Pram buying tips

9 things to consider when purchasing a pram or stroller

  1. What are your needs? Single, double, triple, side-by-side, a full travel system, travel pram, jogger, toddler conversion kit? So many options – and if you’re not sure what any of these mean see our easy-to-understand glossary at Prampedia
  2.  What are your lifestyle requirements? Are you an active outdoorsy person that likes going to the beach, walking off the beaten the track? Or are you the urban city dweller who hops on and off public transport? Do you have to carry your pram up stairs or travel a lot? These are all questions you need to answer before you make your purchase.
  3. Check the size and weight: Collapsing a pram and carrying it up flights of stairs, and lifting it into the car boot can be back breakers. When looking at prams to buy practice collapsing and lifting it before making a decision. Ask the store if you can try fitting it into the boot of your car. Some full-size prams can detach the seat from the frame making it lighter and more compact but it also means putting it back together at the other end.
  4. What is your budget? Have a budget in mind and stick to it. Often you will find better deals online, however, you can miss out on the store-shopping bonus of negotiating with the seller to throw in some extras (e.g. shopping basket, sun cover, tyre pump, nappy bag, cup holder). And remember there are some great less expensive prams that can do as much if not more than the expensive brands. Shop for your needs rather than brand.
  5. Will you be using your pram to travel? A regular full-size pram can be too bulky and heavy for travel. An umbrella stroller is ideal for travel and public transport. Look for one that comes with a carry bag as this keeps it intact when checking it on planes, buses etc. The umbrella pram is also perfect for leaving in the boot of the car for those quick supermarket visits – they fit down the isles and shopping checkouts easier than your full size pram. If you’re planning a lot of walking on holiday or beach activity you may also want to consider a compact buggy that can handle the terrain and also has layback sleeping positions.
  6. Do you require multiple seating? If you are having your first child you may want to consider the options of whether the pram you choose has the capability of adding a toddler seat or converting to a double configuration. There are some very ingenious prams on the market that start off as a single pram and with the addition of a conversion kit, transform into a double.
  7. Do you need an adjustable handle? If you have differing heights in pram pushers, especially on the taller side then it is a good idea to try out models that have adjustable handle heights. Some prams have longer handles than others so make sure you find one right for all the pushers, or at least the primary pusher.
  8. What accessories are important to you? There’s a whole host of extras for prams like a toddler board, cup holder, extra storage, foot muff, sun cover, the ability to change the pram’s look by switching fabrics.
  9. Do you want a pram+car seat all in one? This is called a “travel system” and can be a great all-in-one pram to have from birth, as you can take the infant carrier straight from the car and click it onto the chassis without disturbing baby and vice-versa.

Pram safety tips – Read these before buying or using a pram or stroller

  • It should meet Australian standards: Look for a label saying the model meets the (voluntary) Australian Standard (AS 2088) for prams and strollers. This is one of the most important safety tips as you do not want a product that does not meet these high standards.
  • Safety harnesses: Make sure the baby pram and stroller provides a five-point harness, which also comes with shoulder straps apart from the waist and leg belts (this is essential for jogging strollers). Safety tips like these will come in handy when it comes to security.
  • Steady and stable: Baby prams and strollers should be stable enough for a smooth ride. A wide-wheel base prevents a pram and stroller from tipping.
  • Avoid hooking heavy bags over the handles: This is a common cause of “tip-over” injuries. Many safety tips may seem like common sense, like this one, but many parents simply forget.
  • Parent safety strap: This feature secures the parent to the baby pram and stroller and adds to keeping your child secure as you push him/her along.
  • Seats with complete recline for newborns: Remember to buy a baby pram and stroller offering full recline seat for infants up to three months.
  • Wheel brakes: A baby pram and stroller with locking wheel brakes is essential. Using these safety tips can ensure the pram doesn’t get away on uneven ground.
  • Rear-facing positions possible: Baby prams and strollers with reversible seating positions (i.e. face the front or back) provide versatility for bub.
  • Parts with locking capacity: A baby pram and stroller with locking capability of moving parts prevents inadvertent folding or collapsing. Following safety tips like this one will make sure that nothing gets pinched or smashed in the pram.
  • Parts in good condition: This is particularly important when purchasing a pre-loved pram –make a thorough check to rule out missing parts or signs of wear and tear.
  • Detachable and washable fabrics: A baby pram and stroller with the removable and washable fabric feature goes a long way in keeping your baby safe from infections and keeping bub’s ride clean.

By using these safety tips, you will be able to make sure that your baby is safe, secure and happy whilst in the pram.

 

 

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