Buying Guides
Buying a Pushchair
It’s important to pick a pushchair to suit your family's lifestyle so it fits in as well as your new addition. The right pushchair can carry your baby through from birth to their toddling years. Our range covers everything from traditional pram-style models to compact strollers for busy mums and dads.
There are several different types for you to choose from:
Prams and Pushchairs
There are generally two different age ranges for pushchairs/ prams:
- from birth
- from 6 months
From Birth
If you want to use a pushchair or pram for your newborn, you will need a complete pushchair frame and either:
- A carrycot (which would make it a pram) or
- A lie-flat seat /cocoon/ soft carrycot
*selected strollers can also adapt to support these options, read more about strollers below.
6 months +
There are a large number of options that are suitable for your baby once they are 6 months+, ideal for when they can sit up unaided. If you want to use a pushchair from 6 months+ you will need:
- A complete pushchair frame
- A seat unit
*Many strollers also fall into this age range. This can be a good option as by this age, you may want something lighter and more compact for everyday use. Please read on for more information.
Opt for a pram because…
- They allow your baby to lie flat. A lie flat position is the best to encourage correct spine and hip development, and is the optimal position for breathing
- They’re parent-facing, so you can maintain eye contact with your newborn
- Some have all terrain wheels, ideal if you get out and about in the countryside. Others have wheels designed for city streets
- Some carrycots are even suitable for occasional overnight sleeping, so they're ideal if you’re travelling with your newborn
Opt for a pushchair because…
- They can be set as parent-facing or world-facing. Many have reversible seats which will allow you to change easily between the two positions
- Some have all terrain wheels, ideal if you get out and about in the countryside. Others have wheels designed for city streets
- Some can be adapted to support 2 children, either with an additional seat unit or with accessories such as buggy boards, ideal for an older sibling
Baby Travel Systems
What is a travel system?
A travel system usually combines a pushchair with a detachable infant carrier car seat; some systems may also feature a carrycot.
Please note even if they are sold separately many pushchair frames are travel system compatible. This means when purchased with a compatible car seat and in some cases relevant adaptors the infant carrier can be attached to a pushchair frame.
We offer many promotional bundles which can include an ISOFIX base as well as additional accessories, for example relevant adaptors and changing bags. Click here to shop bundles.
*While they are sold as a system for newborns, it’s worth noting that car seats are essential safety equipment for keeping your child safe when travelling in a vehicle. They are not designed to be used over long periods of time or as somewhere your child should sleep.
Buggies and Strollers
If you...
- Have a child older than 6 months (some strollers are suitable from birth)
- Want something that’s versatile and simple to use
- Are short on space
- Need a pushchair that will fit in with your busy lifestyle
- Travel often as a family
Then think about strollers because...
- They’re easy to lift and carry
- They're super easy to fold, some using only one hand
- They're ideal for shopping, travelling and holidays
- They’re perfect for city living and getting on and off public transport
- They’re lightweight and manoeuvrable
- Some can even be taken as hand luggage on most aircrafts
- Many can be adapted into a pram or are travel system compatible
Double Pushchair – Twin and Tandem
If you are expecting twins or have 2 young children close in age an option to carry both may be necessary. You can select from the 2 following options:
- Twin Pushchair – two seats side by side (can be used from birth or 6 months)
- Tandem Pushchair – seats sit one behind the other (can be used from birth or 6 months)
Choose from our twin and tandem models because…
- Many models have the option to support 2 carrycots so suitable for twins from birth
- Many options are also travel system compatible so come with the option of attaching 2 infant carrier car seats
- Additional accessories such as a buggy board can be attached to many models making it easier to transport an older sibling
- Please note we offer a number of options that you can add to as your family grows. So if you want to plan for the future you can select a model that is suitable for your new baby, but also has the option to extend to support 2 children later down the line
Tip
If you need help choosing a pushchair to suit you, our dedicated All Things Baby advice service in store is on hand to answer any questions you have about your baby on the move
Ordering
We offer a range of delivery options.
Free Standard Delivery
If you spend £50 or more on a pushchair, we offer free standard delivery to your home.
Click & collect
If you’d prefer to pick up your new pushchair in store, use click & collect from John Lewis and Waitrose. It’s free on orders of £30 and over.
Returns
We'll refund or exchange your pushchair if it's returned unused, in its original packaging, within 35 days of receiving your online order or the date of purchase in store.
Accessories
Our range of accessories will help you make the most of your pushchair – wherever you are.
Changing bags
Changing bags are a convenient way to neatly store everything you need when you’re out and about with your baby. Most come with a PVC changing mat, pockets for soiled items and insulated pockets. Most will also connect to your pushchair with clips.
Sun shades & parasols
A canopy, sun shade or parasol helps to protect your baby from harsh sunlight and UV rays. It also helps keep them cool. Please make sure to check a parasol is compatible with your pushchair or stroller before purchasing.
Footmuffs
Cosy footmuffs are ideal in the cold weather, helping keep your baby snug and warm. Some footmuffs convert to pram quilts and liners.
Head support cushions
These cushions are specially designed to give young babies extra support and comfort in pushchairs, car seats and bouncing chairs.
Covers & nets
Protect your baby from top to toe in bad weather or keep bothersome insects away with a cover or net. Don’t use indoors or when it’s hot to prevent overheating and risk of suffocation.
Buggy Boards
A buggy board can make getting around with more than one child much easier. Please make sure to check a buggy board is compatible with your pushchair or stroller before purchasing.
Pushchair safety
All pushchairs sold in the UK conform to all the relevant safety standards.
Some travel systems may include an infant carrier that complies with the relevant car seat regulations. For more information on car seats please read our car seat buying guide.
To ensure your child's safety, follow these simple tips:
- 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 how to open and close it and how to operate the brakes and locking mechanism
- Check that locking devices are secure when you open the pushchair
- Remember to release all locks before folding it
- Secure your child in the pushchair with the five-point harness
- Check the brakes are easy to apply; tyre wear can affect how well your brakes work so make sure you check these too
Do's
- 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 to do so
- Hang shopping or other heavy items on the handles, as it could tip the pram or pushchair over
- Use PVC rain covers indoors or in strong sunlight
Don'ts
Repairs
Help is at hand
Our Nursery Travel Aftercare team can support you with damaged or faulty products that are within the manufacturer's guarantee.
Contact them on 03456 100 398 to speak with our dedicated Partners who will help to resolve your issue
All Things Baby
Get prepared for your new arrival with an in-store or virtual appointment with one of our Nursery Advisors.
Get prepared for your new arrival with an in-store or virtual appointment with one of our Nursery Advisors. They’ll answer your questions and find the right products for you and your child. All appointments are free of charge with no minimum spend.
Interest-free credit
Spread the cost when you spend over £200 on Home or Nursery
0% APR Representative Fixed. Credit subject to status. John Lewis PLC is a credit broker not a lender. Credit provided by Creation. T&Cs apply.
All Things Baby
Get prepared for your new arrival with an in-store or virtual appointment with one of our Nursery Advisors.
Get prepared for your new arrival with an in-store or virtual appointment with one of our Nursery Advisors. They’ll answer your questions and find the right products for you and your child. All appointments are free of charge with no minimum spend.
Interest-free credit
Spread the cost when you spend over £200 on Home or Nursery
0% APR Representative Fixed. Credit subject to status. John Lewis PLC is a credit broker not a lender. Credit provided by Creation. T&Cs apply.