What you need to know about prams if you live in a city
September 15, 2025
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Prams and pushchairs for city living
Living in a city with a baby can be both exciting and challenging. While you have plenty of places to explore, great transport links and a wealth of family-friendly activities on your doorstep, it also means navigating crowded pavements, busy buses, potential limited storage space at home and the occasional escalator challenge. Choosing the right pram or pushchair can make all the difference – helping you move around smoothly, keep your little one comfortable and fit your lifestyle with ease.
Using public transport
Public transport is one of the biggest considerations when choosing a pram for city living. From buses and trams to trains and the tube, you’ll want something that folds compactly and can be manoeuvred easily through doors, aisles and platforms. Lightweight models such as the newly released iCandy Pip are invaluable when you need to carry your pushchair onto a train or up a short flight of stairs.
For parents in London, our guide to pram-friendly Tube stations is a must-read.
Driving
Not all city parents rely solely on public transport – many also drive. That’s where a pram with a quick, compact fold becomes essential. Boot space can be limited in city cars, so choosing a model that folds flat or in two easy steps will save you both time and stress. Travel systems that move seamlessly from car seat to pushchair frame can also make journeys more convenient.
At-home storage
City living sometimes means less storage space, whether you’re in a flat, maisonette, or townhouse. Prams that stand upright when folded or that have a slim profile make it easier to store them neatly in a hallway, under stairs, or in a cupboard.
Being out and about in crowds
Wide pavements aren’t always guaranteed in cities. A narrow, nimble, single footprint pushchair makes weaving through crowds or navigating café tables far more manageable. Swivel wheels, light steering and a smooth push are all features to look for when you’ll be spending a lot of time in busy high streets, shopping centres, or markets.
Using a pushchair in London
Sophie, mum of one
Sophie lives in North London and regularly takes the tube to visit family. She told us how much she values a lightweight pram:
“Living in London means I’m constantly hopping on and off buses and using the Tube. I’ve found that the new iCandy Pip folds down so quickly with one hand which is a lifesaver. Some stations are pram-friendly, but not all, so it’s important to plan ahead. I keep an eye on the pram-friendly Tube guide whenever I’m heading somewhere new.”
Her advice for other city parents: always factor in how many stairs, lifts, or escalators you’ll encounter on your usual journeys.
Using a pushchair in Manchester
Daniel, dad of two
Daniel highlights how the trams and busy city centre shaped his choice of pushchair:
“Manchester’s trams are brilliant for families, but they can get really busy at rush hour. Having a compact pram that doesn’t take up too much space makes everyone’s life easier. I also love that ours has great suspension - it really helps on the cobbled streets around the Northern Quarter.”
Using a pushchair in Liverpool
Sam, dad of a new born and toddler
Raj told us about the unique challenges of Liverpool’s vibrant city centre:
“We’re spoiled for culture and waterfront walks, but Liverpool can be busy, especially around the docks. A double pram that’s slim but still sturdy was the best choice for us with double. It means with my iCandy Peach 7 I can still get through narrow shop doors without a problem.”
Using a pushchair in Birmingham
Ada, mum of one
Ada finds Birmingham’s mix of modern and historic streets keeps her on her toes
“We often head into the Bullring or the Jewellery Quarter. I needed a pushchair that feels effortless to push with one hand, because I’m often juggling bags too. Having a big basket underneath makes a huge difference. I’m delighted with my iCandy Orange 4!”
Using a pushchair in Leeds
Hannah, mum of one
“Leeds has some fantastic green spaces, but city centre pavements can be tight. I really appreciate a pushchair that’s narrow and easy to fold down when we’re popping into cafés.”
Using a pushchair in Glasgow
Chris, dad of two
“The weather in Glasgow can be unpredictable, so I needed something with a good rain cover and durable fabrics. The hills also mean I look for a lightweight pushchair that doesn’t feel like a workout to push uphill.”
Using a pushchair in Portsmouth
Lauren, mum of one
“Portsmouth is quite compact, and we love going for walks along the seafront. For us, a pushchair with excellent manoeuvrability and puncture-proof tyres has been perfect.”
Using a pushchair in Newcastle
Max, dad of one
“The Metro makes getting around Newcastle easy, but it’s not always step-free. I’d recommend parents look for something that’s not just lightweight, but also feels stable when you’re carrying it up stairs.”
Using a pushchair in Bristol
Sarah, mum of two
“Bristol has some steep hills, so a pushchair with strong brakes is essential. I also love that my iCandy Pip has a compact fold – storage space at home is tight and I can tuck it neatly away.”
Using a pushchair in Brighton and Hove
Zoe, mum of one
“Living by the seaside is amazing, but it does mean dealing with sandy paths and narrow streets. A pushchair with sturdy wheels and a smooth push has made exploring so much easier.”
iCandy products for city living
At iCandy, we design our pushchairs with city life in mind. From lightweight frames and compact one-handed folds to excellent manoeuvrability and tight turning circles, our prams are built to make navigating urban spaces stress-free.
Many of our models also feature spacious storage baskets - ideal for shopping trips or carrying all the extras your baby needs.
Our compact iCandy Pip and innovative iCandy Core are both popular pushchair choices among city parents, offering versatility, style and practicality.
Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or anywhere in between, choosing the right pushchair can help you make the most of family life in the city.
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