Pushchair and pram buying guide

The tandem is the same width as a normal pushchair and the back seat is great for a new baby, but an older, sitting-up baby can't see as much as the one in the front. The side-by-side models are lighter and more comfortable for older babies and toddlers, but are almost double the width of a normal pushchair.

Best buy
Graco DuoSport Sport Rider
Price £179.99
What you get - side-by-side buggy with lockable front swivel, freestanding when folded, two padded hoods with detachable rain covers, weight 7.8kg/handle height 103cm/width 75cm.
iVillagers' comments - 'modern, neat buggy with good quality fabric'; 'easy to open and close'; 'fits into the boot of my car but doesn't go through my front door'; 'seats don't lie completely flat so not great for a newborn'; 'great value.'
Where to buy - call 0870 909 0510 or visit www.graco.co.uk

Try before you buyAlthough you pay extra for big branded names and less for home store products, there is usually a difference in quality. The more expensive pushchairs have better quality fabric and easier to operate mechanisms.

The differences are not always obvious if you're not familiar with pushchairs. Have a good look at your chosen model in the shop, or buy it and practise using it in the house before your baby is born. If you keep the receipt you can always take it back.

Safety

• Young babies should not be pushed over rough terrain until at least 15 weeks, as their necks are not strong enough to support a bouncing head.
• Midwives and doctors have recently voiced their concerns about travel systems. Their main worry is that because young babies have little head control and a soft developing spine, they shouldn't spend long periods slumped in a semi-upright position in the car seat. This can prevent them from breathing properly. Keep the length of time your baby spends in a car seat to a minimum - at least for the first few months. Don't use it as a baby seat around the house, and make sure your baby usually lies flat to sleep both day and night.