MFM Awards 2021 Winners – Pushchairs, doubles, lightweights, travel systems and all-terrain buggies
MadeForMums reveals 2021's award-winning pushchairs, prams, lightweight, compact, all-terrain and double buggies
Walks around the local area and lazy trips to the park were more important (and frequent) than ever this year, so our testers definitely had plenty of opportunity to put this year's crop of pushchairs through their paces. We tested all entrants with babies and toddlers of the right age, meaning doubles and convertibles were tested in all their configurations, carrycots and seat units were tried with babies and toddlers for single buggies, and all parts of a travel system, from car seat to toddler seat, were thoroughly tested by our amazing panel of parents.
In choosing our winners, we combined the feedback from our panel of home testers with our own industry knowledge and expertise. With standards higher than ever, we looked at all the little details that make one pushchair stand out from the rest, be that clever storage, an ergonomic handle, an easy-to-operate brake, or a bumper pack of accessories.
We tested out pushchairs that fold as if by magic, a seat that spins 360 degrees on its base, a futuristic buggy with a cosy egg-shaped cocoon, and all manner of adaptable and convertible designs that save you time, space and money. Here are the ones that topped the list for 2021.
See the winners in:
Newborn pushchairs
Compact fold pushchairs
Lightweight pushchairs
All-terrain pushchairs
Travel systems
Doubles & convertibles
Pushchair accessories
Newborn pram/pushchair under £600
Key features we tested/judged: Suitability from birth, adaptability, weight, ease of use, manoeuvrability, fold, price, design, quality, extra features, suitability to use in lie-flat position
Gold – Joie Versatrax and Ramble XL, £300 (plus £100 for Ramble XL carrycot)
Smart and stylish, easy to use and store and a fantastic price
Why it’s a winner: This great-value package offers so much more than you’d expect for its purse-friendly price tag. “Super simple to fold and unfold” with one hand, the Versatrax becomes a slim, self-standing unit, while the Ramble XL carrycot impressed with its size – fitting in a 6-month-old baby in a snowsuit with plenty of space leftover! Our testers loved how the pram handled on pavements, as well as off-road – even managing to navigate cobbles and a woodland walk without any issues, thanks to its strong rubber tyres.
In the words of tester Maria, mum of a 5-month-old baby: “For the price point, this pushchair and carrycot is unbelievable! I am so impressed with the massive basket (so valuable), the easy one-handed fold and the quality fabrics used. It’s made with practicality in mind, but without sacrificing style.”
Buy from:Argos, Halfords and Mamas & Papas
Silver – Micralite GetGo, £499 (plus £150 for additional carrycot)
Why it’s a winner: This competitively priced stroller from Micralite can easily fold down in just one second, to a neat and compact 76 x 59 x 38cm, and is suitable to use from birth with the impressive lie-flat seat. This is made even more snug for your baby with the use of Micralite’s Cosy Pack or additional carrycot (both sold separately). What really won our testers over was the manoeuvrability, with high praise from tester Rhiannon, mum of a 3-month-old, who declared it “the easiest pram ever to push”. This is largely thanks to the puncture-proof tyres that saw the GetGo “glide over pavements” and take bumpy village paths in its stride.
In the words of tester Rhiannon, mum of a 3-month-old baby: “This pram is so effortless and smooth to push. It’s compact and lightweight, yet sturdy and can even be steered one handed. I love that it comes with a cup holder too, as that’s something you usually have to pay extra for.”
Buy from: Amazon and Micralite
Joint Bronze – Graco Transform, £200
Why it’s a winner: Tackling terrain from pavements to muddy paths, through puddles and snow, this budget-friendly pushchair really held its own against more pricier models. Switching from pram (suitable from birth) to pushchair mode with just a simple clip, it’s a flexible and convenient choice to see your baby straight through from the newborn days right up to the toddler years, without the need for any extra attachments. Our testers were fans of the large hood, perfect for protecting your baby from the sun and rain, as well as the spacious shopping basket, which according to tester Libby, mum of a 5-month-old baby, was able to fit in a “large changing basket for my toddler and baby, with room to spare.”
In the words of tester Libby, mum of a 5-month-old baby: “It's definitely worth the price, giving you a pram and pushchair that could see you through from birth to 3. It's roomy and you would get good use out of it while your baby continues to grow. My tall 2½-year-old found it comfortable with adequate room for his legs.”
Buy from: Amazon, Argos and Graco
Joint Bronze – didofy Cosmos Bloom, £425 (plus £125 for carrycot)
Why it’s a winner: A great all-rounder that packs a punch when it comes to handy features, the Cosmos Bloom was a firm favourite with our testers. With a premium feel and luxe aesthetic, but a price tag that won’t make your eyes water, our mums were impressed with the level of finishing and materials used. But it was details like the swift one-handed fold, compact fold-down size, and flip-flop friendly brakes which made this a winner. Easy to push with just one hand (and a toddler’s in the other) as well as a “massive” storage basket, it’s a competitive buy.
In the words of tester Hayley, mum of a baby and toddler: “It’s obvious a lot of thought has gone into making this pushchair as parent-friendly as possible, with its light weight, ease of folding, large storage basket, sunshade and the useful addition of a nappy bag and changing mat.”
Buy from: Baby Planet and didofy
Shortlisted: Leclerc Magic Fold Stroller plus | Cybex Gazelle S
Newborn pram/pushchair over £600
Gold – Mamas & Papas Ocarro Pushchair, £799
The combination of great design, comfort and safety make this an amazing pram
Why it’s a winner: We love the classic appeal of the Ocarro, with all the luxurious finishes you’d associate with Mamas & Papas. The dual suspension and puncture-proof tyres make light work of bumpy terrain and navigating kerbs, all while proving a smooth ride for your baby. There is the option of buying a separate carry cot, but with a large, lie-back padded seat, cushioned chest pads and a head-hugging pillow, the Ocarro can be used from birth as it is. The extendable handlebar was also declared a “game changer” by tester Charley, mum of a baby and toddler, offering the perfect push height for both the 5ft 4” mum and 6ft 2” dad.
In the words of tester Gemma, mum of a 1-year-old: “This feels really premium and I love how it’s suitable for newborns without any extra purchases, making it great value overall. The Ocarro feels robust, but moves well, and I feel like it’s a pram that would really last.”
Buy from: Mamas & Papas, Boots and Amazon
Joint Silver – iCandy Lime Lifestyle, £750
Why it’s a winner: This bumper offering from iCandy comes with so many extras it’s hard to keep track of them all. These include a carrycot with super-soft liner (suitable for overnight sleeping), Duo-Pod (a fancy seat liner and footmuff-in-one, rain cover and more. In the standard seat mode, the Lime Lifestyle folds down flat, with tester Victoria, mum of a 1-month old baby, commenting that “it strikes a good balance between being able to fold to save space and being robust enough to handle a variety of terrain.” The integrated ride-on board was a big hit too, making this a great choice for growing families.
In the words of tester Jen, mum of a baby and toddler: “The integrated buggy board is ingenious, making this an ideal pram for those with a toddler who is beyond using a double buggy. It made my buggy board-wary toddler excited about taking a ride, when she has been quite hesitant to try one we've previously had.”
Buy from: John Lewis, Amazon and iCandy
Joint Silver – Silver Cross Pioneer 2020, £795
Why it’s a winner: As you’d expect from this iconic British brand, the Silver Cross Pioneer 2020 stroller has “all those heritage and luxury touches” that drew approval across the board. With plush, quilted fabrics and luxe finishings, like the leatherette handle, it certainly looks the part. However it also impressed our testers with both its comfy carrycot, providing a “cosy space for your young baby” and the multi-position seat unit. Although you will need 2 hands, the folding mechanism is very straightforward, and the pram folds down to a car boot-friendly 87 x 60 x 33cm.
In the words of tester Celine, mum of a 4-month-old baby: “I love the pram hood, which not only has a ‘window’ at the top to see what your child is up to but extends to protect your baby from the sun. I also loved the basket, which is large and deep enough to keep all your bits in.”
Buy from: John Lewis, Pramworld and Silver Cross
Joint Bronze – iCandy Peach, £999
Why it’s a winner: Our testers were won over by the spacious carrycot, which they felt was “a fantastic size” and “pure luxury for an infant, thanks to the fleece lining”, as well as getting extra marks for being safe for overnight sleeping. The one-handed fold and one-handed seat recline function also ticked their boxes and everyone remarked on how well it dealt with uneven terrain, even tackling a farmyard with no problem. With the ability to convert from a single to double pushchair, it certainly justifies the higher price tag.
In the words of tester Abi, mum of a 4-month-old baby: “The carrycot is a fantastic size and really warm. My daughter seemed really comfortable – she fell asleep in it quite a few times and I was happy to leave her sleeping in it when we got home. The seat is also a good size and my 2-year-old was very comfortable in it.”
Buy from: Pramworld, John Lewis and iCandy
Joint Bronze – egg2 Stroller, £998-£1,218 for stroller and carrycot
Why it’s a winner: “A very cool, modern pushchair with lots of nice features” was the verdict from our testers. But it’s not just the style box the egg2 ticks. Suitable from birth with the additional carrycot or car seat, this stroller can be converted to a travel system or even a double buggy, depending on your needs. With just one hand the chassis can be folded down to a nice compact size, once the seat is removed. As well as the funky, futuristic look, our testers rated the big 21ltr shopping basket (increased from the previous model) and how easy it was to steer and push.
In the words of tester Jessica, mum of a 2-month-old baby: “Not only is the carrycot stylish (with branded zips on the cover) but it also cocoons my baby because of the compact design. It’s lovely and cushioned to keep my baby warm and really easy to fit onto the chassis with a pull up handle on the back of the cot.”
Buy from: Simply Baby, Pram Centre and Pramworld
Shortlisted: Venture Nebula Stroller | Joolz Hub+ | JuniorJones J-Spirit Stroller
Compact-fold pushchair under £250
Key features we tested: Ease of fold, size of fold, ease of pushing and steering, quality of design and worth the money
Gold – Inglesina Quid2, from £239
I’m so impressed at how small and compact it folds
Why it’s a winner: The Inglesina Quid2 impressed our testers with how little space it takes up, folding down into just the right size to fit in an overhead compartment or in a car boot “leaving plenty of room for other items” remarked tester Amy, mum of a 4-month-old baby. Perfect for travel and summer days out, the extending hood is made from anti-UV treated fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection and there’s a ventilation panel on the back of the seat to increase airflow. Judges loved the attention to detail (especially considering the price point) such as the handlebar not touching the ground when folded and the dual functionality of the bumper bar as a handle for the folded stroller.
In the words of tester Amy, mum of a 4-month-old baby: “For families looking for a lightweight stroller that can be regularly folded/unfolded and easily stored, the Quid 2 would make life easier. It's a stylish-looking stroller and feels robust enough to withstand the demands of a toddler (or 2).”
Buy from: Trendy Baby, Baby Boutique and Kaleidoscope Babycare
Silver – Cybex Libelle, £199.95
Why it’s a winner: “In 3 simple movements, it is the size of a large backpack,” commented Pooja, mum of 3-year old, after putting the Cybex Libelle to the test. Cleverly designed so that wheels fold inward once collapsed down, its ultra-compact size means its small enough to store away in an overhead compartment or tight car boot space. Unlike many of its competitors, it can also be used as a travel system from birth with car seats from Cybex’s gold infant range.
In the words of tester Pooja, mum of a 3-year-old: “I cannot believe how small it becomes without compromising the quality and stability. We took it onto hilly grass and it handled it a lot better than I expected. It moves and turns smoothly and doesn’t bounce up and down much, making it more comfortable and relaxing for my baby.”
Buy from: Boots, Baby Planet and Natural Baby Shower
Bronze – Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single, £249
Why it’s a winner: Although weighing just 6.5kg, our testers were impressed with how sturdy the buggy felt. “As the buggy was so lightweight I was surprised how padded the fabric was,” commented tester Carolynne, mum of a 4-month-old. A comfy ride for young babies, the seat reclines to a near-flat position and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. Testers praised the clever and simple one-handed fold as well as the narrow frame that makes it ideal for manoeuvring shopping aisles, busy pavements and public transport.
In the words of tester Carolynne, mum of a 4-month-old: “Finally a buggy that can actually be put down with one hand. And it’s just one-piece (unless using carrycot or car seat adapters), making it so easy to fold and unfold. It also comes with a storage bag – perfect for travelling or even storing.”
Buy from: Amazon and Pramworld
Shortlisted: My Babiie Billie Faiers MBX4 Rose Gold Blush Ultra Light Stroller
Compact-fold pushchair over £250
Joint Gold – Leclerc Magic Fold™ Stroller plus, £359
Easily the most convenient and easy stroller to fold/unfold that I have come across
Why it’s a winner: Leclerc’s Magic Fold stroller truly lives up to its name, with a collapsing function that wowed our judges and testers. By sliding and squeezing the buttons on the handlebar simultaneously and letting go, it concertinas down into a neat, compact fold all on its own. “It works perfectly every time and can even be done whilst holding a child,” said tester Charlie, mum of a baby and toddler. Lightweight (6.6kg) with all wheel suspension, it can also handle urban environments with ease “from pavement to parks and light gravel”.
In the words of tester Laura, mum of a 5-month-old baby: “A lightweight yet robust urban stroller with a range of stylish, user-friendly features and accessories. The one-touch Magic Fold system means it can be collapsed with one hand – making it perfect for use on public transport or travel.”
Buy from: Baby Planet , Le Clerc and Harvey Baby Store (Ireland)
Joint Gold – Micralite ProFold Graphite, £275
It is the perfect lightweight travel pushchair
Why it’s a winner: Boasting a quick one-handed fold and weighing just 7kg, our testers praised the ProFold for how well it fares in the city, on trains and planes. Although compact, it hasn’t sacrificed on storage space with “more than the average compact buggy”, according to tester Shante, mum of a 3-month-old baby. Nifty features like the additional zipped storage space in the hood also make it ideal for storing your phone or purse on days out. Once folded you can make use of the handy carry strap too, making it even easier to transport.
In the words of tester Shante, mum of a 3-month-old baby: “It was pretty much ready to go as soon as I removed it from the box. It's very easy to work out how to openand close it without reading instructions and can be done with one hand – perfect if you are holding your baby or other items.”
Buy from: Amazon, Natural Baby Shower and Micralite
Silver – Joolz Aer, £389
Why it’s a winner: In seconds, thanks to a speedy one-handed fold, the Joolz Aer collapses down into just the right size to fit into a plane’s overhead compartment. The ergonomic backrest will keep your child comfortable and supported no matter their age as tester Anita found. She commented, “I have tried it with my 6-month-old and my nearly 3-year-old and they have both seemed comfortable in it.” It can easily be steered with one-hand (even at the upper age range) and can take on narrow shopping aisles as well as muddy grass with ease.
In the words of tester Anita, mum of a baby and toddler: “I would definitely recommend the Joolz Aer not only for those who travel but to those who want to have a lighter, easy to use option for shorter outings as well. It is amazingly compact, lightweight and easy to fold/unfold one-handed with very little effort.
Buy from: Kiddies Kingdom, Baby Planet and Joolz
Bronze – JuniorJones J-Tourer, £299
Why it’s a winner: With all-round suspension and puncture resistant wheels, the J-Tourer is “able to take on curbs and humps effortlessly” according to tester Liey, mum of a 5-month-old baby. After a quick squeeze and push of the handle, the stroller folds down neatly and can be easily pulled along by the bumper bar. The lie-flat seat also makes it ideal to use from birth and during the warmer months you can zip open the ventilation panel in the hood to allow for increased airflow too.
In the words of tester Liey, mum of a 5-month-old baby: “It makes my life easier because of the amount of space I have left over in the boot, due to its compact size. It's so easy to put up and down, and I can do this within seconds, saving a lot of time.”
Buy from: Junior Jones and Baby Security
Shortlisted: didofy Aster
Lightweight stroller under £250
Key features we tested/judged: Weight, ease of use, manoeuvrability, fold, value for money, design, quality, durability and extra features
Gold – Chicco Goody, £189
This has an amazing 1-handed automatic fold: just press the button as you push on the handlebar, and gravity does the rest!
Why it’s a winner: Weighing just 6.9kg, ultra-compact (small enough to fit as cabin luggage on a plane) and folding with just a press of a button, our testers praised this “intuitive” pushchair for taking the stress out of travelling. With easy to adjust straps, our mums had no problem getting their toddlers in and out of the stroller in a hurry and the padded backrest upped the comfort factor. With premium-looking finishes and an “expensive-looking” design at under £200, the Goody offers great value for money and would make an ideal travel stroller or ‘second-pushchair’ to keep at the grandparents.
In the words of tester Katy, mum of a 6-month-old baby: “The Goody aims to makes life easier by being self-folding and light to carry – perfect for parents on the go. It gets top marks from me for its stylish looks (like a higher-end model), compact, lightweight frame and soft, leather-effect handle.”
Buy from: John Lewis, Pramworld and Uber Kids
Silver – iSafe Zeta Vooom, £69.95
Why it’s a winner: Budget conscious parents will appreciate this affordable, lightweight (6.9kg) stroller which our testers felt “offers the same features as more expensive models”. The stroller boasts a one-handed fold and comes with a fully-reclining seat, 5-point safety harness, large shopping basket and a useful, extendable hood, which provided a peaceful, shaded environment for naps on the go. More suited to toddlers than very small babies, as a budget-friendly, city run-around or a second stroller for holidays, we feel you can’t go wrong for this level of quality at such a low price.
In the words of tester Lucy, mum of a 4-month-old baby: “The Zeta Vooom is practical, functional and a total bargain. It's light to steer around and lift, and I love the small carry handle on the side, which makes it easy to pick up and carry once folded.”
Buy from: Baby Travel and Kids Store
Bronze – My Babiie Katie Piper MB51 Rose Gold and Blush Leopard Stroller, £159.99
Why it’s a winner: This is the perfect pick for those who want to make a fashion statement. In a soft, blush pink with rose gold leopard print, the stroller stands out from the crowd but thankfully it’s not a case of style over substance. It has a full recline (which our testers found smooth and quiet enough to use once your baby had fallen asleep) and at 8.8kg, it’s a lightweight choice when you’re on the go. With features like a rain cover and footmuff included as standard, our testers felt this stroller provided good value for money too.
In the words of tester Rachel, mum of a 1-year-old: “A beautiful, lightweight stroller than feels strong and sturdy. It’s very easy to steer – you can do it one-handed – and gives a comfortable, smooth ride, even over grass and bumpy terrain.”
Buy from: Smyths Toys, Kiddies Kingdom and My Babiie
Lightweight stroller over £250
Gold – Cybex Eezy S Twist+2, £389.95
Impressively lightweight, packs down easily and with a great swivel seat
Why it’s a winner: Stylish, sleek, and ‘as light as a feather’ to push, this stroller is the perfect choice for city life. Our testers were impressed with how compact it packed down, making it easy to store on public transport or in a small car boot, as well as how straightforward it was to fold, with one mum saying she managed it no problem with a toddler on her hip. Lightweight enough (8.6kg) to pick up easily, this stroller also offers a super-comfy ride for little ones thanks to the fully-reclining seat and extended sun shade. The star of the show, however, is the unique rotating seat, that can go from parent-facing to forward-facing in a simple, one-handed ‘click’ – a feature that impressed across the board.
In the words of tester Abigail, mum of a 4-year-old: “This pram is like pushing a feather, even with a heavy toddler in. And then even lighter once folded. I pop my pram in the boot whilst holding my toddler and I can do it without struggling.”
Buy from: John Lewis, Natural Baby Shower and Mamas & Papas
Joint Silver – Didofy Aster, £275
Why it’s a winner: Our testers all agreed the Aster’s MagicFold™, a genius bit of technology where the stroller folds in a second at the touch of a button, was indeed magic, making life ‘so easy’ when you have a baby to hold too. At just 6.2kg it’s light enough to easily get in and out of car boots or onto public transport and impressed with features such as flip-flop friendly brakes, compact folded-down size, surprisingly large basket (‘easily big enough for a changing bag’) and deceivingly expensive looks. Easy to steer along the pavement and pathways, it’s nippy enough to fit through narrow spaces and around tight corners too.
In the words of tester Lucy, mum of a 2-month-old baby: “It’s very light at just 6.2kg so picking it up and carrying it is a breeze. You can either carry it using a plastic handle or with the attached shoulder strap – both options are comfortable and it is so light I couldn’t believe I was carrying a buggy.”
Buy from: Kiddies Kingdom, Baby Planet and Didofy
Joint Silver – Joolz Aer, £389
Why it’s a winner: Whether as an everyday, out and about stroller, or an essential travelling companion, the Joolz Aer ticked all our testers’ boxes. At an incredibly lightweight 6.1kg, it can easily be carried on one shoulder (thanks to the handy shoulder strap), and folds down to a super-compact 53.5 x 45 x 21.5cm, perfect for fitting in an aeroplane’s overhead luggage compartment. Despite its compact size, there’s a decent size basket underneath and our tester found it provided a smooth, effortless ride even on bumpy country lanes. What impressed the most was how quick it is to fold down, all with a simple press of a button.
In the words of tester Donna, mum of a 7-month-old baby: “I love how quickly it folds and unfolds, which saves me so much time, and pushing and steering is a joy as it just seems to glide along, whatever the surface.”
Buy from: Pramworld, Natural Baby Shower and Joolz
Bronze – Leclerc - Magic Fold™ Stroller plus, £359
Why it’s a winner: Le Clerc’s Magic Fold stroller makes the ideal travel buggy, combining a lightweight design (6.6kg) with an innovative fold that impressed our judges and testers. In one swift movement the stroller concertinas down into a compact fold, while you stand and watch without having wrestle with awkward folding functions. Our testers found they could pick it up easily with one hand once folded and that its nippy design also meant it was “easy to manoeuvre in and out of small spaces.”
In the words of tester Laura, mum of a 5-month-old baby: “A lightweight yet robust urban stroller with a range of stylish, user-friendly features and accessories. The one-touch Magic Fold system means it can be collapsed with one hand – making it perfect for use on public transport or travel.”
Buy from: Baby Planet , Le Clerc and Harvey Baby Store (Ireland)
Shortlisted: Bugaboo Bee 6
All-terrain pushchair
Key features we tested/judged: All-terrain handling, manoeuvrability, weight, fold, ease of use, value for money, design, extra features
Gold – Noordi Fjordi travel system, £880
Comprising: Fjordi pushchair, carrycot, infant car seat, car seat adaptors, changing bag, insect net, rain cover and cup holder
A premium pram with fantastic suspension and everything you need for walks in all weathers
Why it’s a winner: This is a robust, solid pushchair that's not just designed for all terrains but all weathers too. With water resistant fabrics, UV 50+ protection and thermo-regulating fabric in the carrycot, it adapts to any conditions. You can be reassured that your baby will travel comfortably no matter the terrain thanks to shock-absorption in all 4 wheels. Tester Rachel, mum of a 4-month-old baby, also found all parts of the travel system to work seamlessly with each other and said, “Each attachment feels built to last and all connect together really well.”
In the words of tester Verity, mum of a baby and toddler: “Well made, gorgeous to push and stacked with clever features, the Noordi offers a comfortable place for both my baby and my toddler and it's held up in good condition on our many (many) lockdown walks!”
Buy from: Samuel Johnston, Pramworld and Baby Planet
Silver – Kinderkraft All Road, from £199
Comprising: Kinderkraft All Road pushchair, leg warmer, mosquito net, cup holder and rain cover
Why it’s a winner: Our testers were highly impressed by this pushchair’s value for money, with handy outdoor extras such as a mosquito net, rain cover and leg warmer all included at a price point that sits below £200. They found it handled well on bumpy ground, thanks to the large wheels (made from puncture-resistant EVA) with built-in shock absorbers. It can also be folded one-handed which tester Katrina, mum of a 1-year-old, said was “such a practical quality when you're trying to watch multiple children.”
In the words of tester Clemmie, mum of a 5-month-old baby: “For such a low price point I was really astonished by the quality of the All Road stroller. It is a fantastic budget stroller for outdoorsy parents who love to get out and about, covering all types of terrain. And it comes with so many extras for any eventuality.”
Buy from: Amazon, Pramworld and Kiddies Kingdom
Bronze – Infababy Ultimo 3-Wheel 3in1 Travel System, £799.99
Comprising: Infababy Ultimo pushchair, carrycot, infant car seat and rain cover
Why it’s a winner: This sturdy pushchair was rated highly by our testers for how well it handled uneven terrain with a light aluminium frame but robust air-filled tyres. “For our walking purposes, this is probably the best buggy I’ve used,” said tester Jade, mum of a 3-month-old baby, while tester Laura, mum of a 4-month-old baby, added that “the wheels seem very strong.” We also loved the attention to detail such as the zipped cover on the shopping basket – useful for security as well as keeping your items protected on a blustery day.
In the words of tester Jade, mum of a 3-month-old baby: “For us, living in a rural location, this is ideal for a pram to stay ‘up’ in our hallway for regular walking use. Love the 3 wheeled, robust design, which is perfect for our country lanes!”
Buy from: Infababy
Travel system package under £800
Key features we tested/judged: Quality and features of buggy, car seat and accessories, ease of use (including switching between car seat and carrycot), push, fold, weight, style, value for money
Gold – Venicci Tinum 3in1 Travel System, £799
Comprising: Venicci Tinum pushchair, carrycot, car seat with adaptors, footmuff, changing bag, changing bag, raincovers and insect nets
It’s extremely light weight, comes with 3 different seats, and can be pushed anywhere
Why it’s a winner: The lightest and most compact buggy from under-the-radar brand Venicci, the Tinum can be folded with the seat unit in either parent or world-facing position, which isn’t the case with a lot of buggies. A real joy to "unbox', our testers were bowled over by the number of accessories that came with the bundle, as well as the high quality of the fabrics, and found the extendable hoods on the seat and carrycot really useful for blocking the sun from their reclining babies. We loved how premium this felt for the price, with solid construction and lots of great details.
In the words of tester Rohese, mum of a 6-month-old baby: “Despite its compact fold, the wheels have great grip and are big enough to handle any terrain. The bassinet is deep and the mattress is slightly angled, which can help babies with reflux, and the car seat is light and really easy to install.”
Buy from: Winstanleys Pramworld, Little Angels and Amazon
Joint Silver – Kinderkraft XMOOV 3in1, £299
Comprising: Kinderkraft Xmoov pushchair (with 2-in-1 seat and carrycot), rain cover, MINK car seat and adaptors, insect net, car seat, changing bag and mat, bag hooks, cup holder and footmuff
Why it’s a winner: Described by tester Jodie, mum of a baby and toddler, as “an excellent quality product that really offers value for money,” this competitively priced travel system offers a staggering number of coordinating accessories at a fraction of the cost of others on the market. We were hugely impressed by the value for money, and the fact the bassinet converts to a seat, saving valuable space. The 4 inflatable rubber tyres meant it was easy to push “up kerbs, on grass and over stones” and change direction while offering the passenger a smooth ride. Moving the car seat from the frame to the car was a cinch, and the 8-position handlebar allow both parents to comfortably push the buggy despite being very different heights.
In the words of tester Scott, dad of a 5-month-old baby: “It's perfect for parents on a budget as it comes with everything you need. My favourite feature is probably the hood, which offers great protection from wind, rain or sun as it extends right over the seat. There is also a handy peekaboo hole to keep an eye on your little one.”
Buy from: Kiddies Kingdom, Pramworld and Amazon
Joint Silver – Babymore MeMore Travel System, £499
Comprising: Babymore MeMore pushchair, elevator, carrycot, car seat, car seat adaptors, Isofix base, foot muff, seat liner, rain cover, changing bag, changing mat and cup holder
Why it’s a winner: Our testers praised the MeMore travel system for the range of extra accessories included for £500, "which elevate this system above others of its type”. The adaptors used to interchange between the seats and car seat were “effortless” to use, especially after increased use, and they found it handled well thanks to the lightweight aluminium frame and 4-wheel suspension. Both testers also remarked how narrow the pushchair was, making it a great choice for manoeuvring supermarket shopping aisles or public transport.
In the words of tester Joanne, mum of a 2-month-old: “I can honestly say that pushing the pram was an easy experience. It’s really easy to push with one hand around on all terrains; pavements, grass, gravel and country lanes.”
Buy from: Kiddies Kingdom, Amazon and Babymore
Bronze – Your Babiie Belgravia Rose Gold Black Travel System, £599.98
Comprising: Your Babiie Belgravia pushchair, carrycot, car seat, rain cover and footmuff
Why it’s a winner: This eye-catching travel system grabbed our testers’ attention as soon as it was out of the box, with its rose-gold chassis and leather handlebar. There’s plenty of substance to back up the style, including a spacious and well-padded car seat and carrycot, which are more likely to accommodate your growing baby for longer. Tester Rebecca, mum of a 4-month-old baby, found the Belgravia “lightweight, which made pushing and steering easy, even with one hand,” and switching the seats on the frame a doddle.
In the words of tester Tracey, mum of a 7-month-old baby: “This travel system is really straightforward to set up and use and all parts felt good quality and robust. It works well as a travel system as it’s incredibly simply to add and remove the seats from the frame. It’s nice and compact when folded for easy storage, and unfolds at the touch of a button.”
Buy from: My Babiie, Very and Little Arrivals
Shortlisted: Didofy Cosmos | Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 | Red Kite Push Me Pace Inc ISO Fix Base
Travel system package over £800
Joint Gold – UPPAbaby Cruz V2 & MESA i-Size Infant Carrier, £1,074.97
Comprising: UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair, carrycot, rain covers, sun shades, insect nets, car seat and Isofix base
This travel system is in a class above the rest thanks to stand-out features that make getting out with your baby a breeze
Why it’s a winner: Building on the solid and dependable base of the enduringly popular Cruz pushchair, this V2 version has scored top points with our testers thanks to its innovative design features. This includes a release button on the car seat and carrycot, meaning it can be removed from the chassis with just one hand. Better yet, the Mesa car seat clips straight onto the frame without any adaptors, making for an especially smooth transfer. The breathable carrycot is safe for overnight sleeping and the improved seat size can now take up to 22kg too.
In the words of tester Danielle, mum of a 3-month-old baby: “The pram ticks all the right boxes when it comes to safety, style and practicality. Everything from the smart Isofix base for the Mesa car seat to the extra-large toddler seat of the pram makes life with a little one easier.”
Buy from: BabyBaby and Trendy Baby
Joint Gold – egg2 Stroller & egg Shell Car Seat, £1,399-£1,499
Comprising: egg2 pushchair, carrycot, footmuff, changing bag, fur seat liner, raincovers, insect net, car seat, Isofix base and adaptors
Extremely stylish, sturdy yet incredibly easy to manoeuvre and simple to set up in any mode
Why it’s a winner: This premium travel system wowed our testers with its high-spec frame and fabrics on every item, including the i-Size car seat, which uses memory foam for added safety and comfort. They loved how easy it was build – even without the instructions – and push, despite its relatively heavy frame. Extra marks were given for how simple it is to change the seat for the carrycot or car seat, as well as how quick and easy it is to fold down. You certainly get your money’s worth with a staggering number of accessories. Plus it can be used as a double buggy with an additional seat unit and adaptors.
In the words of tester Jessica, mum of a newborn: “As well as being one of the best-looking travel systems on the market, this is one of the highest quality. The carrycot is superbly comfortable for my baby and the buggy was a joy to take out because it handles so beautifully on every type of terrain.”
Buy from: Simply Baby and Kids Store
Silver – Silver Cross Wayfarer 2020 Dream and i-Size base bundle, £1,030
Comprising: Silver Cross Wayfarer pushchair, carrycot, carrycot hood and apron, i-Size infant carrier and base, car seat adaptors, footmuff, changing bag, cup holder and car seat rain covers
Why it’s a winner: This travel system bundle, from British heritage brand Silver Cross, looks the part with quilted bamboo fabrics but also boasts some impressive safety credentials. This can be seen in the Dream i-Size car seat and base, which together were awarded the best-ever rating by independent car seat testing body ADAC. Our testers were impressed by how well it tackles kerbs and rough ground “with ease”, and handles “really well” around corners, on cobbles and down narrow shop aisles thanks to the improved lighter frame.
In the words of tester Jessica, mum of a 3-month-old baby: “I was really impressed with the versatility of this travel system as it comes with a beautiful carrycot lined with naturally anti-bacterial bamboo that helps regulate your baby’s temperature. It’s snug, safe for overnight sleeping and evidently comfortable as Lucas slept on every journey.”
Buy from: Pramworld, John Lewis and Silver Cross
Bronze – Cybex Balios S Lux, £864.65 for bundle
Comprising: Balios S Lux pushchair, Aton M i-Size car seat, Base M, car seat adapters, rain cover, Cot S, cup holder and footmuff
Why it’s a winner: Based around the new and improved Balios S Lux pushchair, this travel system bundle combines the robust and smart-looking frame with an award-winning car seat, a cosy carrycot and lie-flat seat, complete with generous sun canopy. Our testers also praised the nifty accessories, including a “lovely” and decent-sized footmuff "that will last for years," according to tester Rebecca, mum of a 5-month-old baby. She appreciated the compact fold, lightweight frame and ease of folding that meant it “was easy to lift and fit perfectly in the small boot of my car.”
In the words of tester Hollie, mum of a baby and toddler: "Effortless to put and down, this travel system is sturdy, reliable and intuitive to use. I found it easy to click the car seat on and off the frame, which is important to avoid disturbing a sleeping baby. And my son loves sleeping in the carrycot, making leaving the house as least stressful as possible."
Buy from: Natural Baby Shower and Winstanley’s Pramworld
Shortlisted: Ark 3 in 1 Pushchair | Inglesina Aptica
Convertible Buggy
Key features we tested/judged: Quality of buggy, ease of use as a double, comfort for babies and children, ease of steering and negotiating kerbs, fold, weight, style, value for money
Joint Gold – Silver Cross Wave 2020, £995
Quality is superb, down to the stitching of the seats and the comfort of the carrycot
Why it’s a winner: Ready to use as a double straight out of the box (although there are 7 configurations and 30 with additional items), this outstanding, luxe-looking pram is everything our testers wanted in a convertible buggy. It’s “durable”, “superb quality, from the stitching of the seats to the comfort of the carrycot” and “very comfortable” for both passengers and parents. It’s also easy to fold and assemble, even with the carrycot adaptors in place. The carrycot itself is suitable for overnight sleeping and scored highly thanks to its breathable bamboo lining, as did the spacious shopping basket.
In the words of tester Penny, mum of a baby and toddler: “Silver Cross have thought of everything with this pram, even down to the bags for the rain covers. I would recommend it to any family with a new baby and a toddler, as the toddler sits facing you so they get the attention they may be craving with a new sibling around.”
Buy from: Winstanleys Pramworld, John Lewis and Silver Cross
Joint Gold – UPPAbaby Vista V2, £1,029.97-£1,049.97
This lightweight pram is excellent quality and so easy to push in single and double mode
Why it’s a winner: This “sleek and luxurious-looking” buggy won praise from our testers for its versatility. It comes ready to use as a single, then converts into a double with adaptors to take an extra seat or carrycot, which is suitable for overnight sleeping. Great for twins or a newborn and toddler, the Vista can even accommodate a third child standing up on the coordinating buggy board. Built to last, “it’s the type of pram you could use for years as you have more children,” suggested our tester Blaise, mum of 1-year-old twins, who praised the wipe-clean fabric, “top quality” materials and “sturdy but light” frame.
In the words of tester Blaise, mum of 1-year-old twins: “This pram has completely changed my opinion on tandem double buggies, which usually mean 1 child is looking at the back of the other’s seat; in here, both my babies got a great view of their surroundings. And the storage is amazing – I’ve never seen such a big basket on a buggy.”
Buy from: Huggle, John Lewis and Mamas & Papas
Silver – iSafe Me&You Tandem, £499.95
Why it’s a winner: This inline tandem buggy is a great price and impressed our testers with the fact that everything you need for 2 children from birth is included in the box, “right down to the rain covers” and including 2 seats that that convert into carrycots. It offers various combinations of seating arrangements as your children grow, including an option for 2 car seats if you want to use it as a travel system. Tester Ann, mum of a baby and toddler, was won over. She said, “It’s easy to push, carries both my children comfortably and handles even tough terrains with relative ease.”
In the words of tester Samantha, mum of 1-year old twins: “It feels sturdy, reliable and the materials feel expensive. Best of all, it’s so easy to set up and fold down that I could do it on my own. Moving twins about is like a military operation and you never have enough hands, so having a buggy that makes everything easier is a huge benefit.”
Buy from: Baby Travel and Amazon
Bronze – Cybex Gazelle S, 749.90
Why it’s a winner: You can shop ‘til you drop with this innovative pram, which comes with a generous under-buggy storage basket with a 13kg capacity plus another shopper basket that holds up to 10kg and sits on the top of the chassis in single mode. The ability to hold a week’s worth of shopping wowed our testers but the buggy really impressed with its clever integrated adaptors, which slide up and down the frame to the correct position for either carrycot or seat, meaning there’s no chance of losing or leaving them behind.
In the words of tester Rebecca, mum of a baby and toddler: “The Gazelle is a great buggy: compact, slimline, configurable and easy to use. It’s also significantly cheaper than premium double buggies but really holds its own as it feels solid, looks smart and handles brilliantly.”
Buy from: Natural Baby Shower, Mamas & Papas and John Lewis
Double side-by-side
Key features we tested/judged: Suitability from birth, adaptability, weight, ease of use as a double, manoeuvrability, fold, price, design, quality, extra features
Gold – Roma Gemini, £349
Manoeuvrability and ease of pushing on all sorts of terrain are outstanding for a budget buggy
Why it’s a winner: This buggy weighs a mere 9kg, which is the same as some single pushchairs and a pleasant surprise for our testers. But what really impressed them was the buggy’s superior manoeuvrability and ease of pushing on all types of terrain. “The steering is truly on a par with the highest-end pushchairs out there,” said tester Karolina, mum of a a baby and toddler, who navigated the Gemini over muddy terrain and pushed one-handed up steep kerbs. Other notable features include the roomy shopping basket, compact fold and independent seat recline, so your baby can nap while your toddler sits up.
In the words of tester Hannah, mum of 1-year-old twins: “The pushchair was easy to set up as the instructions were clear, the seats look comfy and the handlebar is a great height – I never feel like I’m leaning forward when pushing. With carrycots on the seats, this pram is ideal for twin parents.”
Buy from: Roma and Baby Security
Silver – Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double, £459
Why it’s a winner: This double buggy attracted lots of praise from our testers, who were impressed by how easily it fitted through even narrow doorways, its compact fold (it only took up half the boot of our tester’s Ford Focus) and how well siblings sitting side-by-side could “engage with each other as well as the world.” It steers like a dream and is light enough to lift over a few steps yet robust enough to keep two little ones “secure and comfortable.” The seats recline independently and with additional bassinets, the buggy can be used with a baby and toddler, or with twins.
In the words of tester Stacey, mum of a baby and toddler: “Compact, lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, this looks great and helped me quickly and easily get both kids out and about. It also folds small in one part, making it a cinch to store, carry and get in and out of the boot of the car.”
Buy from: John Lewis, Uber Kids and Amazon
Bronze – My Babiie Samantha Faiers Grey Melange Double Stroller, £225
Why it’s a winner: This fashion-forward buggy wowed our testers with its sturdy frame, impressive manoeuvrability and plentiful extras, including reversible seat liners, rain cover and 2 cup holders. Our tester Kelly, mum of a 9-month-old, described it as a “really well made and stylish” buggy that “feels more expensive than it is.” The seats recline independently and can be operated with one hand, with a lie-flat option for babies and napping toddlers. Siblings will also appreciate the 2 separate seat bars (so there’s no jostling for position). It’s competitively priced for a double, too.
In the words of tester Nichola, mum of 1-year-old twins: “I love the reversible seat liners, decent-sized storage baskets and the extra-long hoods with 3 different positions, which is perfect when one child is sleeping but the other wants to look out at the world. Best of all, my twins seemed very comfortable and had plenty of room.”
Buy from: Very, Argos and My Babiie
Pushchair accessory
Key features we tested/judged: Effectiveness, quality, value for money, durability, usefulness
Gold - Micralite Winter Pack, £125
I love this and would describe it as a necessary purchase for any parent in the winter
Why it’s a winner: “A brilliant accessory” and “thick and soft” were the words of of our testers who couldn’t praise this cosy winter set highly enough. The practical yet stylish accessories – comprised of a footmuff, mitts and a handy little duffle bag to carry them in – were notable not just for looking great but for genuinely keeping babies warm and dry in bad weather. Parents loved showing off the top-quality sets while out and about and really enjoyed the peace of mind that comes with knowing your baby is well protected.
In the words of tester Rhiannon, mum of a 3-month-old baby: “I love the winter pack. It’s stylish, warm and cosy. I love that they come with bags so that they are easily stored away. Most importantly, my baby is kept warm and dry.”
Buy from: Micralite
Silver - Joie therma™, £69
Why it’s a winner: Keeping babies warm and snuggly was the winning formula for this clever yet super cosy pushchair muff. Testers loved its high-quality look and feel but also found that it delivered on its promise to keep the cold out. Bonus points were awarded for the generous sizing which meant tall babies and even toddlers could safely snuggle in. And we also loved how it scrunches down into a pocket bag when not in use, saving valuable space.
In the words of Sophie, mum of a baby and toddler: “It has kept both our baby and our toddler super cosy through the bitter cold of January in North Yorkshire. The inside material is so soft and comes up lovely and high around the child's neck and head to keep them warm and protected from the wind.”
Buy from: Joie, Baby Planet, Online4Baby
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