babyzen YOYO2 pushchair review

Available from: Natural Baby Shower, Amazon

11. Mamas & Papas Ocarro, £1,096 (including carrycot)

Best for trusted quality

Suitable for: Birth to approx. 4 years (22kg) | Pushchair weight: 13.7kg | Carrycot weight: 5.2kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: No | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H101cm x W59cm x L101cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H40cm x W59cm x L78cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes

Pros:

• 180° lie-flat seat
• Puncture-proof tyres
• Smooth ride across a range of terrains
• Stylish

Cons:

• Heavy
• Shopping basket can be tricky to access

The Ocarro has gained cult status among parents, and it’s not hard to see why. High quality, and durable, this pushchair looks great and performs well over all kinds of ground, thanks to the double suspension, ergonomically-designed chassis and puncture-proof tyres. MFM reviewer Claire, agreed, “nothing fazes the Ocarro; it’s a seamless ride regardless of the terrain.”

The seat reclines fully flat and comes with padded chest pads and a head hugger cushion to keep little babies snug and secure, which is a big plus if you don’t want to pay for a carry cot.

Even without the carrycot, it is one of the heavier pushchairs we tested; while this makes it perfect for breezing along bumpy, country lanes, it may not be the best choice if you’re going to be lifting it in and out of the car or up the stairs a lot – something our MFM home tester Daniela, agreed with: “If you need to travel often with a buggy, it might not be the best choice for you as it’s not quite as light or compact as other products on the market, but if safety and comfort are your priorities then go for it.”

The Ocarro has a decent size storage basket that can easily hold a “changing bag and two large shopping bags,” according to our reviewer, so you won’t struggle for space here – although our reviewer did find it trickier to access when the carrycot was attached.

Read our full MadeForMums Mamas & Papas Ocarro pushchair review

Available from: Mamas & Papas

12. Cybex Balios S Lux £839.80 (including Cot S Lux)

Best for premium value

Pros:

• Luxurious and stylish
• Easy to manoeuvre on variety of terrains
• One-hand fold
• Good value

Cons:

• Flimsy basket
• Carrycot removal can be tricky

Suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approx 4 yrs) | Pushchair weight: 11.7kg | Carrycot weight: 4.6kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H100cm-110cm x W60cm x L81cm-91cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H65cm x W48.5cm x L40cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Awards: Gold - Newborn Pram/Pushchair Under £800, MadeForMums Awards 2024

A smooth design, luxury feel and mid-range pricepoint helped make this pushchair a MFM favourite, backed up by heaps of praise from our real-life family reviewers. This is the latest version of Cybex’s city-friendly everyday pushchair, which now has a one-pull harness, an improved suspension system for a comfortable ride on all terrains, plus an increased basket capacity of 10kg.

You can pick up the pushchair alone for under £500, but our testers found the Cot S Lux bundle to be well worth considering. Suitable for overnight sleep, the carrycot has memory buttons for easy release (although our reviewer did find one side prone to catching), a large hood with a mesh insert for air circulation and an extra large canopy with extendable visor to shield your baby from the sun. While the cot provides a firm, flat surface for your newborn, the pushchair’s ergonomic lie-flat seat can also be used from birth if you'd rather not fork out for the full package. “You get the luxury feel I’d expect from a much more expensive buggy,” says MadeForMums’ Christy McGhee. “Although our testers found the carrycot very cosy for their babies, the lie-flat seat has a good straight line for a newborn.”

As well as looking very smart, the Balios’ fabrics are soft but durable, and overall we found all its features work smoothly and are very easy to adjust. We particularly like the harness, which can be swiftly adjust with one hand to ensure your child is securely strapped into the seat.

Our testers also found it was easy to set up, and more than one commented on how sturdy it is, while still feeling comfortable to push. Katie, who tested it with her 6-week-old baby, felt the Balios to be a sturdy, high-quality pushchair, which she found “runs smoothly on different terrains”. Reviewer Francesca, agreed, calling it a “dream” to push across a variety of different terrains from Wimbledon Park to the Norfolk countryside with her four-month-old baby boy.

The one-hand fold is smooth and “satisfying to do once you know how but took us a fair few attempts,” adds Francesca. However, it is freestanding once folded, and unfolding it is a very quick process.

Sizewise, this isn't the most compact on our list, due to the large rear wheels, but we’d still be happy taking this into the city as well as the park. “It’s a great mix of city style with decent suspension,” adds Christy. The only downside is the basket, which is a decent size but testers found to be a little flimsy. But otherwise, this is a great buy with a pleasantly surprising pricetag.

Read our full MadeForMums Cybex Balios S Lux pushchair review

Available from: Natural Baby Shower

13. iCandy Peach 7, £1,249 (including carrycot)

Best single-to-double

Suitable for: Birth to 25kg | Pushchair weight: 12.9kg | Carrycot weight: 3.5kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H:99cm W:52cm L:55cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H:28cm W:54cm L:70cm | Folds with seat attached: No | Travel system compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Single to double
• Built-in buggy board
• Stylish
• Easy fold
• Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping

Cons:

• Heavy chassis
• Hand wash fabrics only
• Basket tricky to access in double mode

When a product has reached it's 7th edition, you can feel confident it's a longstanding popular choice. But the iCandy Peach 7 doesn't rest on the reputation of its predecessors. This is a high quality pushchair that provides comfort for your newborn with convenience for parents, and is built to last and grow with your family. With the sleek, curvy design that's instantly recognisable as iCandy, this single-to-double option has soft and luxurious seat fabrics, a plush carrycot and a robust but stylish aluminium chassis.

An update to the Peach 6, the newest version includes updates such as a longer toddler seat with a zip-off pocket for valuables, an adjustable head hugger and an improved easy-fastening harness. Another addition that particularly impressed MFM reviewer Cher was the new integrated ride-on board, she described it as a "gamechanger, and I don’t think I could go back to using a separate, detachable buggy board again". Additionally, new improved suspension along with PU puncture proof tyres means that the Peach 7 handles tricky terrains with relative ease.

The Peach 7’s fleece-lined, spacious carrycot provides plenty of growing room for a newborn, and the soft mattress comes with a breathable cover included. The carrycot has also had an update for the Peach 7 and is now approved for permanent overnight sleeping, doubling as a moses basket or travel cot and perhaps justifying the overall cost a bit more.

The signature two-part, one-handed fold of the Peach is described by MFM reviewer Cher as "a breeze… it’s definitely one of my favourite things about the Peach 7," but it is worth noting the carrycot or seat does need to be removed before folding.

The ease in which the Peach 7 converts from a single to double was also highlighted by Cher as it "shows just how versatile the Peach 7 is". However, it is quite heavy when in double mode, or when a toddler is standing on the buggy board — and although the generous sized basket is a great addition, access to it can be in tricky with two seats on the chassis.

Read our full MadeForMums iCandy Peach 7 pushchair review

Available from: John Lewis and Amazon

14. Babystyle Egg2, £1,499 (including carrycot)

Best for modern style

Suitable for: Birth to 25kg | Pushchair weight: 15.5kg | Carrycot weight: 4kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H113cm x W59cm x L84.5-96cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H71cm x W59cm x L29cm | Folds with seat attached: No |Travel system compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Cosy cocoon carrycot
• Luxury fabrics
• Modern style
• Handles smoothly

Cons:

• Need to remove seat before folding
• Seat not suitable for newborns
• Heavy to push and carry

If you’re after something that looks a little different to your typical pushchair, the award-winning egg2 stroller is well worth considering. “A very cool, modern pushchair with lots of nice features,” was the verdict from our MFM home testers, who rated its “space age” style.

As the name suggests, the egg2 is all about smooth curved lines, creating a cosy, cocoon feel for your baby. The bucket-shape seat doesn’t recline to a lie-flat position, so is more suited for older babies and toddlers, but the snuggly carrycot, complete with mattress and padded liner, is a safe place for your newborn that provides the perfect space for naps when you’re on the go.

Fitted with Tru-Ride technology tyres, the durable pushchair handles exceptionally well, while providing a comfortable ride for your baby. Though MFM tester Jessica noted, "If you were travelling with it, it is worth pointing out how heavy the frame is but that’s because it’s made out of seriously good quality materials." The one-handed fold is also "so simple you don't even need to use instructions" according to our MFM home tester, Tenisha, although you will need to remove the carrycot or seat before folding.

Everything from the leather handlebar and bumper bar, right down to the faux fur seat liner, is the last word in contemporary luxury.

Read our full MadeForMums Babystyle Egg2 pushchair review

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom

15. Bugaboo Fox 5, £1,115 (including carrycot)

Best for stylish all-terrain

Suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approx 4 yrs) | Pushchair Weight: 10.4 kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes, when used with the Bugaboo carrycot stand | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H105cm x W60cm x L93cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H90cm x W60cm x L44cm (one-piece) | Folds with seat on: Yes | Awards: Silver - Newborn Pram/Pushchair Over £800, MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• Lighter-weight frame
• Very easy to push
• Suitable for multiple terrains
• Stylish

Cons:

• Quite high when folded
• Expensive

At just over 10kg, the Bugaboo Fox 5 is one of the lightest-weighing everyday pushchairs (though not as lightweight as a lightweight stroller). And yet there’s no compromise on how rugged and sturdy it is.

With its deep suspension and large wheels, the Bugaboo Fox 5 can take on all manner of terrains with ease, while a relatively compact frame means it's as much at home on city pavements as it is in the countryside. As you'd expect from a luxury pushchair brand (with a luxury pricetag), it also looks pretty stylish.

MFM reviewer Alex, who tested this with their newborn, praised how well it handles on different terrains: "On pavements, wooden decking and roads, it glides along, and I didn’t have a problem going through water or muddy/boggier areas. Uneven ground including tree roots and stones were, of course, less smooth, but my baby didn’t complain. Going up and down kerbs is a dream."

One space-saving feature that we like is the ability to turn the carrycot into the seat, so you don't have to store a carrycot at home once your baby is ready to move to a seat from around 6 months.

The carrycot itself is aerated and this new version of the toddler seat now expands 10cm further by extending the toddler footrest and sun canopy.

For the Fox 5, Bugaboo have also moved the central point of gravity of the pushchair closer to the parent which makes it even lighter to steer and provides more walking space.

The pushchair also folds with the seat on as well as off — giving you an easier-to-store one-handed, one-piece fold.

Read the full MadeForMums Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair review.

Available from: Bugaboo, Samuel Johnston and John Lewis

16. iCandy Core, from £1,450 (including carrycot)

– Best for all seasons

Suitable for: Birth to 25kg | Pushchair weight: 12.6kg | Carrycot weight: 3.7kg | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair unfolded dimensions: H105cm x W61cm x L68cm | Pushchair folded dimensions: H39cm x W61.5cm x L75.5cm | Folds with seat attached: Yes

Pros:

• Stylish
• Large and comfy seat
• Smooth ride
• Multimode wheelbase
• LED Visibility Hub Light
• Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping

Cons:

• Tricky to fold
• Expensive

With an integrated ride-on board, a spacious carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping as well as a stylish finish, the Core has all of the luxury elements expected of an iCandy pushchair. Complementing this are some innovative new features that make it ready for every journey all year round, but it doesn't come cheap.

Perhaps the Core's most notable feature is its unique multi-mode wheelbase: you can expand or reduce the frame's footprint and switch between 2 sets of urban and rural wheels. A clever, easy-to-use feature that allows the award-winning Core to be used on multiple terrains without compromising on its handling. MFM reviewer Tara was particularly impressed by the versatility this offers, saying "If you are looking for a pushchair robust enough to come off-road and compact enough to nip around tight spaces, this really is a great option."

Whether it's in urban or rural mode, our tester admired how well it tackles most terrains: "It's an absolute dream to push and without a doubt the smoothest pushchair I've ever used."

The revolutionary rechargeable LED Visibility Hub Light is a welcome addition – it's a built-in light on the frame, which can be switched on when venturing outside in the dark or in low light conditions, perfect for dark wintery mornings.

Praised for its adaptability and longevity by our reviewer, it's clear that iCandy has built the pushchair to make parents' lives easier — the Core also comes with other nifty features such as seat unit elevators, bag hooks on the handlebar and a roomy seat unit that lies flat and has a weight limit of 25kg. Its fold, whilst one-handed and possible with or without the seat unit, takes a little practice to get the knack.

Read our full MadeForMums iCandy Core pushchair review

Available from: iCandy

Are all pushchairs suitable for a newborn baby?

No! Babies need to lie in a flat position for at least the first 6 months. Although many newborn prams and pushchairs have recline settings, some do not lie flat enough and so are only suitable from 6 months.

“Lying flat helps to protect your baby’s back, development and breathing,” says buggy expert Charlotte Gelstharp from Natural Baby Shower, a leading online retailer for pushchairs.

• Read health experts explain what you need to know about lying flat

Some newborn prams create a lie-flat position with a carrycot or cocoon (soft fabric carrycot). Others have a seat that reclines to a flat position. With this in mind, we’ve chosen some that come with a carrycot included or with the option to buy one separately.

It's good to know that lie-flat doesn’t have to mean completely flat according to standards that assess whether a pram is suitable from birth. The definition of lie-flat is at least 150° (rather than 180° that is truly flat). This means that the base could actually cause your baby’s head to be raised by up to 30°.

Given the scientific evidence behind keeping your newborn baby lying flat in a pushchair, we’d strongly recommend only using a completely lie-flat base for regular use – either via a carrycot or a 180° flat recline.

Do I need to buy a carrycot?

Carrycots offer a lot of benefits when you have a newborn. Most are parent-facing so you can keep an eye on your baby during their first few months. Charlotte explains, “They are also seen as offering your little one that extra touch of comfort and luxury with those added extras such as more space, a padded mattress, extra ventilation and larger canopy hood.”

“Some parents also love the option of being able to remove the carrycot from the pushchair without disturbing your baby.” Also, a carrycot can provide a portable sleep space to meet Safe Sleep guidelines, which advise having your baby sleep in the same room as you, night and day.

One other element worth thinking about is whether the carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping (measured by the height of the sides and the ventilation). This can replace the need for a travel cot in the first 6 months, saving you money as well as space when travelling.

Of course, a carrycot can come at an extra cost – prices vary from £100 to over £250. And once your baby has grown out of it (from around 6 months), you’ll need room at home to store it.

What else should I look out for when buying a newborn pushchair?

Folding/unfolding – Each pushchair comes with its own unique fold, and most are straightforward once you get the knack. Reviews (such as those on MadeForMums) will give you a feel for how easy the fold is. Also, think about whether you can fold with the seat on (useful if you’re going to be storing it folded), how compact the fold is, if can you fold it with one hand and if the pushchair is free-standing when folded.

Lots of mums in our Facebook group stated that the fold was one of the most important features. One commented, “My pushchair has to be easy to fold but not necessarily small and if it folds with seat on this is a bonus.”

Basket – “Don’t forget to check out the size of the basket,” advises Charlotte at Natural Baby Shower. “Babies need a lot of stuff and as a parent on the move you need somewhere to store it all.” But the size of the basket isn’t your only consideration. Check how easy it is to access – you’ll find some pushchair designs make it easier than others to access the basket when using it with the carrycot.

Wheels and tyres – The general principle is the bigger the wheels, the easier they can handle rough terrain. Air-filled tyres are great for off-road but do get punctures, so solid wheels are more common. Find out more about which pushchair wheels and tyres would suit your lifestyle best.

Single to double option – Some pushchairs transform from a single to a double buggy with the addition of an extra seat or carrycot and adaptors. It’s a savvy way to futureproof your pushchair if you hope to add to your family! Be aware that buggies that transform into doubles are likely to have heavier frames. This can affect how portable the pushchair is and/or how easy it is to handle and manoeuvre.

Weight – As with any pushchair, you should check the weight (with and without the carrycot attached), especially if you use public transport a lot, are going to be lifting it in and out of the car, or if you plan on travelling often.

See more guidance on buying a newborn pram or pushchair, including what a travel system is, when you should buy a pushchair, and how much a pushchair should cost, below our list.

What's a travel system?

A travel system is simply a pushchair with a car seat attached. Some 63% of the more than 600 parents we surveyed opted to buy a travel system (a pushchair and compatible car seat), with 24% choosing just a newborn pushchair. If you plan on using a car seat regularly, travel systems can give you a lot of flexibility and convenience.

The main benefit of a travel system is that it enables you to move a sleeping baby from a car on to a pushchair frame easily – and hopefully without even waking your baby! However, you should only use your travel system for short journeys if your baby is in an upright car seat – the 2 hour rule.

Most pushchairs can be transformed into travel systems but not all (usually strollers). Some come as a travel system bundle; with others you buy the components separately. Some car seats, particularly those from Maxi-Cosi, Cybex and BeSafe, fit many different brands of pushchairs. Check compatibility in our reviews or on manufacturer’s websites.

We always recommend making sure that the car seat will fit your car before choosing a travel system or pushchair.

When should I buy a pushchair?

In our survey, 61% said they bought their buggy between their 20-week scan and the early weeks of the third trimester, with another 19% buying a few weeks before their due date.

There’s no right time to buy, as long as you’ve looked around to find a pushchair that’s compatible with your family life and needs. It’s always worth doing your research and narrowing down your options, then you can keep an eye out for any potential sales or discounts to take advantage of, such as Amazon Prime Day.

How much does a pram for a newborn cost?

Prices of pushchairs for newborn babies can range from a couple of hundred pounds to more than a thousand; we’ve included prams that cater for a variety of budgets.

Remember to check what you get with an advertised price – there may be many accessories that aren’t included in the cost, such as car seat adaptors, raincover and footmuff. The RRPs we list is based on the cheapest option that is suitable from birth – so where necessary we’ve clearly stated that we’ve included the price of the carrycot so that it’s suitable for a newborn.

One way to save money is to look for bundles, where a retailer or manufacturer includes extras within the price.

Read more...

• The best lightweight strollers under 6.5kg
• The best travel systems
• The most compact folding buggies