In short: For a newborn, choose a stroller with a carrycot or a seat that reclines fully flat. A 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 travel system is the most versatile, a lightweight travel stroller suits the city and flights, an all-terrain model suits gravel paths, and twins or siblings need a double stroller. Before buying, check the weight, folded size and the EN 1888 standard.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 Sep 2026
Types of strollers
2-in-1, 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 travel systems
A travel system has one chassis that takes a carrycot (first months, lying flat) and later a pushchair seat. A 2-in-1 set includes chassis, carrycot and seat, a 3-in-1 adds an infant car seat, and a 4-in-1 also an ISOFIX base for the car. It is the most popular choice for a first baby, because you use it from birth to around 4 years.
Examples from our range: Cybex Balios S Lux, Cybex Eos Lux (the carrycot converts into a seat), UPPAbaby Vista V3 and Cruz V3, Joolz Day. Browse 2-in-1 strollers, 3-in-1 travel systems and 4-in-1 sets.
Pushchair
A pushchair (buggy) has a seat unit only. Some models recline fully flat and are rated from birth by the manufacturer; others are designed for children from about 6 months, once they can sit steadily. Examples: Cybex Beezy (from birth, about 8.5 kg) and Cybex Eezy S Twist+2 with a 360° rotating seat.
Lightweight travel stroller
Lightweight strollers weigh around 6 kg and fold very small, some even to cabin-bag size. They are great for the city, public transport and travel, less so for long walks on rough ground because of their smaller wheels. Examples: Cybex Orfeo (about 6.3 kg, from birth), Cybex Libelle (about 6 kg, from 6 months), Cybex Agis (6.3 kg, from about 6 months), Cybex Melio Carbon (5.9 kg) and Joolz Aer. All in our lightweight strollers collection.
All-terrain stroller
An all-terrain stroller has larger puncture-proof wheels and suspension, so it rides more smoothly on gravel, forest trails and cobbles. It is a little heavier and bulkier when folded. Examples: Cybex Talos S Lux (all-terrain suspension, 12.5 kg, soft carrycot included) and Cybex Balios S Lux with all-terrain wheels.
Double strollers for twins and siblings
For twins or siblings close in age, choose a stroller that takes two children. Cybex Gazelle S offers 23 configurations for one or two children (second seat or carrycot sold separately); similar options are Nuna Demi Next and Joie Evalite Duo. Browse twin strollers, strollers for siblings and extra seats.
Which stroller type suits you
| Type | Best for | Examples from our range |
|---|---|---|
| Travel system 2-in-1 / 3-in-1 / 4-in-1 | First baby, one stroller from birth to about 4 years, frequent car use (3-in-1, 4-in-1) | Cybex Balios S Lux, Cybex Eos Lux, UPPAbaby Vista V3 and Cruz V3, Joolz Day |
| Pushchair | A child who can sit, or parents who want a smaller everyday stroller | Cybex Beezy, Cybex Eezy S Twist+2 |
| Lightweight travel | City, public transport, flights, small boot, second stroller for holidays | Cybex Orfeo, Cybex Libelle, Cybex Agis, Cybex Melio Carbon, Joolz Aer |
| All-terrain | Gravel, forest trails, countryside, long walks | Cybex Talos S Lux, Cybex Balios S Lux |
| Double (twins and siblings) | Twins or siblings close in age | Cybex Gazelle S, Nuna Demi Next, Joie Evalite Duo |
See the full range in our strollers collection, including Cybex, UPPAbaby, Joolz and KikkaBoo.
What to check before you buy
- Lie-flat position for a newborn: a newborn should lie on a flat, firm surface. Choose a carrycot or seat the manufacturer rates from birth that reclines fully flat.
- Stroller weight: the range is wide, from 5.9 kg (Cybex Melio Carbon) to 12.6 kg (Cybex Gazelle S). If you often carry it up stairs or lift it into the car, every kilo counts.
- Fold and boot size: measure your boot and compare it with the folded dimensions. The Cybex Orfeo folds to 15.5 × 47.5 × 52.5 cm, the Cybex Balios S Lux to 45 × 60 × 77.5 cm. Also check for a one-hand fold and whether it stands on its own when folded.
- Carrycot: a rigid carrycot is better for long walks and winter; a soft or foldable one takes up less space. Carrycots can often be bought separately.
- Suspension: all-wheel suspension means a smoother ride over cobbles and kerbs.
- Wheels: larger puncture-proof wheels are better on gravel; smaller swivel wheels are better in shops and narrow spaces.
- Shopping basket: check the load limit, e.g. up to 10 kg on the Cybex Balios S Lux or up to 5 kg on the Cybex Beezy.
- Handlebar, hood and harness: height-adjustable handlebar, UPF 50+ hood and a 5-point harness.
On hot days, don't cover the stroller with a blanket or muslin, as this stops the air flowing. Use a clip-on stroller shade instead, which gives shade and lets air circulate. In winter, a stroller footmuff comes in handy.
Read also: Pushchair footmuff: how to choose (and car seat safety).
The EN 1888 standard explained
The European standard EN 1888 sets safety requirements and test methods for prams and pushchairs:
- EN 1888-1:2018+A1:2022 covers pushchairs and prams for children up to 15 kg (each).
- EN 1888-2:2018+A1:2022 covers pushchairs for children above 15 kg up to 22 kg.
- EN 1888-3:2024 covers pushchairs for heavier children intended for sport activities such as running.
You'll find the standard in the instruction manual or on the stroller's label. Many strollers carry a child up to 22 kg, so check the manufacturer's load limits and never exceed the maximum child weight or basket load.
Stroller and car seat: an infant carrier on the chassis
With 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 travel systems you can click the infant car seat (car seats 40–87 cm) onto the chassis using adapters. It's handy for short trips, such as a doctor's appointment or the shops, because you don't have to move a sleeping baby.
But the car seat isn't a place for long walks or sleep. Manufacturers advise limiting time in the car seat: Maxi-Cosi says babies should stay in a car seat for no more than two hours at a time, and The Lullaby Trust advises taking your baby out as soon as you arrive and placing them on a firm, flat surface. Always follow your car seat's manual and use the carrycot for longer walks. For choosing a car seat, read our car seat buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best stroller for a newborn?
One with a carrycot or a seat that reclines fully flat and is rated from birth by the manufacturer. For a first baby, a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 travel system is the most practical.
Is a 3-in-1 better than a 2-in-1?
A 3-in-1 also includes an infant car seat, so it's worth it if you drive a lot and don't have a car seat yet. If you already have a compatible car seat, a 2-in-1 with adapters is enough.
When can a baby sit in a pushchair?
It depends on the model. Some pushchair seats with a lie-flat position are suitable from birth, others from about 6 months. Always follow the manufacturer's age and weight limits.
Can a baby sleep in a stroller?
A short nap in the carrycot during a walk is normal. For unsupervised or overnight sleep, only use the carrycot if it is completely flat and the manufacturer says it is suitable for overnight sleep; otherwise move your baby to a cot.
How do I choose a stroller for a small boot?
Measure your boot and pick the stroller with the smallest folded size. Lightweight travel strollers such as the Cybex Orfeo and Cybex Agis fold to cabin-bag size.
Read also
- Cybex strollers: model comparison
- KikkaBoo strollers: model comparison and which to choose
- UPPAbaby Vista V3 vs Cruz V3: differences and which to choose
- Joolz Day and Joolz Aer – strollers for modern parents
- How to choose a car seat: i-Size guide 2026
- Anti-sweat car seat and stroller liner
Sources
- EN 1888-1:2018+A1:2022 – Pushchairs and prams
- EN 1888-2:2018+A1:2022 – Pushchairs for children above 15 kg up to 22 kg
- EN 1888-3:2024 – Pushchairs for heavier children intended for sport activities
- The Lullaby Trust – Car seats
- The Lullaby Trust – Hot weather
- The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep on holiday
- Maxi-Cosi – Long car journeys with your baby
Stroller data is taken from product descriptions and manufacturer manuals. This content is for information only and does not replace the instructions for your stroller and car seat.
