Choosing the Right Prams Pushchairs

If you're expecting a baby it's worthwhile purchasing a stroller that will last. Find models that fold down to an elegant size and are easy to maneuver and have the right accessories.

A pram with a fully flat-laying position is perfect for newborns. This is because lying completely flat can aid in lung and spinal development. Newborns can be accommodated using cocoons, a carrycot or a babiie pram chassis that allows them to lay flat.

Choosing the right pram

It's important that you choose the right pram or pushchair for your child. There are many factors to consider, such as size and weight storage options, safety features, and the overall appearance and feel of the pram.

Take into consideration your lifestyle. If you travel by public transport often, a light and compact pram could be ideal. Families who love to hike or walk might choose an all-terrain stroller that is better for rough terrain. If you're planning to travel, you might prefer a travel stroller that can be folded down so that it can fit inside the overhead luggage compartments on flights.

Decide if you'd prefer a four- or three-wheeled pram. Three-wheeled strollers are more robust on rough surfaces. Four-wheeled models can carry heavier loads and offer greater maneuverability. It is recommended to visit shops where you can test drive prams. This will give you an idea of how they move and whether they are easy to push.

Once you've decided what kind of pram you're looking for It is important to search for one that is compliant with the Australian Product Safety Standards. This includes a five point safety harness, an electronic locking brake system, and an adult tether that can be used to keep children tight in the event of a pram falling over.

Think about adding accessories to your pram such as a sun canopy, or a footmuff. A sun canopy will help shield your child from sun's rays, and also prevent overheating. Make sure the canopy has an UPF 50+ rating.

Another thing to think about is a diaper bag. A changing bag can be an ideal way to carry your baby's essentials. It will usually have numerous compartments and pockets that are ideal for snacks, toys and nappies. You may find that the prams you choose come with a fold-away changing mat. This makes for fast and easy diaper-changing. A soft liner and waterproof material are essential features to look for in the changing pad.

Convertible prams

If you're looking for a pushchair that will grow with your family convertible prams are excellent choice. These are typically single prams that can be upgraded to include the second seat or carrycot, as well as car seats. These models are extremely adaptable and are the most popular option for parents with growing children.

Aside from a stylish design, these prams are typically light and easy to maneuver. Some also have a large canopy that provides great UV protection as well as plenty of storage space. They are ideal for running errands or getting to and from the park.

The Joolz Geo 3 is a sleek, easy-to-use and sturdy pram, which is suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It's available in a wide selection of colors and numerous features that include a five-point safety harness and locking wheels. It's also extremely large and has a great seat height to make it suitable for older children.

The Cybex Gazelle is a great alternative. It can be used as either a double or a single and has a seat as well as a crib. It can even be used as a kid's board for friends or siblings. It moves like a dream even when it is loaded with food and children.

If you want a double stroller that's affordable and stylish, check out the egg2. It has an elegant design and comes in several different colors. It can be used as a twin pram, or with the option of combining seats and the carrycot for infants from birth to four years old.

Another great option is the Bugaboo Donkey 5. The most recent version is much easier to fold and steer than its predecessor. It's also more durable and comes with a bigger shopping basket. The cocoons can be put in pairs to make it an equilateral pram. And if you need a third seat, it's simple to add an infant car seat or bassinet.

Side-by-side prams

If you're expecting twins, or have a toddler and a young baby, a high-quality double pushchair can make family outings much more enjoyable. Also called tandem prams, these are the kind that allow your children to sit together and view each other. They are also generally wider than single-to-double strollers yet are still simple to move around, even up and down kerbs.

The attachment can be put on top of the stroller to accommodate the third child to be able to sit. This is called a "joey seat" and is an ideal method of keeping children close but also allowing them to experience the world. If you're thinking of this option, make sure to confirm that the model you're looking at is equipped with this feature. There are a lot of options there such as the Valco Baby Trend Duo twin stroller travel or the Zoe Twin Trio stroller.

Many parents opt for twin strollers because they can be used right from the moment they are born. They can accommodate infants in their carrycots, and toddlers in their seats. Some are fixed as double buggies but others like the Cybex Venus Twin can convert into a single stroller with large undercarriage baskets - handy for when your children are old enough to walk.

You could also opt for a side-byside pram like the Phil & Teds Vist v2 Double. It's sturdy and comes with a lot of storage with the option for the addition of a second seat so that you can add the third child. The hood was a little small for my friend's tall toddler stroller but it's an excellent choice for older children.

It's likely to weigh a lot especially if you are using it with two babies, one in a carrycot and the other in a seat. Make sure you know how much the entire pushchair (including the seats and carrycots) weighs before you buy because this could be a dealbreaker for certain families. Some models have limits on the weight of the seats/carrycots and a maximum overall frame weight that can help you determine what's best for your family. The Joolz Geo 3 Twin, for example has a maximum weight of 16kg per seat.

Twin prams

Parents of two children of exactly the same age will need twin prams. The good news is that there is a huge choice of double travel systems on the market, which differ in cost and style but all come with safety features.

Inline twin prams typically feature a seat that is on top of the other and a canopy in between. These kinds of prams are becoming popular because they provide a plenty of shade and shield from the elements. Some also come with peek-a-boo hoods that allow parents to keep a close eye on their children. This kind of twin pram is hard to maneuver between kerbs, and it can be quite bulky. It is also hard to fit in a small car boot.

The twin prams that are side-byside are typically larger and offer more room for seating. They can be used combination with twin infant car seat systems to create an entire travel system. However, they have one drawback in that children are not separated. This could lead to snack theft and toy fighting between your little ones.

Tandem prams begin as single buggies. They can be upgraded to include a second seat at the front, back or under. The majority of tandems have an infant bassinet on the top and a toddler sitting in the second position. This is a very versatile and cost-effective option for parents with twins or children of various age groups, as it can extend the life of your buggy.

Modern twin prams are able to be folded down to a compact travel pram size, making them more convenient to move. This can limit the amount of space available for storage of nappy bags and shopping. It can also be difficult to lift a twin pram into and out of the boot of a car especially if it is a sedan-style vehicle that has a lip that you need to lift the pram up over in order to get it in.