Life, Prams & Product Reviews
I’ve been asked many times about the differences between the Maxi Cosi Vita Smart/Pro and the Britax Safe n Sound Graphene. I want to start by saying that they are two great car seats. They well exceed the minimum safety requirements in Australia and so there is no wrong choice between them. However there are some important differences, and one may be more suitable to your family and requirements than the other.
Most of us are familiar with Moby as a great brand of affordable stretchy wraps for newborns. However last year they released the Moby Move – an all position, soft structured carrier – and I’m excited about it! At first glance the Moby Move is a pretty typical soft structured carrier in terms of it’s overall shape and function. But when start to look at it in more detail there are some really interesting and exciting features that it offers.
Arguably any pram or stroller could be a travel pram. There’s no rules to say that you can’t take a big pram with you when you travel. In fact, I’d say there’s some arguments for the idea of taking your full sized everyday pram with you when you travel. Sure, you’ll have to check it into luggage, so you won’t have it with you when you’re actually in the airport, but the pay off at the other end is having a decent pram at the other end.
It’s been a busy time for the pram industry recently. A lot of new products, and a lot of significant upgrades to some existing favourites. Which is really exciting and interesting. The following are my favourite prams this year so far…
An interesting question that comes up from time to time is what is the best pram for camping? Most people aren’t looking for a pram that’s exclusively for camping, so a “great camping pram” also has to be useful in your everyday life as well. Which is a tricky request when camping presents a number of challenges.
I’m unreasonable excited about this hair brush coming into our lives. I received the Happy Hair Brush Family Starter Pack a few weeks ago at the Kids Business Bloggers Brunch and it’s been a bit of a hair-game-changer.
Strider Compact Deluxe Parent Pram Review This review of the Steelcraft Strider Compact Deluxe is a parent review submitted by Fiona. Please note: While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this review was accurate at the time of publishing – please be aware that this is …
The innovation and design in travel prams in the last couple of years has been really quite fascinating. More and more prams are being designed around the dimensions and requirements of the overhead luggage compartment of a plane. The idea being that parents can cruise all the way to the gate and then even take their pram on board with them.
I have been asked for a few years now to do a best car seat guide. And as much as I’ve wanted to, I feel like there is so much more to unpack with car seats. And the information is so much more important. While pram safety is also important, …
I’ve been asked for years to write some kind of car seat buying guide – like the pram reviews I’ve been writing year after year. There’s been a few things holding me back. Mostly that it’s a very important topic and I wanted to make sure I was sharing the …
What is the Best Pram 2019? Another year, another pram guide. I know I normally include about 10 prams in my guides, but there wasn’t really a huge number of different prams out this year to talk about that I haven’t already written about at length. I’ve already written a …
Best Pram 2019 – Review of the Best Prams for 2019 Read More »
The new and improved Tula Explore is suitable for newborns (from 3.2kgs) WITHOUT an infant insert, has a weight capacity of 20kgs, and offers three carry positions – inward facing, forward facing and back carrying! The Tula Explore also comes in a range of absolutely gorgeous colours and patterns.
We purchased the new model Babybee ROVER in March to use with our 2 year old before swapping back to the bassinet for our newborn due later this year. To be honest, I was a little nervous about buying online, but based on the reviews we read and the upgrades they had made since the 2017 version we took the plunge and purchased.
The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is hands down my favourite travel stroller, or super compact everyday stroller, at the moment. It seems to do everything that a travel pram needs to do, and more. I absolutely loved the older version of this pram, the Baby Jogger City Tour.
This review of the Babybee Prams Babybee Duo is a reader review submitted by father-to-be Greg. If you’d like to review your own pram and earn yourself a $50 gift voucher as a “Thank you” then check out our Parent Product Reviews page and get in touch with us for …
MiaMilly Hister Plus is probably my favourite hipseat. It’s simple, easy to use, and has a lot of very useful features. It can be suitable for newborns, with the use of the infant insert which is sold separately, and it has a weight capacity of 20kgs. Because the MiaMilly Hipster …
MiaMilly Hister Plus Hipseat Review – Great 6 Position Carrier Read More »
Every year it seems that there are more and more double prams that offer the option of functioning as either a single or a double pram. Future proof flexibility seems to be many new parents first priority when choosing a pram.
The Baby Jogger City Tour is a perfect travel stroller. It’s super light and compact. It weighs a tiny 6.5kgs and can fold down compact enough to be taken as carry on luggage on a plane.
I love sparkling wine.There’s nothing quite like a bottle (or two) of bubbles, especially during the festive season. I also love getting a bit of champagne on a beer budget.
When someone asks me to suggest an all-terrain 3-wheel pram that has the option of a parent facing seat, then the Salsa 3 has always been my go-to pram to tick those boxes and more.
So I did a first impressions review of the ICandy Orange when it came out last year, however I finally got around to getting my hands on one and giving it a thorough review.
The slogan with this pram is “Absolutely Futureproof”. And it’s probably one of the most versatile prams in the way that it adapts to your growing family.
This is in no way an exhaustive list of all the children’s book series and authors I love. I love children’s book. I love reading aloud. I would love to write children’s books one day.
However, here are a few little things that I do that actually make applying makeup easier. Or at least help the end result look a little more like I actually know what I’m doing.
The Bugaboo Bee5 is possibly one of the most expensive “small” prams. But you do get a lot of big pram features in this neat little package. And Bugaboo are definitely popular for their stylish, high quality and well designed prams.
The Uppababy Minu is a lightweight and compact pram. The fold is super easy! It folds with one hand and it goes down in just seconds!
I’ve previously reviewed the Uppababy Vista 2018 and the latest Uppababy Cruz, and I’ll start by saying that Uppababy make beautifully designed, and easy to use.
The ICandy Peach 2018 is an absolutely stunning, luxury, high end pram. It also comes with a luxury, high end price point – retailing for around $2k. Though the ICandy Peach 2018 isn’t just stylish, it’s also incredibly function and thoughtfully designed.
I have to admit I was SUPER excited about the GB Pockit+ coming out. It actually came out in other parts of the world last year, and took what felt like forever to arrive in Australia. I even kept emailing the Australian distributor for Good Baby (GB) pestering them to tell me when it would get here. So frustrating. I don’t do delayed gratification well.
Here we go. Another year, another round up the Best Double Prams for 2018 in Australia. So this year you’ll notice most of the prams listed convert from a single to a double – or from a double to a single, depending on how you look at it. This hybrid “future proof” style of pram has continued to be incredibly popular and more and more brands are getting on board with this style of pram. I’ve also included a couple of dedicated double prams in the list as well.
So let’s do this thing!
So firstly I want to tell you the thing that I love the most about the Baby Jogger City Go capsule: You don’t have to re-thread the shoulder straps. You can adjust them by squeezing and sliding a mechanism at the back. AMAZING.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT is the pram that I recommend more than any other pram. (Or the Baby Jogger City Mini! Either pram is awesome. And I’ll talk a little bit about the difference between them further down the page.) It just seems to tick SO MANY BOXES for people. And it is one of the most popular prams going around. (Start looking for them when you go out and you’ll see them everywhere.)
The Cybex Priam is a high end luxury pram. It’s one that features on instagram with celebrities pushing them. It’s a very cool looking pram. And one that earns a little bit of celebrity status of it’s own.
It also has the features I’d expect of a high end pram at this price point!
I recently featured the Britax Holiday in my Best Travel Prams list for 2018. It’s a very sweet, simple, light weight, compact, easy to use little pram that is absolutely perfect for travel. It weighs a tiny 4.9kgs. Also it’s only 43cms wide, so it’s a very petite pram. Great for zipping around busy airports, or just cruising around through narrow aisles at the shops.
The ICandy Raspberry has my favourite combination of features! The seat lays completely flat to be suitable for newborns, it has a massive weight capacity of 25kgs AND folds with the seat attached facing in EITHER DIRECTION. Love it. It also has a lot of other features I look for in a pram, like a one handed recline, telescopic handle bar, proportionally big basket (for such a lightweight pram).
The Safety 1st Nook is a super light, easy to fold, budget friendly, compact stroller. Given its size it would make a great travel stroller. Also at its price point (Currently $269 at Baby Train) it would make a convenient second pram to keep in the boot, or at a grandparents house.
Quick story before I dive into the review. A couple of years ago I spotted an Uppababy Vista off in the distance at a winery. It was set up as a double with two upright seats, with the “piggyback” toddler board attached as well. (Though it was folded up out of the way. So they weren’t using it at the time). So they had two tots in the pram and one older child trotting along beside.
The Uppababy Cruz is a full sized luxury single pram. The Uppababy Cruz was previously called the Uppababy Alta, but it had a recent name change. That’s all. It’s still essentially the same pram.
And I have to admit this is my kind of pram. It gives me almost everything I want in a pram.
Baby Jogger is a great brand that make quality, innovating, easy to use, parent-friendly prams. And I have to say I got a little bit excited about the Baby Jogger City Tour Lux. It’s the newer – more “Lux” – version of the City Tour.
After the Omni 360 Cotton came out late last year a lot of people have been anticipating the release of the Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh (since every Ergobaby carrier has a mesh/active/cooler version). And here it is!
With the school holidays fast approaching now is a good time to think about what is the best travel pram for you to take on your next trip! What makes a pram the best travel pram? We’re looking for something that is light, compact, narrow, easy to fold, ideally something that can come right to the boarding gate at the airport, and better even if it fits in the overhead storage on the plane so you don’t have check your pram in as luggage.
Which Is The Best Pram 2018 UPDATE – Looking for the best DOUBLE pram? Check out Best Double Prams 2018! Every year when I start to hunt for the best pram for the year I think there can’t possibly be any more innovations, any more improvements. And every year …
The Bugaboo Fox hasn’t quite been released yet, but it has been unveiled and it is VERY exciting. I had the opportunity to pop in to my local Baby Train store for a quick little play with it before it’s officially released on March 1st.
I was recently sent a Panda Carrier to review and I have to admit I was a little sceptical at first, because I haven’t ever used a very structured “hiking backpack” style of carrier. I’ve previously used stretchy wraps, woven wraps, buckle carriers, mei tais, buckle slings and ring slings… but never one of these.
So I had a plan to create a super helpful guide to the big question I’m asked from time to time.
How do I fit three car seats across the back of my car?
Which is why I went to get some expert advice on the topic from the super helpful staff at Baby Train.
I am SO excited about the latest baby carrier by Ergobaby – the Ergobaby Omni 360. It is a game changer.
In the spirit of full disclosure I do work as a product demonstrator a couple of times a year for Ergobaby at the Melbourne baby expos. But this review is entirely my own.
This is my third time working with babybee prams. They’re an Australian owned, Melbourne based, company which sells prams exclusively online. And I’m happy to say that they’ve brought out another lovely – and value for money – pram.
Mistakes People Make Buying A Pram! Firstly, by “people” I mean me. Some of these are mistakes that I have made personally – which is how I ended up owning 11 different prams between just two babies. Yep. There were some very expensive mistakes in there. So please, learn from …
5 Big Mistakes People Make When Choosing A Pram (And how to get the right pram for you) Read More »
A few months ago myself, two friends, and my dear darling partner (who so generously came as our designated driver!) went on a day trip to the Yarra Valley to visit some wineries.
I’ve noticed quite a few people winding up on my “Best Compact Travel Prams” article searching for umbrella strollers, so thought I should provide them with a list specifically for umbrella strollers.
Note: This is just my “pre-review”. Just first impressions based on online product descriptions and a brief play with one in store. I will be hopefully updating this with a thorough hands-on review in the near future! The latest ICandy pram, the ICandy Orange, is about to be …
Side by side prams are usually wider, but generally offer better steering and have bigger baskets. On the other hand it’s a lot harder to find a side by side double pram that has parent facing seats (without needing to by a carry cot/bassinet separately). On that note I’ll give an honorary mention to the Bugaboo Donkey which is featured on the last Best Double Prams list – because it does offer parent facing toddler seats.
The Bumbleride Indie Twin, like all the Bumbleride prams, contains recycled plastic bottles in the fabric. Which is a very cool feature for the eco-conscious.
A couple of weeks ago I wandered into Baby Train to have a little look at prams (as I do) and I came across the Baby Monsters Fresh 2.0. I’d never heard of the brand before, so I just had to ask about it!
Baby Monsters is a Spanish brand and it has only been available in Australia for the last couple months. They’re currently only sold at Baby Train.
What is a running pram?
Technically you can run with any pram. I’ve run with my little umbrella stroller when I was rushing to catch a bus – it is possible, but not necessarily ideal over long distances.
Helen’s Hill will be my last in my Yarra Valley “Time For Wine” series for a while. Hopefully we’ll be planning another trip out there soon – or maybe down to the Mornington Peninsula wine region instead. In the meantime I’m going to leave on a high note with Helen’s Hill winery.
Can you tell I’m a little excited about this one. Can ya?! Chandon is what we usually drink at home so there was something very cool about going to the place where the magic happens. In my mind Domaine Chandon is like my Willy Wonka’s Chocolate factory. Except wine, because I don’t really eat chocolate.
Best Baby Products From The Essential Baby and Toddler Show I went to the Essential Baby and Toddler Show on the weekend and before I headed out I had a little pep talk with myself. It was – don’t just focus on prams. There is a whole world of other …
I know “they” say horizontal stripes aren’t flattering! But I did a little research and apparently horizontal stripes are fine as long as they’re narrow stripes. The stripes on this dress from Maternity Sale are narrow enough that it’s almost difficult to focus on.
Yering Farm is just down the road from Yering Station and is an absolutely adorable winery. And it has such a cute, old, Australian farm vibe.
Mother’s Day Gifts For Under $20 From Kmart Mother’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re looking for some simple Mother’s Day Gifts that won’t break the bank then I’d suggest heading to Kmart. I really think that with Mothers Day gifts it’s the thought that counts. Even …
9 Awesome Mother’s Day Gifts For Under $20 From Kmart Read More »
Yering Station was Victoria’s first vineyard, so that fact alone makes it a must-see if you’re visiting wineries in the Yarra Valley. The estate is grand and impressive – though some spaces of Yering Station feel almost intimidating formal.
*Update – For the latest prams head to Best Prams 2018 Every year I wander through baby stores, attend baby shows, I search the internet, I read and watch countless reviews to bring you what I believe is the best pram for the year. There are so many different factors …
Kellybrook Winery was the first winery we visited on our Yarra Valley wine tour. It’s only a 45 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD so it’s one of the closest wineries to Melbourne.
I want to start by saying I have really enjoyed working with on reviews with babybee prams over the last couple of years. I have previously review their single pram.
She explained the modem is as easy as just plugging it in and then connecting your devices to the WiFi. That easy. No wires. No telephone cable. If you can plug in an appliance and type in a password you can operate this modem. It’s just “Plug and play”.
I am absolutely in love with this insulated Smash sparkly satchel bag. In. Love. It has everything wonderful all rolled into one. It’s pink. It’s pretty. It has sparkles! It’s amazing.
I love sparkling wine. It’s pretty much the only alcoholic beverage I drink. There’s just something festive, fun and decadent about a glass of beautiful bubbles.
As the holiday season approaches people start to ask me to recommend them the best travel pram. While there is no absolute best travel pram, it’s simply a matter of working out what is the best travel pram for YOUR family.
When my son was first born I didn’t really know much about breastfeeding. I knew I wanted to breastfeed, though I didn’t really think much about it. I didn’t do any breastfeeding classes, or even read much about breastfeeding. I’d figured that breastfeeding would be just like giving birth – …
The babyhood Doppio has so many awesome features. I’m so excited to introduce it to you! I love – LOVE – that both seats can be transformed with a couple of quick clips from an upright seat to a fully flat bassinet.
It’s been 50 years since the creation of the iconic game Twister. It was originally called “King’s Footsies” and only played with your feet! When the game was adapted to include hands it was renamed to “Pretzel” and eventually came to be the “Twister” in 1966.
Only For Me Review What It’s About I was recently sent Only For Me – written by Michelle Derrig – to review. It’s a beautifully illustrated children’s book that is aimed to teach children about their bodies and their own personal safety. Only For Me manages to balance to arming …
I’ve recently made the decision that I am no longer going to be doing any more free product reviews…. And then I was offered some Play-Doh and immediately went back on that decision… because it’s Play-Doh! Who could say no?!?!
Prams can vary in price from $25 to $2,500 and beyond. But cheap prams aren’t necessarily bad prams! You might not be able to get all the of the features you one in one pram, but if you priorities what is most important to you then I’m sure there’s something in this list to suit everyone.
I want to tell you about my undies. Not just my regular ones but specifically, the period undies. Ladies reading along, you know what I’m talking about. The undies you wear once a month and at no other time unless you haven’t done the washing and you’re down to the daggy ones reserved specifically for when you’re surfing the crimson wave.
his is possibly one of the most versatile dresses I’ve ever owned. I wish I’d had it when I first had my babies – or while I was pregnant – because I can see how incredibly useful this dress would be to go from maternity, nursing and even a bit of fun.
It’s been a year since my last “Top Ten Prams” post, so it’s time to share with you my Top Ten Prams for 2016! This list is getting harder each year because prams seem to be improving beyond expectations year after year.
I was recently sent the Cool XChange cooling compression bandage to review.
I feel a little bit under-qualified to write about what is essentially medical supplies from the perspective of giving advice about how to handle injuries – however I can definitely write from the perspective of someone who is incredibly accident prone
if you are still looking for the perfect lunch box that is affordable, easy to use, readily available and also comes in a range of bright colours, then take a look at this new range of Smash Nude Food Movers!
I’m a bit of a pram enthusiast, so I often get asked to recommend a “good” pram, or even just what makes a good pram? There is no single answer to that, however there are some key features to look for and questions to ask when looking for a great pram that’ll suit your needs.
CleverPatch recently sent me a CleverDIY Project For Kids craft kit to test out – and before we’d even opened it up it my kids thought it was the most exciting thing that had come in the mail all year. CRAFT IN THE MAIL! Yup. Blew their minds.
I purchased a Baby Bjorn Synergy in 2008 when I had a newborn baby, it seemed like a pretty good choice and it seemed like everyone else had one.
Over the last few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to review the Silver Cross Pioneer Graphite.
There is so much I love about this pram. Firstly it’s a luxury pram.
Today we bought a new vacuum cleaner! It’s a Dyson DC65 “The Animal”. I’m so excited! I flipping love it. It’s amazing. I know, it’s just a vacuum cleaner, it should have the family so buzzed, but I keep walking around the house exclaiming “The carpet is so CLEAN!”
Families looking for an amazing event to kickstart the school holidays need look no further than Oz ComicCon Melbourne this June. Held on the first weekend of the Victorian school holidays, June 27/28, it’s the perfect place to bring the kids to start the holidays on the right note.
The first few pros are about the Babybee Prams is that they’re a new, Australian owned, Melbourne based, business. They have a very interactive Facebook page. They have a life time warranty that guarantees the pram for as long as you need it, whether you have 3 children or 13, and they offer a 9 month free returns, so you can buy the pram, have a good look at it and if you change your mind they will arrange a courier at their expense and refund you the cost of the pram.
This article as been a long time coming, since I wrote my “Top Ten Pram Crushes” I’ve been asked a several times to write a top ten double prams list – so I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to put this list together!
This seems like an unusual product to review, but I bought one of these for my son for Christmas (“from Santa”) and prior to the purchase I did read several mix reviews on it, so I thought now we’ve had one for a couple of weeks I thought I should write my own.
Firstly, when asked what was his favourite Christmas present this year my son’s answer without hesitation was his “lego head” – so I have regretted giving the big man in red credit for this gift!
I have to say I was thrilled to receive a Hot Milk “Mystery Nursing Bra” to review, I’ve heard so much about them from other people, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to try one myself.
First impressions of the Little Frog Ring Sling – it is so easy to use. I had it threaded up and toddler in it within a few minutes of the parcel arriving. (I was a little bit eager to try it out!) I love it in a front position where it feels like it’s just a long arm wrapped around myself and my toddler giving us a big cuddle – it was really snuggly.
I have been lucky enough to be offered a chance to do a Little Frog Ring Sling Review with my 15 week old. This is the first wrap style carrier I have used as my first carrier was the Ergo Original, so this was very exciting.
One of the first tasks I had to do was watch a few videos showing how to use the sling. At first I tried without my daughter in it, however it wasn’t until actually putting her into it did I feel like I was wearing it correctly.
Click here for Best Pram Picks for 2016 Prams are a bit of a love affair for me. Even when I’m completely happy with the pram I have, it’s okay to look around, but just don’t touch – or touch, but don’t buy… And my heart does flutter every time …
The thermomix is a German made kitchen appliance that has the ability to heat, chop, blend, beat, mill, emulsify, crush, mash, boil, melt, steam and knead. It can be used for meal prep work, to make your own basic ingredients, desserts, soups, entire meals, doughs, drinks and I’ve even seen recipes for homemade laundry powders and body products. As a mum, I also use it to make finger paint and play doh for the kids!
I’ve been breastfeeding now for over 5 years, so I’ve had my fair share of maternity bras!
The “Lace trim nursing bra” from Maternity Sale ticks a couple of big boxes for me – nice wide back and shoulder straps, which is a very important feature for me as I have a bigger bust. I’m also always a little bit wary of bras without an underwire or padding because they often don’t deliver the support I’m looking for, and this bra is very supportive, I don’t feel like I have any jiggle or drag. The lace edge at the top does come up quite high which makes it a great every-day t-shirt bra, because there is no way even with bending over multiple times a day running after a toddler that I’m going to pop out over the top.
Over the past week, I have been wearing the cross-over nursing sleep bra to bed. At 37weeks pregnant, and a size 16DD, I was interested to see how it felt to wear something all night.
To begin with the material is soft, flexible and supportive. As a ‘crop top’ style bra it has no clips and is as simple as pulling over your head. There was found to be no ‘scratchy’ seams or edges which is a big pro in my books.
When i was born my parents had one choice; to use terry cloth nappies. And mum would soak, wash, dry then fold them ready to use. Now it seems more convenient to use disposables. Simply purchase from the supermarket and use then throw. Now when i fell pregnant with my daughter i was expecting to do the same. In fact i found a direct to public wholesaler whose nappies were made right there in my local area. Bonus.
I have suffered with every kind of period there is, light annoying random spotting, to “Oh My god! I am dying” type bleeding, and one thing that continues to be a huge part of the terrible red wave journey is the types of ways we try to stay clean, fresh and reduce the chances of walking around with stains on our pants.
I am a pad user. I have never been comfortable using a tampon, ever. I was a very happy disposable pad user, until I started having random bleeds from my IUD. I felt like I was wearing pads ALL the time. And I really was, 2 months of non-stop bleeding. Wearing the disposable pads was beginning to get chaffey on my lady bits, and was beginning to add up with the amount of packets I had to buy.
I’ve had the opportunity to borrow a Rozibaby pram to test out and review.
First impressions with this pram are it is a very attractive pram, I love the look of it. They have a fun and funky colour range, especially when every fabric component is selected separately, so there’s no reason you can’t have a blue, orange and green pram and with the interactive Pram Builder, you can customise your colour choices to suit your own taste – and if that’s not enough for you to choose your colours you can order a colour swatch before you make that decision – and if THAT’S not enough, you can buy the fabric components separately…
“Hi, My name is Rachel and I am a pram addict.”
I have another confession to make, I’ve bought two prams since this article was originally written in April 2013! Whoops! I have good reasons… excuses… mostly boredom, opportunity, poor impulse control and my partner is a terrible enabler. I look to him to say “no” and he says “why not”.
So, I thought I’d update this confession with my newest purchases and take you through the journey of how one thing led to another and I wound up buying my 11th 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.