Buying a pram can be so overwhelming. There are so many choices and varieties out there. There are options for whole travel systems; including car seat, flat cot and stroller or just stroller. Some people like to get a pram and then stroller and others like on suitable from birth all the way through.
When a baby is born it is important they lie flat. This is because their backs are not formed yet. When choosing a pram it will usually tell you if it is suitable from birth.
Having had the Petite Sta Charisma last time I was pretty happy with it. I never used the car seat in the pram but did get use out of the flat cot and pram. It has rubber wheels meant for running - which is great for the country side but also prone to punctures.
This time round I know a lot more about what I am after. Below is my specification:
- Carry Cot
- Pram
- If rubber wheels have a detachable option.
- Drinks holder (so useful)
-Something not too heavy or bulky when folded
- Not too low if possible. Loads of the prams out there seem to be very low to the ground.
Reviews are below:
Most Expensive
Icandy - For the Yummy Mummy's
The Icandy is the creme de la creme of prams. All the yummy mummy seem to have one. They come with a heft price tag- nearly £800 plus £150 for carry cot. Click
here to view. They have no puncture tyres and are fluid in movement and manoeuvring. They easily go from single to double strollers and come in a variety of models colours and shades. Great all rounder for all terrain.
The downsides are the price and they scratch easily and the price.
Bugaboo Cameleon Classic Pushchair
The Bugaboo is said to also be an all terrain pushchair although reviewers say that it is most suited to street. It has a height adjustable handle bar. This price comes in at nearly £900 for carry cot and pushchair (on par with icandy). The pushchair is said to be lightweight, well made and manoeuvrable.
The downsides are the price and the brakes which can be improved. Mothers also find some difficulty on small streets.
4Moms Orgami- For the gadget geek - technology stroller you can charge your phone from.
The 4moms stroller is super high tech. It is the first power folding pushchair and hosts a usb charging dock (powered from self charging wheels), temperature, lights and speedometers/tripomoters. This stroller holds four drinks and I totally love it. It is very easy to push
The downsides are that is it expensive and heavy. Although it self folds this may not be suitable for mums who are not strong and have to lift the stroller in and our of cars/transport. The front wheels do not lock so it is also not suitable for all terrain.
Midrange
BabyZen Yoyo Stroller- So small and compact it can fit in hand luggage
This pushchair can be used from birth as well. The main selling point it it is so small and compact it can fit into hand luggage- perfect for small boots and ease as one handed fold. This is also perfect for the city and public transport. The Yoyo can be both forward or rear facing too and is compatible with main brand car seats. The price comes in at £485 for carry cot and stroller.
The main downsides is that there is a small shopping basket and the brake sometimes catches. This also may not be suitable for those wanting to go all terrain and living in the country.
Mama and Papas Armadilo Flip Pushchair and Carry Cot
This travel system comes with a travel cup, carry cot, adapters and stroller. The best thing about this stroller is how versatile it is- baby can face you, easy fold and manageable. There is also a toddler handle attachment. It comes in at £599 and can be bought at
very.co.uk.
Downsides- Perhaps not suited to all terrain and more of a city stroller.
Uppababy Vista- Great for extending families and adding double strollers.
The selling point of this system is that not only can you get the stroller and carry cot but there is also options to convert it into a double stroller with a simple adapter. This would be great for those with twins, or two babies under two. It comes in at £699.95 and can be bought from
John Lewis. Reviewers comment on the ease of assembly/fold,
The downside is like any double pushchair it can be bulky. The manoeuvrability can also be a bit hard at times.
Budget Friendly
Joie Travel System-
3 in 1- stroller, carry cot and car seat pushchair. Makes moving babies easy and gives both forward and rear facing options. Retails for £399.95 and can be
purchased here. Can also get a toddler board attachment for this buggy.
Downsides- although can fold down to be very compact it is very heavy for a single person to manage particularly on public transport. Ride is sometimes not smooth
Hauck Malibu Travel System
Another good cheaper system range with carseat. Easy to fold and small enough for small cars. Both forward and backwards facing Can be purchased
here or here for
Hauk Lacrosse. Both varieties between £300-350 for everthing.
Downsides- Mother complain that some parts are compromised on quality such as footrest is flimsy. The handle bar also does not adjust to different heights.
UberChild Evo 3 in 1
Another cheaper travel system on the market. Comes in a variety of colours and patterns. Lightweight and sturdy forward and rear facing. Folds down small, can buy more air filled wheels and can be bought here
http://uberchild.com/uberchild-evo.html on a special discount of £239.99.
I hope that has been useful. Out of these prams there are so many I love. Just have to decide which one to go for.
Please let me know your thoughts if you have any of the above.
