A pushchair is one of the most important and most expensive items you will buy for your baby. It is therefore essential you get it right. You need one that is going to fit into your lifestyle, and with so many to choose from, it's worth doing some homework first.

Start by talking to friends and family who already have children. Their advice is invaluable and shouldn't be underestimated. Even if your needs aren't exactly the same they'll still have plenty of hints and tips worth taking note of.

Any pushchair you buy today is going to be fairly lightweight and compact, but it is the degree of these that you need to look at more closely. If you use public transport regularly, or you have to negotiate stairs, or you have no storage space for the pushchair, or you live in an area where pavements and doorways are frustratingly narrow then you should definitely go for one of the smaller, lighter, more easily-collapsible models.

If you plan to do a lot of walking then choose a model with enhanced suspension and large, swivel wheels because it will be more comfortable for the baby.

If you will be using your car for most journeys then a complete travel system is a good buy. If you don't have a car then a pushchair with a large shopping tray is an absolute must.

Travel System

A travel system is a combined baby car seat and folding pram/pushchair in one. The big advantage of these is that it lets you move your baby from car to pushchair easily. They are suitable from birth and normally have an adjustable seat for the growing child. They often have roomy shopping baskets and some have all-round suspension for added comfort.

Three-Wheeler Jogger

Three-wheeler joggers are normally suitable from birth but not all. They have a robust forward-facing pushchair with three wheels for uneven surfaces. The seats are normally adjustable for comfort with pneumatic tyres for a smoother ride. Most feature a roomy shopping basket and they are often available as a twin.

Forward Facing Pushchair

Forward-facing pushchairs are compact, flat-folding design for easy storage and are generally light and manoeuvrable. They are suitable from birth with an adjustable seat with lie-flat position for newborns. They include front swivel wheels for easy steering, a removable play tray, large shopping basket and fold easily.

2-in-1 Pushchair

A 2-in-1 pushchair is a pram that converts to a forward- or rear-facing pushchair. They are suitable from birth with an adjustable seat with lie-flat position for newborns and usually have the option of swivel wheels.

3-in-1 Pushchair

A 3-in-1 pushchair contains a carrycot that converts to a forward- or rear-facing pushchair and a car seat. They are suitable from birth with an adjustable seat with lie-flat position for newborns and usually have the option of swivel wheels. Look for one that does not require extra attachment for the car seat as they can be pain staking.

Stroller

Strollers are lightweight but robust in design for added freedom of movement. Some models are suitable for newborns and they are lightweight, folding and easily transportable. Most have swivel front wheels for manoeuvrability and some have adjustable seat positions.

Tandem Pushchair

Tandem pushchairs have two forward-facing seats, one in front of the other, and are suitable for children of differing ages. They have adjustable seats with lie-flat position that operate independently, swivel front wheels for manoeuvrability and one or two shopping baskets. Adding a baby car seat converts some models to a travel system.

Twin Pushchairs

Twin pushchairs have two front-facing seats side-by-side and most are suitable for two newborns or children of differing ages. They have adjustable seats with lie-flat position that operate independently, swivel front wheels for manoeuvrability and one or two shopping baskets. Adding a baby car seat converts some models to a travel system.