Prams and buggies

Whether you call it a pram, buggy, push chair, etc they can be extremely useful.

When buying for your new baby it may seem like there is an endless array of products to choose from.

One that causes great deliberation, second only really to the car seat conundrum,  is purchasing a pram.

There are just so many varieties and different types of ‘systems’.

It comes down really to your budget, your needs and what you like or think works best for you.

However, regardless of which one you decide on take solace in knowing that all prams/stroller and joggers must adhere to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2088:2000 including lightweight ones too.

• 5 point harness.
• Tether strap.
• Red brakes.

These are non-negotiable points when buying a pram.

It is important to be aware of this when purchasing a second hand pram. Be aware and only purchase a second hand pram if they do have these above points as part of the pram.

We would recommend searching for another pram if they do not have these safety requirements if purchasing a second hand pram.

Well where do we start?

The market seems to have been bombarded with so many different types of prams these days it really is hard to decide which one to buy.

There is the 3 wheeler, the traditional 4 wheeler, double buggies, the all-terrain, the ‘travel system’, forward facing, ones that can switch between forward and backwards, light ones, heavy ones, double ones, briefcase ones, multi talented ones, fancy ones and the list just goes on. Are you giddy yet?

To add to the mix there are ones that fold at the press of a button, ones the have LCD dashboards & built in mobile phone chargers.

Some have all the bells and whistles but it really does depend on what you are looking for and the price you want to pay.The pram you end up deciding upon will depend largely on your budget as well as your individual needs (and wants).

If you have the ability to purchase a good quality one then we would recommend it as it will last longer and potentially see you through a few kids should you have more.

1. Firstly what your needs are- is this going to be a well used part of the family? If so then it is wise to invest in a comfortable, durable, sturdy good quality one that is going to last the distance.
2. Another thing to think about is it going to cater for more than one child? If so does it have any extras that can be purchased such as a toddler skateboard or seat?
3. Are you going to be using it regularly on public transport, up and down stairs, etc? Something that folds and is relatively light would suit better.
4. Will it fit into your boot? A lot of prams may not. There have been numerous stories we have heard of where they have not. For example one family we know bought a Rav 4 and the pram wouldn’t fit so they swapped cars and moved to a Honda CRV. That’s a separate issue as it may have been easier (and cheaper to swap prams) but the moral to the story is it is a good idea to see which pram would fit easily into your boot. Double buggies are often cumbersome and difficult to fit into a small boot, if at all.
5. Are you an outdoors type? Then the all terrain buggies would suit better.
6. Your budget. The type of pram will somewhat be dictated by your budget.

• Does it come with any extras/accessories such as a rain cover; hood, mosquito net cover, foot muff, inserts/padding or what is included in the price? If you have to purchase elements that are needed such as the seat to fit inside the ‘travel system’ type pram then may then prove costly.
• Seating positions-  what and how many positions do they have and are they able to be used form birth? Does it recline?
• Is the pram usable from birth and if not, are you prepared to purchase two prams or what other alternative do you have?
• If it comes with a bumper is it removable?
• Does the shade hood offer sufficient shade and come with a window?
• Does the basket underneath offer enough storage?
• Easier to store and great for small or limited spaces.
• Do they have the same features as other prams?
• Are they comfortable?
• Ease of use – also in the folding as some can be quite tricky. I remember the first time I took out our pram I could not get it down. I called my husband to ask for his help but, of course, he wasn’t much help over the phone. Luckily, a father came to my aid and was able to figure it out as I was all flustered by this point with a newborn screaming in the car.
• Portability and weight and can they fit into your car?
• Quality and value for money.
• The limit of use – is it a pram that will go the distance for one or more children, does it cover all aspects of your need, etc.
• Does it recline?
• Or is it lightweight?
• Practicality.

Pram seats:

There is no current standard that specifically covers seat attachments. So we have compiled a list of things to consider before using a child seat.

Tips:

• The safety harnesses.
• How stable it was and how easy it is to use with the extra seat attached and with both children in the pram with only using one hand as well.
• Any potential safety issues or hazards such as finger and limb traps.
• Issues with the stability, as some may have the potential of tipping.
• The ease of attaching and detaching the seat and how securely attached it was.