Prams and Pushchairs Buying Guide
Baby in a pushchair

If you're thinking about what type of pram or pushchair to buy, keep in mind three important considerations: your needs, your baby's needs and your general lifestyle. Find out more in our guide, and look at our pushchair range here.

You and your lifestyle

If you use public transport regularly, or have steps leading to your home, a lightweight and compact folding pram or pushchair would be best.

If you use a car, check the size of your car boot and compare
it with the folded dimensions of the pram or pushchair you are thinking about buying. Do remember that, even if you have a car, you'll still need to transport your baby around town in a pram or pushchair on foot. Consider a multi-function travel system that's
a baby car seat and pushchair in one.

If space is at a premium at home, it's probably best to opt for

a pram or pushchair that allows the seat unit to fold.

If you walk a lot, choose a sturdy model with lockable wheels. Swivel wheels make a pushchair easy to manoeuvre, while fixed wheels make handling easier over rough surfaces. Some pushchairs offer both a fixed and swivel wheel option. However you travel, make sure you choose the correct handle height for both you and your partner - some models have adjustable handle heights.

Take a look at our ‘Baby Driver’ feature; it offers plenty of tips and information for choosing the right pushchair for you and baby.


Your baby's needs

Newborn babies need to lie back, so you'll need a pram, a pushchair/carrycot combination, or a pushchair with a lie-back facility. Some models have fully reversible seat units so your baby can face you.

Consider also where your newborn baby will sleep: in a Moses basket, crib, cot or carrycot. This will also help you decide on what type of pram or carrycot to buy.


Three-in-one pram and pushchair combinations

Three-in-one pram and pushchair combinations

These models combine a carrycot and convertible two-in-one pushchair and are suitable for transporting newborn babies to toddlers. Your baby can sleep in the carrycot for the first few months.

Different models combine some or all of the following features:

  • Fixed or swivel wheels - large wheels available on some models
  • Reversible seat unit - faces forward or faces you
  • Easy to fold up using one hand only
  • More traditional in appearance
  • Larger wheeled chassis offers better suspension
  • Seat unit adjusts to the flat position
  • Shopping basket or tray
  • Co-ordinating accessories

See our selection of 3 in 1 travel systems here.


Two-in-one pram and pushchair combinations

Two-in-one pram and pushchair combination

The convertible pushchair combines the classic comfort of a pram with the versatility of a pushchair. Suitable for newborn babies to toddlers, different models combine some or all of the following features:

  • Reversible seat unit - faces forward or faces you
  • Adjusts from lie-flat pram to a pushchair suitable for toddlers
  • Fixed or swivel wheels - large wheels available on some models
  • Co-ordinating fabric hood and boot to create a traditional pram look
  • Removable washable covers
  • Easy to fold up using one hand only

Pushchairs

Pushchairs

A typical pushchair has either a lie-back seat unit or a reclining bucket seat and is usually suitable for newborn babies to toddlers.

Different models have a combination of the features below:

  • A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline
  • Reversible seat unit that can face forwards or towards you
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Folds flat for easy storage
  • Free standing when folded
  • Fixed or lockable swivel wheels
  • Adjustable foot rest
  • Shopping tray or basket
  • Bumper bar
  • Carry handle for use on public transport
  • Can be used with an infant carrier as part of a fully-flexible travel system

See our selection of pushchairs here.


Three-wheeler pushchairs

Three wheeler pushchairs

You can choose from two types of three-wheelers, both of which are suitable for newborn babies if they have a fully reclinable seat or cot seat.

All terrain pushchairs are designed specifically for the roughest terrain and/or jogging, but are equally comfortable in everyday use. City pushchairs are designed for everyday use about town.

Different models have a combination of the features below:

  • Hood, foot muff, basket and PVC covering
  • Removable accessories that are machine washable
  • Pneumatic tyres for a comfortable ride
  • Quick release wheels
  • Folds flat for easy storage
  • Lie-back facility
  • Carry bag for transporting the pushchair

See our selection of 3-wheeler pushchairs here.


Travel systems - from car seat to pushchair

Travel systems

These include either a carrycot, pushchair and car seat, or
a pushchair and car seat, and are suitable for babies from birth. Some car seats can be used for babies up to 13kg/29lbs (approximately 9-12 months); simply attach it to the chassis of
the pushchair.

Different models have a combination of the features below:

  • A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Bumper bar for older babies
  • Fixed or lockable swivel wheels
  • Wheel suspension
  • Adjustable foot rest
  • Shopping tray or basket

See our selection of travel systems here.


Buggies and strollers

Buggies and strollers are lightweight, versatile and simple to use. They're ideal for shopping, travelling and holidays, and most can be used for newborn babies.

Different models have a combination of the features below:

  • A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline
  • Adjustable foot rest
  • Lockable swivel wheels
  • Lightweight frame
  • Compact when folded
  • Carry handle, making it easier to use on public transport
  • Shopping basket
  • Hood

See our selection of buggies here.


Doubling up - if you have more than one child

If you have twins, or small children close in age and weight, double buggies and tandems are ideal.

Tandems

A tandem pushchair has one seat in front of the other and offers a practical solution to transporting your baby and toddler together. They're suitable for babies from birth onwards, and some are suitable for twins.

Different models have a combination of the features below:

  • A number of lie-back positions including full
    lie-back or incline
  • Independent, multi-position reclining seats
  • Independent adjustable foot rests
  • Bumper bar for older babies
  • Lockable swivel wheels
  • Removable washable covers
  • Padded liners
  • Shopping basket

Double buggies

For carrying two babies, or a baby and toddler, side by side. Some are suitable for babies from birth and different models have a combination of the features below:

  • A number of lie-back positions including full lie-back or incline
  • Independent, multi-position reclining seats
  • Lockable swivel wheels
  • Umbrella fold for easy storage
  • Optional carrycot

See our selection of twins and tandems here.


Accessories for your pram, pushchair or buggy

Most of our shops stock a range of accessories that will help you make the most of your pram, pushchair or buggy - wherever you are.

Changing bag A convenient way to neatly store everything you need to take your baby visiting. Most bags come with a PVC changing mat, pockets for soiled items and insulated pockets. See our changing bag collection.

Sun parasol Helps protect your baby from harsh sunlight.

Foot muff Ideal in cold weather - keeps your baby snug and warm while you are out and about. Some foot muffs convert to pram quilts and liners.

Head support cushion Specially designed to give young babies extra support and comfort in pushchairs, car seats and bouncing chairs.

PVC coverall In wet weather, these protect carrycots and prams with soft, fabric outers. Must not be used indoors.

PVC hood and apron Protect your baby from top to toe in bad weather. Do not use indoors or in hot weather to prevent overheating or risk of suffocation.

See our selection of pushchair accessories here.


Looking after your pram or pushchair

Quinny Buzz 4Your pram or pushchair will perform better and last longer when it's looked after. The instruction leaflet provided with your pushchair will tell you how to keep it in prime condition. And you'll find more information on travel systems in our guide to car seats and car safety.

Returns

We will refund or exchange your pram or pushchair only if it is returned unused, in its original packaging, within 28 days of purchase. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Repairs

If your pram or pushchair develops a fault, please refer to the instruction booklet and contact the manufacturer in the first instance.

However, if it has developed a fault within a reasonable period
of time and you live near a John Lewis shop, please take it to the Nursery department, along with your receipt or delivery note. (Please note that our High Wycombe shop does not have a Nursery department and so can't offer this service.)

A member of our Nursery department team will make an initial assessment of your pram/pushchair to see if a manufacturing fault has occurred. If they're unable to confirm that a fault has developed, they'll return the pram/pushchair to the manufacturer for them to assess the cause of the problem.

During this time, we'll be pleased to lend you a replacement pram or pushchair. Please note a deposit of £25 will be charged. The deposit will be refunded to you when the pram/pushchair is returned, subject to the pram/pushchair being received back in the same condition in which it was loaned to you.

If the problem is identified as a manufacturing fault, you'll have the option to either have the pram/pushchair repaired free of charge or replaced.

Please note, however, that you will be charged for the repair if the damage is caused by accident, misuse or as a result of wear and tear.


Safety

By law, all pushchairs sold in the UK must comply with British standards. Some travel systems may include a car seat that complies with European standards.

To ensure your child's safety, remember these simple points:

Do

Always read the instructions carefully and familiarise yourself with all the moving parts before you use your pushchair for the first time.

Show anyone who's going to use your pushchair, and who may be unfamiliar with it, how to open and close it, and how to operate the brakes and locking mechanism.

Always check that locking devices are secure when you open the pushchair. Remember to release all locks before folding it.

Always secure your child in the pushchair with the five-point harness.

Use the brakes every time you stop - even on flat surfaces.

Don't

Adjust the seat position while your child is in the pushchair.

Leave your child unattended.

Carry more than one child in your pushchair unless it's designed for that.

Hang shopping or other heavy items on the handles, as it could tip over the pushchair or pram.

Use PVC rain covers indoors or in strong sunlight.


Tips from our Nursery Advisors

"Budget aside, the space available in your home and car boot is important when choosing a buggy. Think about your lifestyle and consider the buggy’s weight and the conditions it’ll be used for – pushing along city pavements and lifting onto buses or manoeuvring down country tracks? Do you need a carrycot, travel system or do you want the facility of having a seat unit that can be either rear or forward facing?"

Claire, Nursery advisor, John Lewis Watford
Back to shopping Shop baby travel products

Customer Service

Here to help

Our shops

About us

Our other websites

Copyright © John Lewis Partnership 2001-2010

John Lewis plc Registered office: 171 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NN. Registered in England.
Company registration number: 233462. VAT no: GB232457280