Guide To Good Prams: The Intermediate Guide On Good Prams
What Makes Good Prams?
A pram, also referred to as a stroller, pushchair or a Sling, is the main mode of transport for infants and toddlers. A great pram combines comfort, safety and design that makes walking enjoyable for all the family members.
The R for Rabbit Poppins Joy Stylish Baby Stroller is a fantastic stroller for newborns and 3-year-old kids. The adjustable handle can be turned around to allow you to turn the seat to face your child or the world.
Comfort
If you're out and about with a baby, you want to ensure they're secure. There are prams that make sure your baby doesn't feel any discomfort.
All the prams listed in this guide let your baby lie flat. This is essential for babies as it increases oxygenation and helps support their spine and hips. They also come with a seat that can be converted to a more upright position when your baby is old enough to sit up.
For a really high-end feel it's the Venicci egg2 has a cosy cocoon-like feel for your baby with smooth, curved lines and a bucket-shape seat that doesn't recline into a lie-flat position, but it does have a padded mattress and liner. It's also a little lighter than most prams, weighing under 8kg but still has an extremely sturdy chassis and grained leather detailing and air-filled tyres that are puncture-proof and can take on more rural settings.
If you want something more budget-friendly but with a similar style Minu V2 (minus carrycot) is a good option. The stylish one-hand steer model isn't as lightweight than some of the other prams we tried but it does have a large storage basket, as well as an extendable hood with UPF 50+ protection to keep your baby protected and shaded.
If you are a first-time parent we suggest that you look into the travel system that includes a car seat as well as a pram that can be attached to the same frame. This makes it easier for parents to transfer their baby from their car to the pram without having to awake them. The Bugaboo Dragonfly is a great example of a stylish and functional travel system pram that converts easily from a'pramette' that lies flat to a pushchair for toddlers compatible with the Graco I-Size car seat.
Safety
The pram should be equipped with a five-point safety harness that will keep your baby safe. It should also not have any gaps in which their heads or legs can get trapped. The straps must be cushioned and easy to adjust as they expand. Examine the buckles on your harness to make sure they're not cracked and show signs of wear. Many children are hospitalised each year due to injuries caused by strollers or prams. The most common cause of these injuries is tipping over. Even the strongest prams can tip over when you hang your bags onto the handles or if a child is wriggling and gets out or in the seat before the harness is tightened.
Another frequent cause of injury is falling off the stroller or running pram. If a baby pram isn't securely secured in the pram, they could fall out of the stroller and sustain neck or head injuries. Therefore, it is important to always ensure that the buckle on the harness is clicked into the proper position.
Some good prams also have a canopy that can be reversible to shield your baby from sun in both directions. This is a great feature since you will not be having to wake your child awake while you change their position in the pram or while you are into and out of shops. Other handy features include a snack tray and drink holders for your baby or toddler, a shopping basket under the seat and the handlebar can be locked into place when you're not using it.
You should never leave a sleeping child in their stroller unless you are in their sight at all times. Babies are susceptible to wiggle while asleep and this can cause them to roll out of the stroller or pram for newborn. This can lead to strangulation and suffocation. A pram or a stroller is not an alternative to the crib. It is best to use it for short periods during the day.
The majority of prams require you disassemble them in order to fit them into the boot of your car so it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the process before purchasing one. Also check how it is easy to put the different parts back together and click to put them back together.
Durability
A pram should be able to endure a long time of wear. You need to ensure that your stroller can withstand slippery walks, as well as multiple car trips. You should ensure that your pram is a color or pattern that won't fade easily so you don't look as if you've slipped out of fashion.
The most reliable prams are made of high-quality materials, and built to last. Look for durable fabrics as well as sturdy tires and a well-designed system of suspension. The best prams are compact and fold easily so that you can put them in your garage or the boot of your car.
All prams on this list allow babies to lie flat, which is essential for newborns because it improves oxygen saturation levels and supports the development of their hips and spine. Some are made to adapt to your child's needs, with some of them featuring a carrycot, or a fully reclined seat that can be clicked off and back on the frame at a time when your child is no longer using it.
If you're looking to purchase a brand new pram for the first time, you may also be interested in a travel set that is a complete package that includes a lie-flat carrycot and car seat. We love the Graco Near2Me device that our parent tester Jaya used with her 10-month-old son. It is a revolutionary feature that lets you raise and lower your baby with the touch of a single button. This allows you to keep eye contact with them and keep them close.
The Bugaboo Fox 3 is another option that our tester Jess Bird tried with her two babies Effie & Boden (pictured above). It's a pushchair that can be transformed from a single pushchair into double, with 30 different configurations. It also features a sun canopy that can be extended and puncture-proof tires. It's not cheap but you could 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 using the included carrycot.
Style
All prams should permit newborns to lie flat as possible. This will help with their development and increase oxygen saturation in the lungs. Some models allow a completely flat position using a fully reclineable carrycot while others feature the seat that can recline to an unflat position.
The Graco Near2Me comes with the latter and it's brilliant at what it does as our parent tester Jaya found when she tested it with her 10-month-old son. She loved the ability to raise or lower her infant at the touch of a button to keep him in the same position and still maintain closeness and eye contact.
This frame is perfect for city trips and the puncture-proof wheels permit you to drive it off road or over rough terrain. It's also a great option if you're thinking of having another child in future since it can easily be converted from a single pushchair to a double or twin pushchair.
The Bugaboo Dragonfly is a stylish and high-end product that is both stylish and comfortable. It's suitable for newborns because it comes with a lie-flat baby carrycot and is compatible with car seats when you purchase it separately. It is able to be folded with the carrycot still in place It's an option that not all prams provide. This reduces time and makes it more convenient to use.
The pram's luxurious fabrics, spacious basket, and puncture-proof tires are features you'd expect in a top model, but the sleek frame makes it easy for you to maneuver on diverse terrains. This is an excellent choice for those who live in the city and must navigate narrow streets and crowded walkways frequently. Although it's not cheap however, the durability and quality of this model will save you money over the long term by eliminating the need to purchase a separate pushchair for toddlers. It's available in a wide range of colors, and you can choose one that matches your personal style.