Do Not Forget Good Prams: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It
What Makes Good Prams? A pram , also known as a pushchair, stroller or Sling, is the most popular mode of transport for infants and toddlers. A great pram is a combination of safety, comfort and design that makes walking fun for all family members. The R for Rabbit Poppins Stylish Baby Stroller is a fantastic stroller for babies to 3 years old. Its reversible handle allows you to turn the seat so that your child can face either you or the world around them. Comfort If you're out and about with a baby, you need to ensure they're secure. The good news is that there are prams specifically designed to ensure that your baby does not feel anything. All prams featured in this guide let your baby lay flat. This is essential for babies as it increases oxygenation and helps support their hips and spine. They also have seats that can be changed to a more upright position when your baby is old enough to sit. Venicci egg2 is a high-end pram that has a cocoon-like feeling for your baby. It is smooth and has curvaceous lines and a bucket-shaped seat which doesn't recline into a flat position however, it does come with a padded mattress and liner. It's also lighter than most prams, weighing under 8kg. However, it still is sturdy and has grained leather details and tyres that are air-filled, which are puncture-proof. The Minu V2 is a great option to consider if you're looking to buy something that has a similar appearance but for a lesser price. The stylish one-hand steer model isn't as lightweight as some of the other prams we've tested however it comes with a big storage basket and an extendable hood with UPF 50+ protection that'll keep your baby shaded and protected. If you're a new parent we recommend a travel system bundle which includes a pram and a car seat that attach to the same frame. This will make it much easier to get your baby from the car into the pram without waking them and is ideal for busy parents on the go. The Bugaboo Dragonfly travel system is an elegant and practical pram that is easily converted from a 'pramette, or a lie-flat 'pramette' into a toddler-friendly stroller compatible with the Graco iSize car seat. Safety The pram should be equipped with a five-point safety harness that will ensure your baby's safety. It should also not have any gaps in which their heads or legs could get stuck. The straps should be padded and easy to adjust as they expand. Examine the buckles on the harness to make sure they're not cracked and have signs of wear. Every year, a large number of children are admitted to hospitals due to injuries caused by prams or strollers. The primary reason for these injuries is the result of a stroller tipping over. Even the sturdiest prams can tip over if you attach bags to the handles or if a wriggling child can get in or out of the seat without harnesses being secured. Another common cause of injury is falling off the stroller or pram. If a baby isn't properly secured, they could fall out of the stroller and sustain neck or head injuries. It is therefore important to always ensure that the buckle on the harness is locked into place. Some prams with good quality also have a canopy that can be reversible to shield your baby from the sun in both directions. This feature is useful because you don't have to wake up your baby every time you alter their position in the stroller or when you enter and out of stores. Other handy features include a snack tray and drink holders for your infant or toddler, a shopping basket under the seat and a handlebar that locks into position when you're not using it. You should never leave a child sleeping in their pram unless you are within sight of them at all times. Babies are susceptible to wiggle during sleep and can cause them to roll out of the stroller or pram. This could result in strangulation and suffocation. A stroller or pram is not a substitute for a cot and should be used only for short periods during the daytime. The majority of prams require you take them apart in order to put them in the boot of your car therefore it's an excellent idea to familiarize yourself with the process before purchasing one. Find out how easy it will be to put the parts back together. Durability A pram must be able stand up to the wear and tear of many years. You need to ensure that your stroller can withstand muddy walks and also multiple car trips. It is important to ensure that your pram is in a color or pattern that isn't prone to fading so that you don't appear like you've fallen out of style. The best prams will be constructed of top-quality materials and built to last. You should look for durable fabrics with sturdy tires, as well as an efficient suspension system. The most reliable prams have a compact fold, so they are easy to store in your garage or the boot when not when not in use. All prams on this list allow your baby to lay on their backs. This is essential for newborns, because it allows them to develop their spine and hips and boosts oxygen levels. A lot of them are designed to adapt to your child's needs and some having a carrycot or a fully reclined seat that can be clicked off and on the frame at a time when your child outgrows it. If you're looking to purchase a brand new pram for the first time, you might also be interested in a travel set that is a complete bundle that includes a lying-flat carrycot and car seat. Our test-driver for parents Jaya was a fan of the Graco Near2Me System that she used with her 10-month-old son. It comes with a handy feature that allows you to raise and lower your child at the push of a button. This way you can keep eye contact and keep them close which she claimed was important to her as he was in an exploratory stage. Another option is the Bugaboo Fox 3 which our tester Jess Bird used with her two babies, Effie and Boden (pictured above). It's a pram that can be converted from a single pushchair a double with 30 different configurations. It also has the sun canopy which can be extended and puncture-proof tires. It's not cheap but you can use it for more than one child in the event of need and, as with our winner the iCandy Orange 3, can be used from birth thanks to the carrycot included. Style All prams should permit newborns to lie flat as they can. This will help with their development and boost oxygen saturation in the lungs. Some models provide a flat surface with a fully-reclinable carrycot while others feature a seat that reclines to an unflat position. The Graco Near2Me features the latter feature and is fantastic in this regard, as our parent tester Jaya found when she tested it with her 10-month-old son. She was thrilled to be able to raise or lower her infant at the touch of the button to keep him in the same position and still maintain eye contact and proximity. It's a great pram for those who wish to get around town with ease as the frame is a great size for maneuvering, and the puncture-proof tyres allow you to remove it from the road and into rough terrain. It's a great option if you plan to have another child in the future because it can easily be converted from a single pushchair to a twin or double. The Bugaboo Dragonfly is a stylish premium option that looks and feels luxurious. It's ideal for infants as it comes with a lie-flat baby carrycot and is compatible with a car seat when you purchase it separately. It can be folded with the carrycot in place – something that isn't the case with all prams and is a time-saving and hassle-free feature. The pram's luxurious fabric, spacious basket, and puncture-proof tires are features you'd expect in a top model However, the sleek frame makes it simple for you to maneuver on various terrains. This is a great option when you live in a city and must navigate narrow streets or congested walkways on a regular basis. Although it's not cheap but the quality and versatility of this stroller make it possible to save you money over the long term by avoiding the need to purchase a separate toddler pushchair. You can choose from a variety of colors to match your personal style.