Best prams, pushchairs and buggies for newborns and beyond, as tested by parents

Tested by mum of two, Kate: Read our full iCandy Core 2 review

If you're familiar with iCandy, you'll know the brand is known for its premium fabrics, attention to detail and stylish designs, and the Core 2 is no exception. Parent tester, Kate used it for five weeks with her nine-week-old baby and two-year-old, putting it through its paces everywhere from nursery runs and shopping trips to muddy paths and long grass. Her verdict? It felt "very durable, practical and robust, yet stylish."

During testing, what impressed Kate most was that the Core 2 backs up its premium design with real-world performance. Kate says that despite its sturdy build, it feels surprisingly light to push and manoeuvre, thanks to advanced suspension and puncture-proof wheels that smooth out everything from cobbled streets to uneven park paths. The Core 2 also comes packed with genuinely useful features, including a spacious 10kg shopping basket, integrated ride-on board, adjustable handlebar and an easy-to-use brake system.

Suitable from birth, the Core 2 is designed to grow with your child thanks to its fully lie-flat seat, parent- and world-facing options and travel system compatibility. During testing, it handled a wide range of terrain with ease and proved just as capable on everyday errands as it was on longer walks. Kate also appreciated that it never felt bulky or cumbersome; despite offering the kind of robust build quality you'd expect from a premium all-terrain pushchair.

Its worth noting that the one-handed fold takes some practice, the carrycot doesn't fold flat for storage and some accessories are only included when purchased as part of a bundle. However, these felt like relatively minor compromises in an otherwise impressive package.

For around 370, the Maxi-Cosi Zelia 3 Luxe 2-in-1 pushchair (an update on the original Maxi-Cosi Zelia) offers brilliant value and is one of the cheapest complete travel systems on the market. Despite its price point, it performs well in terms of quality and design.

Its major selling points are its weight - it's sturdy but only weighs 10.7kg so the frame feels light to push, fold and carry. Its two-in-one seat that converts from a newborn bassinet to a regular seat for babies from six months.

Some bargain bundles also comes with a rain cover, a boot cover and car seat adapters.

Flexible and oh-so-trendy, the Nuna Mixx Next is comfort and style rolled into one. Its the third generation in the range, an update on the Nuna Mixx 2019, which features a new, more compact fold and improved suspension for a smoother ride.

One of the pushchairs big appeals is the number of options it offers. It can be used as a stroller from birth, with a spacious seat that can be either parent-or world-facing or switched out for a car seat or a carrycot with the included adaptors.

The frame is very sturdy with large rear wheels and improved suspension so its a dream to push over all kinds of terrain. This does mean that it's not the most compact of folds, but the Next does fold down smaller than its previous model. Its easy too though you do need two hands - so you can quickly get it in and out of your car boot.

The shopping basket holds up to 4.5kg, which is more than enough for a day out shopping or off-roading in the countryside. We also love the handy zip pocket on the back and the seat is padded with a mesh back to keep children comfortable in all seasons.

Read next: The best lightweight strollers and buggies for on-the-go parents

Tested by mum of two, Jilly: Read our full Stokke YOYO review (Bonpoint print)

At just 6.2kg, theStokke YOYOis an incrediblylightweight stroller that makes the ideal pushchair if you live in the city or like to travel. Cabin-bag size, with folded dimensions of just 52 x 44 x 18cm, and approved by most airlines as a carry-on, the new YOYO is super compact when folded and features a handy strap for easily carrying it on and off the plane.

Its extremely nippy, especially if youre navigating small shop aisles or public transport (be that trains or buses), and it offers a smooth and comfortable ride over pavements and paths. The small wheels mean it fares less well on bumpy, uneven terrain like grass and gravel, so this is something to bear in mind if you live in a more rural area. However, a great upgrade from the YOYO2 is enhanced suspension and reflective rings on the wheels, making it more visible in low light.

The shopping basket's weight capacity has also doubled from its predecessor, now supporting up to 10kg.

While we think the buggy really comes into its own with babies aged six months and above, it can be used from birth with a newborn pack (sold separately) - a sort of cocoon that allows you to lay your baby completely flat. The great thing about the newborn pack is that it folds down with the buggy and doesnt need to be removed if you want to attach aninfant car seat. The other newborn option is a bassinet, but this isnt airline-approved and needs to be removed if youre using your YOYO as atravel system. We also like that there is an additional pocket integrated into the UPF 50+ sun canopy to store your valuables.

Read next: Can you take a pram on a plane? Everything you need to know about travelling with a pushchair

Tested by parent tester, Laura: Read our full Bugaboo Dragonfly review

Released in June 2023, the Bugaboo Dragonfly is Bugaboos latest pushchair. And it doesnt disappoint.Designed as a city stroller, its smaller than other travel systems on the market, but has a huge 13kg storage capacity thanks to the rear pocket that can be detached from the regular storage basket and hung on the handlebars like a changing bag.

While the Dragonfly is super comfy for toddlers, with harness straps that slide up and down for ease, saving the need for any rethreading, we think this pram performs especially well with newborns.

Tested with a seven-week-old, our parent tester, Laura, found the carrycot to be roomy and well padded with a sun canopy that can be extended quite substantially on sunny days. The sun hood is used for both the carrycot and the regular seat unit.

What really impressed us though is the innovative carrycot design. While the fold can be a bit tricky to master, the beauty of the Dragonfly is that the carrycot can be folded down with the pram, which means you wont have to remove it when transporting the buggy in your car boot or on public transport.

Laura says, The fold isnt particularly compact, but the fact that [the Dragonfly] can be collapsed with the carrycot (and, of course, the regular seat unit) still in place is, quite frankly, revolutionary. It also doesnt matter which way the seat faces - the pushchair will fold regardless.

Related: The best travel cots, tried and tested

If storage is high on your priority list, the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew delivers from the outset with its spacious under seat basket, capable of holding up to 10kg ideal for everything from changing bags to a full grocery run. This generous capacity, combined with easy access, makes it a practical choice for day-to-day outings.

Beyond storage, the Fox 5 Renew retains the same reliable all-terrain performance as the original Bugaboo Fox 5, thanks to its large, puncture-proof wheels and smooth suspension, handling gravel paths, muddy trails and uneven ground with ease. Our parent tester, Beccy, described the original Fox 5 as a true workhorse, praising its stability and comfort while out with her toddler and preschooler.

While the core design remains unchanged - including the chassis, seat extension and one-handed fold - the Renew introduces a more eco-conscious approach. Made with recycled aluminium, bio-based plastics and sustainably sourced fabrics, Bugaboo claims a 30% reduction in environmental impact, part of a broader commitment to cut product footprint nearly in half by 2026.

The spacious carrycot now includes a more breathable PureBreeze mattress for improved airflow, while the updated colour palette leans into earthy, nature-inspired tones like Deep Indigo and Desert Taupe Mlange. Other practical features, such as the adjustable harness and generous sun canopy, continue to add everyday usability.

Its still fiddly to assemble - particularly when transitioning from carrycot to seat - and its folded size is better suited to larger car boots. But for parents who want standout storage alongside all-terrain performance and a lighter environmental footprint, the Fox 5 Renew remains a strong contender.

Read next: The best pram toys at attach to your pushchair

Tested by parent tester, Connie: Read our full Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Eco stroller review

Navigating urban life with a baby in tow demands a pushchair thats nimble, compact, and built for daily convenience - and the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Eco delivers on all fronts. Designed with eco-conscious families in mind, this upgraded model features fabrics made from recycled materials, offering a more sustainable way to stroll without compromising on function.

Weighing just 6.5kg, its incredibly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, whether you're weaving through crowded streets, hopping on public transport, or nipping into your local coffee shop. The narrow frame makes tight corners and narrow doorways less of a hassle, while the one-step fold and auto-lock mean you can collapse it quickly when catching a bus or stashing it in a hallway or caf corner.

Ideal for flat pavements and fast-paced lifestyles, the City Tour 2 Eco glides smoothly on city terrain and reclines fully, making it suitable for newborns right up to toddlers who need a midday nap. The adjustable calf support and padded seat add extra comfort for longer days out, while the generous under-seat storage is perfect for holding daily essentials, snacks, or a few shopping bags.

Unlike many ultra-compact strollers, this model comes with thoughtful extras like a carry bag, bumper bar, and weather shield included - making it travel- and weather-ready from day one. Though it doesn't stand up when folded, its compact size means it fits easily under a desk, in a car boot, or behind a door at home.

Read next: The best running buggies for active parents

Sturdy, well-made and with excellent steering capabilities, the Out n About Nipper remains one of the best-performing all-terrain pushchairs on the market, ideal if you live in a rural or suburban area. The latest Nipper V6 builds on everything parents loved about the Nipper V5, offering improved usability and comfort without losing the brands trademark durability and off-road performance.

The Nipper V6 introduces a simpler one-hand fold mechanism, a redesigned larger under-seat basket, and a flip-flop-friendly brake, making it more convenient for everyday use. It also features an adjustable handlebar with a wider range of height settings, a refined seat with easier recline adjustment, and a tougher aluminium frame. These tweaks make the Nipper V6 feel more premium and user-friendly, especially if you frequently fold your pushchair or need extra storage space.

Like the V5, it handles bumpy and uneven terrain really well thanks to its large rear wheels, swivel front wheel, and air-filled tyres. The enhanced suspension system provides a smooth and comfortable ride for children, whether youre strolling through parks, fields or along sandy beaches.

If budget is a concern, the Nipper V5 is still a good choice, particularly if you can find it at a discounted price. Its lighter than the Nipper V6 and delivers the same reliable off-road performance. However, the smaller storage basket and basic foam handlebar feel dated compared to the latest Nipper V6s refinements.

Read next: The best all-terrain prams

Tested by mum of two, Rebecca: Read our full Mamas & Papas Ocarro 2 review

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro 2 builds on the success of the original Ocarro with a range of thoughtful upgrades designed to make life even smoother for parents. Parent tester Rebecca, who previously owned the original Ocarro, awarded the Ocarro 2 an impressive 95/100, praising its comfort, durability and everyday practicality. She says: "I personally loved my Ocarro with my older daughter and with the new improved model I love it even more."

One of its biggest strengths is how comfortable it feels across a variety of terrain. Rebecca tested it on pavements, grass, country paths and gravel, finding that the suspension absorbed bumps well enough that her baby often slept through uneven walks. She describes it as having a "smooth ride", while the upgraded all-terrain wheels and sturdy frame make kerbs and rougher surfaces easy to tackle.

The Ocarro 2 also benefits from a spacious storage basket, supportive padded seat with lie-flat recline, extendable UPF50+ hood and parent- or world-facing seat options. Rebecca was particularly impressed by the quality, noting that her original Ocarro still looked almost new after six years of use.

At 13.9kg, it remains heavier than many rivals, and Rebecca felt the wheels weren't quite as capable on deep gravel as the chunkier wheels on her original model. However, she felt these were minor drawbacks in what was otherwise an outstanding pushchair. As she puts it: "I would 100% recommend this pram."

For parents looking for a sturdy, comfortable all-terrain pushchair that can handle everyday family life with ease, the Ocarro 2 remains one of the strongest options on the market.

Read next: The best baby carriers for newborns and beyond

Tested by parent tester, Rebecca: Read our full Silver Cross Breez review

If you're looking for a travel system that's easy to fold, easy to lift and easy to fit into a smaller car, the Silver Cross Breez offers a practical blend of convenience and versatility. During two months of testing with her newborn, Rebecca found it particularly useful for school runs, bus journeys and everyday outings, praising its lightweight design, compact fold and fuss-free handling.

What really separates the Breez from its rivals is the innovative folding carrycot. Unlike most travel systems, the carrycot can be folded down while still attached to the frame, which Rebecca described as "revolutionary," saying it "makes life as a parent so much easier," particularly when juggling a baby and older sibling.

The trade-off is that the Breez doesn't feel quite as robust as some heavier travel systems, particularly on rough terrain. Rebecca also noted that the brake can be slightly awkward to operate when the carrycot is fitted. Even so, she felt the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks, praising the Breez as a practical, well-equipped travel system that takes much of the hassle out of daily life with a baby.

Tested by parent tester, Dani: Read our full Baby Jogger City Sights stroller review

The Baby Jogger City Sights is a compact yet highly versatile stroller that delivers premium features at a mid-range price point. Averaging 299 for the pushchair, its significantly more affordable than many premium models, yet it still feels sturdy, well-built and designed to last, with a flexible design that suits a wide range of family needs and lifestyles.

Its 22kg weight limit, reversible seat and compatibility with carrycots and car seats make it a great long-term option for growing families who need a pushchair that adapts as their child does, easily transitioning from newborn to toddler and across different daily routines. Parent tester Dani was especially impressed by how solid the frame feels and how smooth the push is, even compared with more expensive brands.

Despite being narrower and ore compact than full-size travel systems, the City Sights offers a surprisingly roomy and comfortable seat, striking a balance between space-saving design and everyday usability. Danis child was very happy in it: The seat is well-padded and my baby seemed very content in it it reclines to a lie-flat position in one smooth movement. The adjustable calf rest, multiple recline options and supportive upright position mean young children can nap comfortably or sit up and watch the world go by. For toddlers, the generous seat depth and easy-to-adjust harness provide plenty of room to grow, making this a pushchair you can genuinely use for years.

Where the City Sights really shines is day-to-day practicality. Its compact when folded, making train, bus and car travel much easier than with many bulkier models. Dani found it surprisingly travel-friendly despite being on the heavier side, noting that it fits down the aisle in the train and in the bus and that the bumper bar was easy to clip and unclip - something her baby loved holding onto. Storage is adequate for essentials, and although the basket isnt the largest, the overall handling, fold and manoeuvrability more than make up for it.

There are a couple of small downsides: the stroller is heavier than some lightweight strollers, and accessories like a carrycot or car seat adapters are sold separately. But for families who want a stroller that feels premium, grows with their child, travels well and doesnt eat up too much hallway space, the Baby Jogger City Sights offers exceptional value for money. Dani summed it up simply: she would definitely spend the money - its well worth it.

Tested by mum of two, Laura: Read our full Joolz Hub review

The Joolz Hub is a smart choice for urban parents seeking a compact, user-friendly pushchair that fits seamlessly into busy daily life. Our parent tester, Laura, used it every day with her nine-month-old and three-year-old and described it as the best slimline stroller I absolutely love it! With a lie-flat seat suitable from birth, it offers long-term use right up to around four years old, and the reversible seat allows for both parent- and world-facing options.

Weighing just 9kg with the seat attached, the Hub is easy to steer and manoeuvre, thanks in part to its adjustable handlebar, which ensures comfortable handling for parents of all heights. The frame folds up compactly - ideal for smaller cars or limited storage space at home - and it can stand upright when folded. Its also available as part of a full travel system, with a compatible carrycot and car seat adapters that work with a wide range of infant and toddler car seats.

The pushchairs urban-friendly wheels glide smoothly over pavements and flat terrain, though kerbs and uneven surfaces require a bit more effort due to the firmer suspension. Laura also found folding it down a little fiddly at first, but noted it becomes easier with practice. The roomy 10kg-capacity basket and included rain cover add practicality for everyday use.

The BabyStyle Oyster 4 is a premium full-sized travel system pushchair that builds on the strong foundation of the Oyster 3 but adds a suite of meaningful enhancements making it a great choice if youre wanting a true all-round travel system (car seat + carrycot + pushchair) that will carry through into the toddler years.

First, its travel system credentials are stronger than ever: you can use the seat unit from birth (thanks to full lie-flat recline) or attach the carrycot/newborn car seat via car seat adaptors; the chassis supports the major car-seat brands as well as BabyStyles own Capsule Infant i-Size Car Seat. The fold remains practical (seat attached, either direction) with improved auto-fold, so whether youre folding for the car boot or for air travel, its smoother and more compact than before.

Ride quality has been elevated too, larger wheels, full suspension and a beefier chassis means more confidence across mixed terrain (city pavements, park paths, cobbles). The upgraded canopy (UPF 50+ with UV-alert tag) and luxury finishes mean it doesnt compromise on style either.

On the downside, youll pay a bit more and the weight is marginally higher than the previous edition, so if youre prioritising lowest possible weight for ultra-light travel, you might consider alternatives.

Overall: if youre shopping for a travel system thats built to adapt from birth to toddlerhood or for siblings or twin mode, plus handles a car seat efficiently, and feels premium and long-lasting, the Oyster 4 is a solid investment.

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Mountain Buggy Duet V3 review (previous model)

This is one for parents that are expecting twins or their second child and need to find a good double buggy for ferrying their family around. Mountain Buggy Duet V4, an upgrade on the Mountain Buggy Duet V3, is a side-by-side buggy with lots of different configurations for life with two young children. It's heavier than the V3, but holds a maximum weight of 22kg in each seat (versus the V3's 18kg).

The seats lie flat so can be used from birth but you can also buy a newborn carrycot or a cocoon if you want to provide extra support. You can also add up to two car seats to the frame. The seat material is cosy and durable, providing plenty of support for young children. It features a secure five-point harness.

Speaking of safety, one of the buggys standout features is the two brakes - a footbrake and a handbrake, similar to a bicycle brake set-up - which is great when pushing kids up and down steep hills.

Even though the Duet is a double buggy, its the same width as some single strollers so the Duet is great for everyday life, especially with the prams suspension and four air-filled tyres that glide over everything from narrow shop aisles to mountain trails. With a basket that can hold up to 10kg and handy zip pockets, you wont have to worry about leaving newborn essentials at home.

You'll need to buy a rain cover though and the cost of the pushchair could get quite high if you want to buy a newborn carrycot or cocoon too.