IDEAS & ADVICE

Prams and pushchairs: A guide for parents

As a new parent, it’s normal to feel bombarded with questions about what’s best for your baby. Whether they’re not yet big enough to lift their head or are just learning how to take their first wobbly steps, the right pram or pushchair can make all the difference to you and your little one.

Choosing the best pram and pushchair

With so many prams and pushchairs on the market, it can be hard to find the right fit. So how can you figure out which one is right for you and your baby? Our new parent’s guide to the best prams and pushchairs will give you all the information you need, including how to tell the difference between a pram and pushchair and what kind of options are available for you.

What is the best pram?

The best pram for your baby depends on the kind of features you’re looking for. Many new parents would recommend a detachable carrycot that can be used for other purposes, since this saves you the hassle of having to buy a Moses basket or compatible car seat. Parenthood is all about multitasking—so the more functions your pram has, the better!

Prams are a great way to avoid the dreaded cabin fever you can get from spending too much time at home. If you’re dreaming of long sunny walks with your little one, then you might want to choose a pram with compressed-air-filled or foam-filled tyres as opposed to plastic wheels, for a more comfortable ride.

Adjustable handlebars, handlebar breaks and added features like canopies are also worth your consideration. You can buy pram accessories such as parasols, insect nets and even cupholders if your pram doesn’t come with these features.

What is the best pushchair?

When shopping for a pushchair, you’ll have the same considerations as you did when buying that first pram. Softer wheels are good for long walks, while you may even consider an ATP (all terrain pushchair) if you’re planning on going on lots of adventures.

A pushchair that folds easily is a huge bonus, especially if you’re already thinking about expanding your brood. On a similar note, you might also want to look for a pushchair that can turn into a double stroller—making walks easy even when you have more than one little one to look after. These are sometimes called a duo pram and pushchair, though you can also find a duo pram or duo pushchair that are perfect for twins.

If you really want to get your money’s worth, look for a model that you can use for many years to come. Features such as extendable seats and footrests will keep your little one nice and comfortable as they grow – and save you the hassle of having to upgrade to a bigger model every few years.

The right pram or pushchair can make all the difference in your child’s first few years. Discover our range of prams and pushchairs to find the perfect model for you, or catch up with our piece on what to pack in your hospital bag.