What Makes Good Prams?
A pram, also referred to as a pushchair, stroller or a Sling, is the most popular method of transport for infants and toddlers. A great pram combines safety, comfort and style that makes walking fun for all the family members.
The R for Rabbit Poppins Joy Stylish Baby Stroller is a fantastic pram for newborns up to 3 year old children. Its reversible handle allows you to turn the seat so that your child can either face either you or the world around them.
Comfort
When you're out and about with a baby, you'll want to ensure that they're safe. The good news is that there are prams made to ensure your little one isn't apprehensive.
The prams we've picked in this buying guide all allow your baby to lay flat, which is important for babies who are just beginning to crawl. Lying flat improves oxygen levels and assists in the development of their spine and hips. They also have a seat that can be converted to a more upright position when your baby is old enough to sit.
Venicci egg2 is a high-end pram with a cocoon feeling for your baby. It is smooth and has curved lines and a bucket-shaped seat which does not recline into an upright position, but it does have padding on the mattress and a liner. It's also lighter than other prams, weighing under 8kg. But it has a sturdy frame with grained leather details and tyres that are air-filled, which are puncture-proof.
The Minu V2 is a great option if you're looking for something with a similar look but at a lower price. The sleek one-hand steer model isn't as light as the other prams we've tested but it does have a large storage basket, as well as an extended hood with UPF50+ protection that'll keep your baby shaded and protected.
If you're a first-time parent we suggest you look into the
travel system prams system bundle that includes a pram as well as a car seat that attach to the same frame. This makes it easier for parents to move their child from the car to the pram without having to get them up. The Bugaboo Dragonfly is a great example of a stylish and useful pram that can convert easily from a lie-flat 'pramette into a
toddler stroller-friendly pushchair compatible with the Graco I-Size car seats.
Safety
A pram should have a five-point safety harness to keep your baby secure and should not allow any gaps to trap their legs or heads. The straps should be cushioned and easy to adjust as they grow. You should also check the harness buckles to make sure that they aren't cracked or showing signs of wear and tear. Every year, a lot of children are admitted to hospitals because of injuries caused by prams or strollers. The primary reason for these injuries is tipping over. Even the strongest prams can topple if you hook bags to the handles or if a child is wriggling or squirming and falls into or out of the seat before the harness is tightened.
Another reason for injury is falling off the pram or
lightweight stroller. If a baby's harness is not fastened properly it could cause them to fall out of the stroller and suffer head or neck injuries. This is why it is important to ensure that the harness buckle is always locked in place.
Some prams come with an adjustable shade that can be used to protect your baby in either direction from the sun. This feature is beneficial because you won't have to wake up your baby when you change their position in the stroller, or when you go into stores and out. There are other features that can be useful, like snacks for your toddler or child and drink holders. There is also a basket for shopping underneath the seat.
You should never let a child sleep in their stroller unless they are within sight of them at all times. Babies are known to wiggle when asleep, which can cause them to fall off the stroller or pram and could result in strangulation or suffocation. A stroller or pram is not an alternative to a cot and should only be used for short periods of time during the day.
It is necessary to disassemble the majority of prams to fit them into the boot of your vehicle. This procedure is something you should know before you purchase a pram. Also, check how easy it is to get the various sections back together and then click them into place.
Durability
A pram should be durable enough to endure several years of wear and wear and tear. This includes the need to endure walking in the rain and numerous car journeys, so you must ensure your choice will do the job you need it to. You also want your stroller to have a print or colour that isn't prone to fading quickly to avoid looking like you've gone out of style.
The best prams will be constructed of top-quality materials and built to last. You should look for durable fabrics as well as sturdy tires and an effective suspension system. The most effective prams are small and fold easily so that you can put them in your garage or boot.
All prams on this list allow a baby to lie flat, which is essential for newborns because it improves oxygen saturation levels and supports the development of their hips and spine. Many of these prams have been designed to grow along with your child's. Some come with a carrycot or a reclined chair that can be easily removed and put back on as your child grows.
If you're looking to purchase a brand new pram for the first time, you might be interested in a
compact travel pram system which is a package that includes a lie-flat carrycot and car seat. We love the Graco Near2Me device that our parent tester Jaya used with her son of 10 months. It is a revolutionary feature that allows you to raise and lower your baby at the touch of one button. This allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keep them close.
Another option is another option is the Bugaboo Fox
3 in 1 pram which our tester Jess Bird used with her two children, Effie and Boden (pictured above). It's a luxury pram that can be converted from a single pushchair to double pushchair, with 30 possible configurations and features luxurious fabrics, an expandable sun canopy and puncture-proof tyres. It's not cheap, but you can use it for more than one child in the event of need and, like our winner the iCandy Orange 3, can be used from birth thanks to the carrycot included.
Style
All prams should allow newborns to lie flat as possible. This will aid in their development and improve oxygen saturation in the lungs. Some models provide a flat position using a fully reclineable carrycots, while others have a seat that reclines to an unflat position.
The Graco Near2Me comes with the latter feature and is fantastic at what it does as our tester for parents Jaya found when she tested it with her son who was 10 months old. She loved the fact that she could raise and lower her little one with the push of a button to keep him in sight while maintaining eye contact and closeness.
It's a great choice for those who wish to get around town with ease as the frame is a great size for maneuvering, and the puncture-proof tyres allow you to move it off the road and on to rough terrain. It's also a smart option if you're thinking of having another child in future because it easily converts from a single pram into a double or twin pushchair.
The Bugaboo Dragonfly looks and feels like a stylish, high-end option. It's suitable for newborns because it comes with a lie-flat baby carrycot and is compatible with a car seat in the event that you purchase it separately. It can be folded using the carrycot as a stand which is something does not happen with all prams which is why it's a time-saving and hassle-free feature.
The pram's luxurious fabric large basket, spacious interior, and puncture-proof tires are all features you'd expect on a high-end model, but the sleek frame makes it easy to maneuver over various terrains. This is a great choice for those who live in the city and have to navigate narrow streets or crowded pathways regularly. It's not cheap, but its versatility and quality could save you money over time by avoiding the need for a separate
toddler stroller. You can pick from a range of colors that will fit your style.