How to Choose a Pram

There are lots of things to consider when choosing a pram, below are some questions to ask yourself before you make that decision. Also, browse our “Top 10 Pram” list. 

How? How might seem like an odd question as “how” you use a pram is really obvious, but it’s important to consider how you might be using your pram.

Will you be using it while doing a lot of shopping, and so a large under carriage might be a really important feature for you?

Do you plan to take it on long walks, so the size and quality of the wheels might be something to consider?  Or perhaps for running and jogging – there are prams that are designed for this purpose too.

Will you be taking it on public transport or regularly in and out of the car, so you might want something light weight, compact and easily collapsed and opened?

How much use will you get out of your pram? This might be something to factor in when deciding on a budget, if you are likely to be spending hours a day pushing your pram you’ll likely want to spend more than if it’s mostly going to live in the car boot and rarely be used.

Who? Who is the person who’s most likely to be spending the most time behind the pram? Whoever is going to be pushing the pram the most probably should have the most say about what they are looking for in a pram. Also consider if you and your partner are dramatically different in height looking for a pram with an easily adjustable handle height.

What? What features are you looking for in a pram? Do you want 3 or 4 wheels? Accessories included such as rain covers, drink holder, sun shades, boot cover etc.? Do you want rear and forward facing on the seat? Are you looking for something that’s compatible with a travel system (car capsule which clicks into the prams frame)?  Or an optional second seat?

When? Make sure if you are buying a pram for a newborn that it is suitable from birth, as not all prams are – or some prams  may require you to buy additional seat to be suitable for a newborn. Also check the weight limits as some prams have a lower weight limit which may not be suitable for heavier babies and toddlers or children over 2.

Where? Are you looking for a pram to go from the car, to the shops, cruise around on a flat shopping mall floor, then back into the car and no further than that? Then you would probably be looking for a light weight collapsible umbrella stroller. Or do you want a pram to take across grass and various terrains? Then a bigger sturdier pram with larger wheels might be a better option.

Budget. You really can spend as much or as little on a pram as your budget allows. My experience with prams has been in a lot of instances though you do get what you paid for. You can buy a second hand pram from sites like Ebay or Gumtree, depending on the brand and condition often for about half the purchase price. In department stores, like Target and Kmart, particularly shopping during baby sale times, you can get an inexpensive umbrella stroller for under $100 or a pram $200-$400. At speciality baby stored (such as Baby Bunting) while you can still pick up a pram for around the $200, generally $400-600 for a pram that’ll often come with extra features compared to the department store prams and usually steer and roll easier. You can also spend well over $1000 on a pram in a Baby Store, the more expensive prams often have innovative design and are of great quality. Be clear what you are happy to spend on a pram before you go looking because the pricing varies dramatically depending on where you shop and what you need. Always cross check pricing online, as a lot of stores will price match.

Reviews. Once you’ve decided on a pram you like, it’s a good idea to check out review websites and see what others have experienced with the pram prior to purchasing.

Still having trouble finding ONE pram that meets ALL your needs? A lot of people do buy two prams, because you might not be able to get all the features you’re looking for in one single unit. For example, if you do a lot of walking and need a sturdy, big wheeled pram, with a large undercarriage for carrying all that you’ll need on a big outing without a car, but you also frequently go to shopping centres or multiple shops in one trip, and want something compact for in and out of the car, you may find it easier to get two different prams to meet all of your needs.

If you have any further questions we would be happy to help. Please feel free to comment below and we will do our best to assist you.