When walking into your local baby store, many new moms instantly head over to test drive the fanciest pram on the floor but let me tell you, choosing a pram should go beyond the physical appearance. If you plan on only purchasing one pram for your baby from those early newborn stages right through to toddler-hood, you’ll need to consider choosing a pram that grows with the baby. Not only that, you’ll also need to consider your lifestyle, the size of your car boot and if you are having one or multiple babies within a three year period. In this article, we’ll cover a number of prams that are perfect for many different moms and bubs.
While some moms may refer to their pram as a stroller or a buggy, in short they are all a form of pram and their intended use is to be used to carry a baby. Some new moms hold off rushing out to buy a pram as they prefer to carry their baby in a sling or capsule, although eventually a pram or even a cost effective stroller will come in handy for those quick shopping trips or a walk to the park when your toddler’s little legs can no longer carry them.
Contents
- 1 Pram/Stroller Budget
- 2 Baby Momma’s Pram Recommendations
Pram Dictionary
If you are taken back with all the pram talk, we’ve cleared up the confusion about the different types of pram below. This way you’ll be heading in the right direction once you know which of the prams will be most suitable for you:
Bike Stroller:
Like the name suggests a bike stroller can be attached to a push bike so that the mother or father can ride and the baby can come along for the journey. Generally these types of strollers have plastic covers that can be zipped down so that the child is protected from the weather.
Double Pram (Double Stroller):
A double pram or stroller is a must have for a mom with twins or children close in age. Double strollers come in a number of styles such as side by side, under and over and front and back.
Jogger (Jogger Stroller):
If you’ve ever walked along the beach early of a morning, chances are you’ve seen a mother run past pushing a jogger style pram. A jogger pram has three wheels, two in the back and one in the front that allows for better suspension. The large fixed wheels on a jogger allow for ease of pushing and the triangular shape of the pram allows it to wind break.
Stroller (Layback Stroller):
While in America the word stroller is sometimes used in the place of pram, a stroller is generally smaller and more light weight than a pram and usually has a pull trigger that allows you to lay the child back. Strollers are commonly purchased in the place of a pram if the child is older at the time of purchase, the child will be going overseas and the parents need something light weight or the child will be visiting grandparents and the pram will need to be taken back and forth. While some strollers allow for newborns, others are strictly for children who can already sit up unassisted.
There are two main ways a pram will fold. It will either have the umbrella fold mechanism whereby it’ll fold with the click of a couple of buttons longways which is mostly seen in strollers or it’ll have the all in one fold mechanism where the pram will fold into itself with or without the seat attached. If your boot is on the smaller side, some umbrella folding prams may not fit and this is something you will need to consider.
Considerations When Selecting a Pram
Before you rush out and purchase a pram (try to wait until at least 12 weeks!) you’ll need to consider a number of factors. There’s no point purchasing your dream pram only to find out your car boot is just an inch too small.
While safety is of course the first consideration on all new moms minds, all prams sold within accredited baby stores should have met the countries safety standards. If you are unsure about the safety of the pram you intend on purchasing make sure you conduct further research to ensure it meets the recommendations for the country in which you live. A five point safety harness is always my recommendation, and generally the new prams on the market all come equipped with one.
Consideration #1 – Lifestyle
Do You Enjoy Running or Will You Only be Strolling Around the Shopping Center?
When you are considering which pram will be right for you, you’ll need to asses your lifestyle. If you intend on only using the pram to push your youngster around the mall, suspension and the type of tires the pram comes fitted with shouldn’t be an issue. If you are into fitness or you enjoy daily walks, you may need to invest in a jogger style pram that comes equipped with tires appropriate for off road use. If you have a busy lifestyle where you travel from place to place and you intend on taking bub with you, size will matter. If you will need to be taking the pram overseas, you may need to invest in a stroller apposed to a hefty pram.
Consideration #2 –
Single or Double
Are you Expecting Twins? Do You Need a Single or a Double Pram?
If you are pregnant with twins, forget looking at the regular prams, you’ll need to head straight to the side by side pram section. Even so, if you expecting a single baby don’t forget to think ahead. Prams don’t come cheap these days so consider if you’ll be planning on having another baby within a couple of years. If you think you’ll have your children close together, invest in a double pram upfront. Generally the additional seat can be detached and be stored until the time is right. Many of the top prams also have a solution for twins or multiple children and while these may be significantly more than a singleton pram, it may work out better in the long run.
Consideration #3 –
Babies Age and Height
Will You be Placing Your Newborn in the Pram? Do You Need a Pram Suitable from Birth to Toddlerhood?
While all the prams we’ll discuss in this article are suitable from birth through to a couple of years old depending on your child’s weight, some prams are designed to suit children from 3 or 6 months. This is important to consider when purchasing your pram as using an unsuitable pram for a newborn can be dangerous and increase SIDS risks. If you and your partner are both tall, chances are you child will be too. Purchasing a pram that allows for height in toddlers will save you needing to buy another pram. If your child has a known medical condition you may also need to consider if the pram will be suitable, especially if a drip/feeding tube is needed to be taken out on a day to day basis.
Consideration #4 –
Weight and Size of Pram
Do You Need a Light Weight Pram that’s Easy to Carry? Will the Pram You Pick Fit in Your Boot?
While many of the newest prams on the market have great suspension so it’ll feel like your pushing nothing at all, remember that when it’s time to go home you will have to lift the pram into your boot. Ensure if you are limited when speaking about boot space that you choose a pram that semi detaches or one that folds into a cube rather than long ways. While a pram that is too heavy won’t be beneficial to your back health, a pram that is too light will have the tendency to easily flip over if it is not balanced correctly. Test driving a pram prior to purchase is always a good idea and many baby stores will allow you to do so.
Features of a Good Quality Pram
Some important features that a good quality pram will have may be overlooked in the baby store so we’ve listed some of the ‘must-have’ pram features below for you to browse over prior to heading out to look for your dream pram.
The pram you select should come equipped with:
- A reversible handle so baby can face towards you and away from you
- Good quality brakes
- A five point harness (or the equivalent)
- An adjustable backrest that allows you to sit your baby up or lay him/her down
- A foot rest so that the child’s feet are up off the ground
- A front or belly bar that gives the child something to hold onto
- Under seat storage
- Adjustable height handles so that both mom and dad are comfortable pushing the pram
- An extendable canopy for sunny or rainy days
- Underneath storage where a nappy bag or blanket can be stored
You may like to consider prams that come equipped with the following luxury items:
- A cup holder
- A rain cover
- A foot muff for the Winter weather
- A tyre pump for prams with air filled tyres
Pram/Stroller Budget
Before you head out to look at prams, discuss your budget with your partner or family. Having a set budget in place will ensure you only consider prams that you can comfortably afford. These days a simple stroller can come as cheap as $30.00 while some of the fancier prams can be as costly as $2000.00. On average, families will spend between $500.00 to $600.00 on a single pram. While the higher priced prams may seem to be more attractive, the truth is some of these have less features than prams worth half the price. Always consider what you are paying for as some prams are living on a brand name.
Baby Momma’s Pram Recommendations
While there are literally thousands of different prams on the market, there are a number that stand out against the rest. Of course being a typical woman, style is definitely on my agenda, the safety and practicality of the pram is extremely important. While i’ve always been a Joolz supporter and absolutely loved my Joolz Day from the day I began using it to 3 years down the track, i’ll attempt to keep the reviews unbiased allowing you to make your final choice based on purely pram facts.
Joolz Pram
Joolz Day 3
| Best Choice for Stylish Mothers with One Child Who have an Adequate Budget. |
| Age + Weight Restrictions: | Weight of Pram: |
| Bassinet: 19 lbs Seat: 37 lbs Total Capacity: 88 lbs | Approximately 26 lbs |
If your looking for a sturdy yet stylish pram the Joolz Day 3 may be the best pick for you. The company has been producing the Joolz Day for almost 10 years now, but the newest addition to the family is sleek and packed with more features than ever before. With a bassinet that can transform into an upright seat with only a few adjustments, ease of steering and the ability to fold away in one piece are just a few of the key highlights for the Joolz Day 3 pram.
This stylish and sophisticated pram is versatile and if you have a little extra to spare, the matching cup holder and nappy bag will complete the package. The height of this pram also allows it to double as a high chair for your toddler when out and about and the belly bar can be easily removed to allow your child to be moved closer to the table.
| Price Range of Pram: |
| $1000 to $1500 USD depending on style and additional accessories. |
What We Love About This Pram
- The bassinet can be unattached from the pram and carried inside if needed.
- Lifetime warranty
- The pram is stylish and available in a number of colors
- A smooth ride due to the air pump wheels
- A capsule can be connected with adapters
- The extendable hood also has air mesh that makes the pram suitable for warmer days
- The front wheel locks prevent the pram from going side to side
- Large underneath storage department
- Grows with the baby to toddler-hood
- Has matching accessories such as a nappy bag
- Adjustable handle
- Basket and seat can be faced either way
What We Didn’t Love About This Pram
- Can be too large for some car boots
- Is on the pricey side
- Rain cover needs to be purchased separately
- Cup holder needs to be purchased separately
- Does not allow for twins or siblings
| Note Worthy Feature: Unlike many other prams on the market, the Joolz Day 3 comes with a lifetime warranty. |
Bugaboo Pram
Bugaboo Donkey
| Best Choice for Mothers who Intend on Having Another Child or Would Make Use of the Side Shopping Basket. |
| Age + Weight Restrictions: | Weight of Pram: |
| 37 lbs | Approximately 28 lbs |
If you have any plans to extend your family, the Bugaboo Donkey is among the best. If you decide later on that you will be putting off having another child, no problems as the Donkey can be used for a single child with the addition of the side basket to store groceries or those 100 bits and bobs that need to be taken out to pacify your baby. Similar to the Joolz range, Bugaboo prams are stylish and come with all the must-have features although the price tag reflects this. We love that this pram has the ability to be folded with a forward facing seat and that it grows with your baby from birth to a couple of years old or until they reach the weight limit.
| Price Range of Pram: |
| $1400.00 USD. |
What We Love About This Pram
- Sunhood protect your baby from the weather
- The Donkey Mono gives you side basket storage as well as underneath storage which means doing the shopping with your baby becomes a possibility
- Handle can be faced both ways to allow for forward or rear facing
- Capsule compatible with adapter
- Can be used for twins or siblings as it allows for two chairs or bassinets.
- Rain covers come included
- 5 point harness
- Wheel locks
- 3 positions for the rear facing seat
What We Didn’t Love About This Pram
- Seat is smaller than that included with other prams
- On the expensive side
- Quite a bulky pram to store
| Note Worthy Feature: The Bugaboo Donkey Mono comes with a side shopping basket as well as underneath storage allowing you to fit your diaper bag and your shopping without having to juggle anything in your hands. |
Silver Cross Pram
Silver Cross Wave
| Best Choice for Mothers Who are on the Hunt for a Quality Double Pram. |
| Age + Weight Restrictions: | Weight of Pram: |
| Bassinet: 20 lbs Main Seat: 55 lbs Second Seat: 45 lbs | 36 lbs |
The Silver Cross Wave has taken the baby world by storm as it competes with other big brand prams such as Bugaboo and UppaBaby. The large canopy, spacious bassinet and seat, large underneath storage basket and brown handle finishes are all factors that make this pram worth considering, especially if you intend on adding another addition to the family.
| Price Range of Pram: |
| $1300.00 USD. |
What We Love About This Pram
- 5 point harness
- Adjustable leg rest
- Large canopy that ensures your baby is out of the sun
- 3 seat positions
- Mesh window that allows for better air flow
- Adjustable handle to suit mom or dads height
- Allows for two children, either twins or siblings close in age
- Adapters that allow for capsules to be used
- Leather feel bumper bars
- Foam filled tires
- Cup holder included
- Luxury pram
What We Didn’t Love About This Pram
- Seat must be detached prior to folding
- Quite a bulky pram that requires a large boot
- Costly if used as a single pram although cheaper than most double prams
- Some moms find this pram on the heavy side
| Note Worthy Feature: The Silver Cross Wave is a solid pram that also has the ability to be used as double for twins or siblings. |
iCandy Pram
iCandy Peach
| Best Choice for Mothers who are Looking for a Light Weight and Stylish Pram with the Ability to Carry Two Babies. |
| Age + Weight Restrictions: | Weight of Pram: |
| First seat: 55 lbs Second Seat 33 lbs | 31 lbs |
Without a doubt the ICandy Peach is stylish pram that can also be converted into a double if need be. Compared to similar prams, the Peach is significantly lighter. Available in a range of colors, the ICandy is an increasingly popular choice for mothers who have a budget of over $1000 USD to spend on a pram. This pram has a unique one hand fold feature that allows you to hold a clingy bub all while packing up the pram after a long day out.
| Price Range of Pram: |
| $1300.00 USD. |
What We Love About This Pram
- Allows for a one hand fold
- Front wheel locks
- One hand seat removal
- Adjustable foot rest
- Seat can be reclined to three different positions
- Large underneath storage basket
- Large sun canopy
- Rain cover included
- 2 year warranty
- An upgrade kit can be purchased so that the pram can be used for two children
- Compact and light compared to other stylish strollers
- 5 point safety harness
- Adjustable handlebar
What We Didn’t Love About This Pram
- Seat must be removed prior to folding
- Footrest could be longer to allow for taller toddlers
- Metal scratches easily diminishing the look of the pram
- On the expensive side
| Note Worthy Feature: The iCandy Peach is not only stylish but also practical with the large underneath storage it offers and the easy one handed fold. |
Reds Baby Pram
Reds Baby Jive 2
| Best Choice for Mothers looking for a cost effective and light weight pram, who Plan on Using it for One Child. |
| Age + Weight Restrictions: | Weight of Pram: |
| Bassinet: 20 lbs Seat: 40 lbs | Approximately 24 lbs |
The Red Baby Jive 2 is affordable yet stylish. While many moms recommend steering away from this pram if your expecting to use it as a double, those using it as a single pram seem to have loved their experience. While of course for the cost you have to expect a decrease in quality opposed to other prams, the Jive 2 is sure to do the job from birth to toddler hood. In fact, your child can still hitch a ride in the Jive up until they hit 20 kg which is generous when comparing it to other prams. The Jive is light for moms to life and comes with many of the ‘must-have’ features.
| Price Range of Pram: |
| $580.00 USD. |
What We Love About This Pram
- Can be used as a double or single pram
- Head and foot ventilation for bassinet
- Puncture proof wheels
- 5 point harness
- 12 kg capacity basket when used in single mode
- Can be folded with seat attached
- Compact when folded
- Extra large canopy
- 3 reclining positions with adjustable footrest
- Ability to connect a capsule with adapters
- Cheaper than many of the other stylish prams on the market
What We Didn’t Love About This Pram
- When used as a double pram, you sacrifice the underneath storage
- Seat is smaller than some other brands
| Note Worthy Feature: The Reds Baby Jive is not only a light pram but it is also suitable for off road terrain. |
UPPABaby Pram
UPPABaby Vista
| Best Choice for Mothers who intend on adding to their family and are looking for an affordable and sturdy pram. |
| Age + Weight Restrictions: | Weight of Pram: |
| Bassinet: 20 lbs Seat: 50 lbs | 35.6 lbs |
Sitting in the mid price range and affordability, the UPPA Baby Vista is a great choice for families who think down the track they will expand. We love that the seat of this pram does not have to be removed before collapsing which saves much time and boot space. While some prams only come with one transformable bassinet to seat option, the Vista comes with a seat and a bassinet. This means you do not have to pay any extra if you have another baby down the track.
| Price Range of Pram: |
| $930.00 USD. |
What We Love About This Pram
- Bumper bar that can be released by using one hand
- Smooth ride
- Large sun canopy
- Comes with a rain cover
- Three heights adjustments for handle
- Puncture proof wheels
- High seat and bassinet so the seat can be used as a high chair as cafes
- Independent bassinet that can be taken inside with baby if needed
- Can be turned into a double stroller
- Waterproof latex mattress in bassinet
- 2 year warranty
What We Didn’t Love About This Pram
- This pram is on the heavier side
- Slightly wider than other single prams
- Cup holder not included
| Note Worthy Feature: The UppaBaby Vista is one of the last prams on the market that comes with a bassinet and a seat without the need to interchange fabrics. If you are looking to use the pram as a double this will save you some money in the long term. |
Stokke Pram
Stokke Xplory
| Best Choice for Mothers who have a budget for a Stokke pram and do not intend on using it to take their baby for large shopping trips. |
| Age + Weight Restrictions: | Weight of Pram: |
| Bassinet: 20 lbs Seat: 33 lbs | 26 lbs |
One of the biggest draw cards to the Stokke Xplory is the height at which your baby will sit. Up at your eye level, you will be always able to see and interact with your baby through to toddlerhood. With the use of the carry cot, the Stokke Xplory can be used from birth right up until your toddler exceeds the maximum weight limit of 45 lbs for the seat. While the Stokke Xplory may look stylish, many moms have complained about its practicality in terms of storage. There is no where to hook a nappy bag onto and the underneath storage won’t allow for more than a couple of items. While this pram may work out for some moms who intend on only using it every now and again, moms who need to take their newborn out to do a grocery shop should keep on looking for their ideal pram.
| Price Range of Pram: |
| $1129.00 USD |
What We Love About This Pram
- Front and rear facing
- Adjustable handle
- Adjustable footrest
- 5 point harness
- Child sits at eye level
- Stylish pram that grows with the child
- Ability to attach a capsule with adapters
- Can double as a high chair due to the raised seat
- 3 rear facing positions and 2 front facing positions
- Hood ventilation
What We Didn’t Love About This Pram
- Carry cot must be purchased separately
- Small amount of storage underneath
- Can topple over if diaper bag is hooked onto handle
| Note Worthy Feature: Eye level seat promotes eye contact between mother and child. |
Mountain Buggy Pram
Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle
| Best Choice for Mothers who enjoy jogging or walking on or off road. |
| Age + Weight Restrictions: | Weight of Pram: |
| Seat: 55 lbs | 27 lbs |
If you have a budget of just over $600.00 USD and you enjoy going for a jog or walking on a regular basis the Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle will be a comfortable and sporty ride for your baby. While it is a three wheeled pram and this may take some adjustment for a new mom, the benefit is it also doubles as a jogger. Fitting into the budget of most families, the Urban Jungle has more to love than hate.
| Price Range of Pram: |
| $650.00 USD |
What We Love About This Pram
- Matching satchel bag included
- Doubles as a jogger
- One handed fold
- Hand break
- 22 pounds of storage underneath
- Compatible with some capsules
- Adjustable handle
- Reclining seat from flat to upright
- Extendable leg rest
- Front wheel locks
- 5 point harness
- Reversible liner insert
- Attachable food tray
What We Didn’t Love About This Pram
- Does not include carry cot. This must be purchased separately.
- Only suitable for one child
| Note Worthy Feature: The Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle can hold a child who weighs up to 55 lbs and in terms of height it allows for taller children as well due to the three wheeled approach. |
Valco Baby Pram
Valco Baby Snap Ultra
| Best Choice for Mothers who are looking for a budget friendly pram for their newborn right through to toddler-hood. |
| Age + Weight Restrictions: | Weight of Pram: |
| Seat: 45 lbs | 17 lbs |
If you’re looking for a pram but you don’t want to break the budget, the Valco Baby Snap Ultra comes in at just over $500.00 USD. One of the highlight features of this pram that many others lack is the extremely extendable hood that allows for full protection from the sun. While there are many note worthy features, some moms who are less than average height find that the non-adjustable handle bar sits too high.
| Price Range of Pram: |
| $530.00 USD |
What We Love About This Pram
- Reversible Seat
- One handed fold with or without seat connected
- Light weight pram
- Large extendable canopy
- Large underneath basket
- Suitable from birth
- Reclining seat
- Can be used with a capsule
- Adjustable foot rest
- Swing away bumper bar
- 5 point harness
- Rain cover included
What We Didn’t Love About This Pram
- The handle bar cannot be adjusted
- Bassinet not included
- No open close window on the hood
- Only comes with a one year warranty
| Note Worthy Feature: The Valco Baby Snap Ultra’s note worthy feature is the extendable canopy that allows you to fully protect your infant or toddler from the harsh sun. In comparison to other prams on the market, this pram is also extremely light weight. |
Great list of prams and strollers, perfect for a new mum looking to purchase