Nothing can match the thrill and excitement of learning you’re expecting, particularly for the first time. But a few weeks into pregnancy, the joy will be overtaken by the need to plan – and buy everything you’re likely to need, including a new pram, and perhaps a new stroller later. No one ever said being a parent was easy, and certainly no one ever said you could do it on the cheap – buying a pram for your newborn could be the greatest expense you’ll face before your baby comes along, perhaps with the exception of a car seat. That’s why it’s important to find the best pram for yours and your baby’s needs. This could mean buying a trendy, expensive pram and becoming the envy of your parent friends, or just a relatively affordable model that does the basics well. To find out which brands are currently impressing Australian parents most, Canstar Blue surveyed more than 1,200 mums and dads who have purchased either a new pram or stroller within the last three years, and their opinions are reflected by the star ratings you see above.
As many brands produce both prams and strollers, and given their hybrid nature (some models could easily be considered both ‘pram’ and ‘stroller’), we’ve decided to combine the results to give you the ultimate overview of both types. Nine major brands featured in the results, and one of the most well-known stood out from the rest, Baby Jogger. It means Baby Jogger replaces Valco Baby at the top of the ratings from 2015, with five-star reviews in regards to handling and steering, and ease of folding, in addition to overall satisfaction. Honourable mentions also go to Love N Care and Steelcraft for achieving two or more five-star ratings. In fact, six out of the nine brands scored at least one five-star review, but none could match Baby Jogger for the overall prize. Baby Jogger provides a great example of modern day prams and strollers, with its products encompassing the characteristics you’d normally associate with both types. Put simply, these are products that provide the safety and comfort of a traditional pram, but also the flexibility and convenience of a stroller.
Take the Baby Jogger ‘City Select’ (pictured) for example. “Whether you’re looking for a travel system, a pram, a double stroller, a triple, or just a single, the City Select could be the only stroller you’ll ever need.” This new breed of prams and strollers gives parents the best of both worlds, but some brands continue to produce models that match more traditional definitions of one or the other. With a baby on the way, it’s time to start thinking about buying a pram/stroller. As we mentioned earlier, this is likely to be one of the most costly items you buy for your baby – with one in four parents spending more than $1,000 on a pram, our research shows – so make sure you get it right. So what things do you need to consider to make sure you’re getting the right one for your needs? We asked our survey respondents who have recently bought a new pram what factors they considered: As you can see, there are plenty of things to consider, which is probably why some parents will agonise over which pram to buy.
It can also be the subject of much debate – our survey found that 29% of parents argued with their partner over how much to spend. We also found that: Ultimately though, safety should be your first and last thought when it comes to what you push your child around in. It’s easy to get lost in the style and features of modern day prams and strollers, but remember to take a step back and consider what is best for your child. We hope our customer ratings prove helpful.The vast array of travel systems on offer can be daunting, but fear not: we're here to help. Take a look at our checklist of five key questions to ask before you get out your credit card - and check out Mumsnetters' reviews for other parents' opinions on the best in the business. 1. What is a travel system, exactly? Actually, it's just a regular pushchair with a detachable car seat (2-in-1), and sometimes a carry-cot, too (3-in-1). The benefit of a travel system is that your baby can stay sleeping when being transferred between pram and car;
the downside is they can be bulkier and heavier than regular pushchairs. The Uppababy Vista (below) is a Mumsnet Best. 2. Do I need one? Travel systems are obviously intended for people with cars - if this isn't you, check out our reviews of other types of pushchairs. But even if you do have a car, think before you buy: if you live in a city and expect to travel mainly by public transport, you may find the benefits of a pushchair outweigh those of a travel system. It's also worth remembering that travel systems are solo options: no good if you're having twins, or if you already have children who also need to be in a pushchair. 3. What should I think about when buying?If you can't get your travel system in your boot/up the stairs, forget it. Take into account the fact that heavy lifting can be very difficult postpartum. Of Mumsnetters' top five travel systems, the Bugaboo Cameleon (below; another Mumsnet Best) is lightest, at 9kg. Just because a travel system claims to be 'lightweight' doesn't mean it actually is - always check!
As with any pushchair, you'll want as much carry space as possible. If you're likely to be out and about for long periods, a 3-in-1 might be more suitable than a 2-in-1, so your baby can lie flat. 4. Are there different types? Most travel systems are four-wheelers, but three-wheelers, designed for off-road use, are available - worth considering if you live rurally. If you plan to use the pushchair for flat, off-road walking, or even running, a three-wheeler could be for you - but remember that for hiking you'll need a baby backpack. 5. How much should I spend? Travel systems cost up to £2,000, but you can bag a perfectly good one for well under £500, depending on what features you're after. Arguably, though, you get what you pay for, and when allocating your budget this is a good area in which to spend as much as you can afford - unlike clothes or toys, which your baby will grow out of quickly. Available for less than £200, this Mothercare own-brand model is a good lower budget option.