Your little one's first pram is going to be their main mode of transportation for a while, so you're going to want to ensure that it's both comfortable and safe for them - and convenient for you. That's why we've put together this list of factors to consider when buying a pram, as well as the answers to a few common questions to help make your life easier.
What to look for in a baby pram
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Things to consider when choosing a pram
Overall safety
The top point on your list when selecting the right pram for your little one should always be safety. Other useful features are nice, but they're far less important.
You should always check whether the pram you're considering buying meets the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2088. You're also going to want to consider things such as what type of harness is built in, whether the brakes are strong enough to keep your pram in place on a steep hill and whether there is a tether strap included.
We recommend always selecting a model which offers a five point safety harness, as this is the safest and most secure option for your little one.
Suitable age ranges
Different types of pram are suitable for different ages. The exact age, height and weight that a pram is suitable for should be listed within the product information, but, as a general rule, you're going to need an option that allows your baby to fully recline up to the age of six months. After this age, you'll want to give your little one a bit more room to move, and can consider transitioning them to a seated position so they can see the world around them.
If you have more than one child who still requires help getting around, it is worth looking into getting a model that can accommodate both children. In this instance, you'll probably only need one of the seats to be able to recline fully, however, you'll want to ensure that you can safely have the seats at different positions as well as checking whether both your little ones will be comfortable sitting up together when the time comes.
Do you need a capsule?
While some prams have seats that simply adjust to allow you to switch between seated and fully reclined positions, others have a detachable bassinet or capsule for use while your little one needs to lay flat.
This choice will mostly be based on personal preference, however, we will note that although often more expensive, prams that have removal capsules can make life easier in many situations.
Number of wheels
The topic of three or four wheels is a common debate surrounding the purchase of prams. While having four wheels offers extra stability, it does also mean a heavier build. Three-wheel options, though lighter and slimmer, can be limited in the places they can go.
As such, we suggest considering where you'll be taking your little one, and choosing the number of wheels based on that. Slimmer prams, for example, can move more easily indoors. Those who like to get out and adventure, however, will probably need the fourth wheel for stability.
Portability
Finally, although the main purpose of a pram or stroller is to keep your baby safe and comfortable while you're out and about, you still have to consider your own needs when selecting one.
A good pram is smooth to manoeuvre, light enough that you can lift it easily when needed, and simple to store when not in use.
You'll also want to consider whether your chosen model is easy for you to fold up, and we always recommend checking whether it'll fit in the boot of your car before making your final decision.
Having a baby is an exciting, but stressful, time. Finding the right pram for your little one will certainly make life at least a little easier, so it's worth taking the time to think things through before making your purchase.
For more information that can help make welcoming your newest family member a little safer, browse the Family Safety section of our site.
Common questions about prams and strollers
In addition to finding the right pram for your baby, you're also going to want to make sure you're using it right. The below questions are three of the most common that come up when selecting a pram, so we figured we'd include them in this piece to help make your life easier.
A good rule of thumb for this is when your little one is able to sit up independently in other situations. This is generally around the six month mark, but it's perfectly ok to keep your baby in the bassinet for a bit longer if they need it.
You can also consider moving your little one from the pram bassinet to the seat when you switch their car seat to forward facing, as these two milestones tend to happen around the same age / size.
While the terms pram and stroller are often used to mean the exact same thing, there is one major difference between the two.
A pram is designed for use from a younger age and is set up in a way that allows your baby to lay down.
While most prams also offer the ability to have your little one in a seated position, a stroller is generally exclusively used in a seated position, meaning that they are often only suitable for children who can sit up.
Generally speaking, once a child is confident walking by themselves and can safely do so, it's probably time to stop using a pram.
This is usually around the age of three, but smaller or less confident children can be kept in a pram or stroller for a bit longer if you're covering a decent distance.
