Pram, pushchair, stroller or buggy, whatever you want to call yours, it is hard deciding which model and style is best for you and your baby nowadays. Finding the right pram can be a challenge and there is lots of things to consider before you do.
There are lots of different design features on prams to make you and your babies life easier and more comfortable, so we would always recommend making a short list of features you need or want when making your decision.
All terrain tyres, light enough to take on and off the bus, compact folding to save space, or multi-functional 3-in-1 prams. There really is a style to sort your needs, your babies needs and your lifestyle…
1.How old is my baby I am buying the pram or pushchair for?
Perhaps you have been given a second hand pram by a family member, just to tide you over till you buy your own for your new edition. Until three months, newborns need a lie-flat option to support and protect their backs, so depending on the age of your baby, there will be different options that suit and ones that perhaps don’t, for example, a forward-facing pushchair is only suitable if it can be laid flat.
2.How long will I use/keep my pram for?
Many parents nowadays are thinking ahead, and if you plan to keep the pram you purchase for your next baby, it might be worth investing a little more in a sturdy, well built frame for durability.
You can often buy attachments for pushchairs so that they start off being suitable for one child, but can be converted easily into a tandem buggy for two; a great option if you are planning to have more then one child in the future. Alternatively, you may want a lie-flat pram for your newborn, and then progress to a pushchair or stroller, the older and bigger your child grows.
3.What is our budget?
There really is so much choice where prams and pushchairs are concerned. With so much choice available, there is always going to be one that suits your budget, whether it’s large or small.
The greater your budget and the more you spend, the more features you’ll get, and if you go for top-of-the-range, both looks and functionality will be maximised. That said, some features may not be of benefit to you and your baby, depending on your lifestyle; so what is the point paying for features you won’t use. Outline the key features you cannot compromise on and shop around for the best pram for your budget.
4.What type of pram or pushchair will best suit our lifestyle?
Depending on whether you get around mostly by foot, by bus, tube or train, or plan to do most of your travelling by car, there will be a pram or pushchair that will make it that little be easier for you and your baby.
If you are planning to do allot of walking, to and fro from nursery, the shops and the park, a sturdy, comfortable and easily maneuverable design is important. The tyres need to be ale to cope with different terrain and handles be the right height for you and your partner. A 3 wheeler option is definitely work looking at for a smooth ride and easy to push option.
If you are hopping on and off the tube, or buses, a lightweight, easy-folding, compact buggy or stroller will probably suit you best. A ‘complete travel system’ is a good option if you plan to do lots of travelling by car, as you can easily transport a sleeping baby from your home, to the car and to the pushchair.
5.Where will I keep my pram or pushchair?
Space can often be at a premium, and some prams and pushchairs can really take up your living space. You need to make sure you can get your pram through the front door, down narrow hallways and up or down any stairs in your home.
You’ll also need space to store your pram. If you’ll be folding it, you need to choose a design lightweight and easy to fold. Check your car-boot size; it sounds obvious, but if you can only just squeeze the pram in there, where’s all you’re shopping going to go?
David writes about the changing world of how classic brands continue to offer the same range of successful products decade after decade and survive the ever changing storm in one of the world’s most competitive and fad-focussed consumer markets.
