Guide To Good Prams: The Intermediate Guide On Good Prams
What Makes Good Prams?
A pram (also known as a stroller or pushchair) is the primary mode of transport for infants and toddlers. A well-designed pram is a combination of safety, comfort, and style to make walking enjoyable for the whole family.
The R for Rabbit Poppins Stylish Baby Stroller makes a great stroller for babies to 3 years old. The reversible handle lets you turn the seat to face your child or the world.
Comfort
You want your child to be comfortable when you're out with them. The good news is that there are prams specifically designed to ensure your child isn't apprehensive.
All the prams listed in this guide let your baby lie flat. This is essential for newborns as it improves oxygenation and helps support their spine and hips. They also have seats which can be transformed to more upright positions when your baby is old enough to sit.
For a luxurious feel this Venicci egg2 provides a warm cocoon feel for your newborn with sleek, curved lines and a bucket-shape seat that doesn't recline to a lie-flat position, but has an upholstered liner and mattress. It's also lighter than other prams, with a weight of less than 8kg. But it has a sturdy chassis with finely textured leather and tyres that are air-filled, which are puncture-proof.
The Minu V2 is a great choice when you're looking for a model with a similar look but at a lower price. The one-hand steer model, Baby carriages swish, isn't as light as other prams, but it does come with a large storage basket. It also has an extendable hood that offers UPF 50+ protection, which keeps your baby protected and shaded.
If you're a first-time parent we recommend the travel system bundle that includes a pram and a car seat that can be attached to the same frame. This makes it easier to get your baby from the car to the pram without having to wake them up and is ideal for parents on the go. The Bugaboo Dragonfly is a great example of a stylish and functional pram that can convert easily from a'pramette' that lies flat to a pushchair for toddlers, compatible with the Graco I-Size car seat.
Safety
A pram must have a five point safety harness to ensure your baby is secure and should not allow any gaps to entrap their legs or head. The straps should be padded and easy to adjust as they grow. Examine the buckles on the harness to make sure they're not cracked and show signs of wear. Many children are admitted to hospitals each year due to pram or stroller-related injuries. The primary cause of these injuries is the result of a stroller tipping over. Even the strongest prams can fall over if you hang bags onto the handles, or if a child with a wriggling gets into or out of the seat without the harness being properly secured.
A common cause of injury is falling off a pram or stroller. If a child is not properly secured the pram, they may fall out of the stroller and suffer neck or head injuries. It is therefore important to make sure that the buckle on the harness is locked into place.
Some good prams (125.141.133.9) also have an adjustable canopy that can protect your baby from sun in both directions. This is a great feature as you can avoid having to wake your child awake when you change their position in the pram, or when you go into and out of shops. There are also other features that could be useful, such as snacks for your child or toddler and drink holders. There is also a shopping basket underneath the seat.
Don't leave a baby sleeping in a pram without being in sight. Babies are prone to wiggle while asleep, which can cause them to roll out of the stroller or pram. This can lead to strangulation and suffocation. A pram or a stroller should not be used as a substitute for the cot. It is best to use it for short periods during the daytime.
It is essential to disassemble the majority of prams to put them into the boot of your vehicle. This procedure must be mastered before you buy one. Also check how it is simple to put the different sections back together before putting them in place.
Durability
A pram needs to be durable enough to withstand many years of wear and tear. You want to make sure that your baby's pram is able to handle muddy walks, as well as multiple car trips. You also want your pram to be in an image or color that won't date quickly to avoid looking like you've gone out of style.
The best prams will be made of high-quality materials, and designed to last. You should look for durable fabrics, sturdy tires, and an efficient suspension system. The top prams have a compact stroller fold, so you can store them easily in your garage or in the boot when not in use.
All the prams in this list allow a baby to lie flat, which is crucial for infants since it increases oxygen saturation levels as well as aids in the development of their hips and spine. Many of these prams are designed to grow with your child. Some have carrycots, or a reclined chair that can be easily removed and put back on when your child outgrows them.
If you are buying a pram for the very first time you should consider a travel system that includes both an infant carrycot and a car seat may be worth a look. Our test-driver for parents Jaya loved the Graco Near2Me System she used with her 10-month-old son. It has an innovative feature that allows you to raise and lower your baby with the touch of a single button. This lets you keep your eyes on your child and keep them close.
The Bugaboo Fox 3 is another option that our tester Jess Bird tried with her two children Effie and Boden (pictured above). It's a pram that can be transformed from a single pushchair to double in 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 with the included carrycot.
Style
All prams should allow newborns to lay as flat as they can. This will help with their development and improve oxygen saturation in the lungs. Some models allow a completely flat position using a fully reclineable carrycots, while others have a seat that reclines to a flat position.
The Graco Near2Me works great for both, as our parent tester Jaya discovered when she tried it on her child who was 10 months old. She was thrilled to be able to raise or lower her child at the touch of a button to keep him in view and still maintain closeness and eye contact.
The frame is ideal to take a stroll around town and the puncture-proof wheels permit you to drive it off road or on rough terrain. It's an excellent choice when you are planning to have another child in the near future because it can easily be transformed from a single pushchair to a twin or double.
The Bugaboo Dragonfly is a stylish premium option that looks and feels impressive. 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 can be folded using the carrycot as a stand and it's something that not all prams can do which is why it's an easy and time-saving feature.
Its luxurious fabrics, large shopping basket, and puncture-proof tyres are the kinds of things you'd expect on a premium pram however, its sleek frame makes it easy to handle on a variety of terrains. This is a great choice for those who live in the city and must navigate narrow streets and crowded pathways regularly. The pram isn't cheap, but its versatility and high-end quality can save you money over time by avoiding the purchase of an additional stroller for your toddler. It's available in a wide selection of colors and you can pick one that fits your personal style.