Having a baby is one of the most exciting (and scary) times of your life and can also be an expensive hobby.
All around you people are offering their advice, companies are selling how important their products will be to you and some with price tags to make your eyes water.
One of the most expensive purchases you will make is the pram / pushchair.
I have to admit that I was a bit of a pram and pushchair addict when mine were babies and having children born in the nineties and the noughties I have seen the design and technology come a long way.
It is very easy to be swayed by the design and colourway of a pram and even I have to admit that there are some gorgeous ones out there now, but are they practical and suitable for your needs?
Forward or rear facing? Swivel wheels? Travel-system compatible? Carrycot? Folding Flat? – the choices are huge!!
What type of pram or pushchair should you choose?
Carrycot
You can buy pushchairs with seats that can lie flat for newborns I often find that these are not cosy or protective enough for a newborn and like to have a separate carrycot and they’re also good for spine development and breathing as they allow newborns to lie completely flat.
Pushchairs that come with a carrycot are more expensive than those without, but they do have distinct advantages. Many are suitable for overnight sleeping, so they can be used instead of a travel cot in the early months, or even in place of a Moses basket at home, however, babies can outgrow them very quickly and it is unlikely you would use one beyond 4 months and they generally take up a lot of room as cannot be folded flat.
Travel System
Probably the most popular option and was a revelation to me when Kian was a baby. A pushchair that is known as a travel-system means that a car seat can be securely attached to it. Some travel system packages include a buggy, car seat and even a carrycot, but you can also buy a pushchair and a compatible car seat separately.
Stroller
A stroller is lightweight and collapsible, ideal for older babies and those that travel. Most strollers do lie flat these days, so can be used from newborn, although as a preference, I tend to wait until baby is starting to support themselves before using one. Some come with newborn packs, which offer added support for very young babies.
Running / Off-Road Buggies
What to check
You have narrowed it down to a shortlist, but there are still some things to check and I would also recommend seeing the buggy in the flesh, so you get can test it out (even if you buy online at a later date).
- Is it easy to fold
- Does it fit in your car boot
- How heavy is it
- How manoeuvrable is it
- Does it fold flat
- How much space will it take up in the home
- What accessories does it come with
What do you look for in a new pram?
Good post this. We were in John Lewis last weekend and the number of prams they have for sale in there I just wouldn’t know where to start!
I was the same and a bit of a pushchair addict. I’m sad my pushchair days are over! I loved a travel system, they were a brilliant idea
I thought you had news then! Also it is worth considering how much they sell for afterwards. This was a big factor when we needed one for 2 children
I had a twin buggy, so I had carry cots that later changed to a buggy. It was so expensive. I remember it all being around £700.
So many different types of prams! All a bit alien to me not being a parent. I like the sound of the travel system ones though.
It’s so tough choosing a pram! This time around we’ve gone for a fab Cosatto design which has both the carrycot and the upright seat for when baby is bigger!
Great post!! There are so many to choose from isn’t there !! A foldable one is a defo must!!
I have always fancied the really retro and vintage kind of prams – they make my heart absolutely melt!