Choosing a Pram, Stroller, Pushchair or Travel System
When choosing wheeled baby transportation for the first time, it is a daunting but definitely a very pleasant experience. We have listed points for you to consider: -
- 1. How old is the baby?
- 2. How many babies are there?
- 3. What I need to include: the pram, infant carrier (car seat that fits onto the frame of the pram, optional is the carrycot, raincover (for our British weather), footmuff (for the cold weather), changing bag, parasol (for holidays abroad) and a clip on toy.
- 4. What I need the pram to do?
- 5. Where will I store the pram?
- 6. How long will I use the pram?
- 7. How much will it all cost?
The age of the baby or babies is obviously important. Until at least 3months, newborns need to lie flat to protect their delicate backs. Therefore you need to consider a pram with multi positions including lie flat or a carrycot that attaches to the frame. From three months, you can choose a lie back version, but remember even toddlers like to sleep or rest when travelling.
The number of babies is important to the number of seats and dependant on the ages, either lie-flat or lie back.
There are a number of types of prams, combinations (the carrycot transposes into a pushchair seat, 3 in 1’s include the chassis, the seat and a separate carrycot, travel systems include an attachable infant carrier, tandems (one seat in front of the other) are generally forward facing with individual adjustment suitable for twins or newborn and toddler. Some having the added bonus of infant carrier attachment, even less is the choice for newborn twin’s infant carriers to be attached to the frame. Twins with seats side by side are wider but the babies interact easier and can be for babies of the same or different ages. Some of the above have lie flat or lie back seat options but few have reversible seats so you can see the baby (especially important in the first six months). The majority of prams have the option of attaching an infant carrier (car seat) and/or carrycot and both face the driver. With variations for the different terrains and/or the number of wheels the choice can be bewildering, so visit a nursery goods specialist local to where you live.
The performance or what you need the pram to do is vital to your decision so weigh up the weight, the overall size folded and unfolded, adaptability and the fabric design and colour. Aesthetics is equal to performance, in simple terms you have to like the look of the pram as well as it performsStorage of your transportation equipment is another decision to make but check first if it will fit through your doorway, especially important with twin prams
Most prams will last for years, but your usage may only be months for your original choice, so consider your lifestyle now and in the years to come.
Now for the delicate question, how much will it cost in total. Only you know how much you can afford but can you afford to do without some of the accessories. Our advice is set yourself a total budget and keep to it.
