Our survey results show that nearly half of parents have experienced a problem with their pushchair*.
But your chances of having to deal with faults and broken parts can be improved by choosing a reliable brand.
In our survey, 92% reported problems for the worst brand, compared to just 30% for the best brand.
Read on to find out which brands are most likely to stay problem-free and the issues that crop up most frequently.
We put each pushchair we test through rigorous durability and safety tests. Read our reviews to find the best pushchairs.
Which are the best and worst pushchair brands?
Owners of Joie and Graco pushchairs are least likely to experience a problem, with 70% reporting no issues at all. Mothercare pushchairs are also among the best, with 68% of owners saying they had stayed problem-free.
Those who own Babyzen, Baby Elegance and Baby Jogger pushchairs are most likely to have problems. A substantial 92% of Babyzen owners said they had experienced an issue with their pushchair.
Babyzen and Baby Elegance pushchairs were more likely to have issues with the chassis/frame and changing the direction of the seat compared to other brands.
Find out which pushchair brands leave parents most satisfied in our guide to the best pushchair brands.
Which are the most common pushchair problems?
Pushchair owners are most likely to experience problems with the wheels, closely followed by the folding mechanism and brakes.
The table below shows the percentage of people who reported problems with each pushchair part.
| Wheels | 28% |
| Folding mechanism | 22% |
| Brakes | 22% |
| Handlebar/handles | 19% |
| Chassis/frame | 17% |
| Changing direction of the seat | 17% |
| Seat backrest | 16% |
| Hood | 15% |
Tips for preventing pushchair problems
As well as choosing a reliable brand, maintaining your pushchair properly can help to avoid problems. Follow these tips to help keep your pushchair working for longer:
- Regularly clean the pushchair with a damp cloth to remove rust, dirt and debris. Avoid using abrasives as this can cause damage.
- Lubricate all moving parts including the wheels, brakes and recline mechanism using a non-stick lubricant.
- Avoid storing the pushchair in cold or damp places.
- Regularly inspect wheels for dirt and trapped objects.
- Check whether the seat cover is machine washable – some are suitable for hand-washing only.
- Ensure your child’s weight does not exceed the pushchair’s maximum weight limit.
- Regularly check for worn or loose parts that may need replacing or repairing.
Read our pushchair safety tips guide to get advice on avoiding potential hazards from wheels, brakes and harnesses.
*Results based on a survey of 1,560 parents with children aged five and under conducted in March 2020. Respondents were asked whether they had experienced problems with any parts of their pushchair.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/12/the-best-brands-for-a-problem-free-pushchair/