Pram & Travel System
Buying Guide
Let us help you to make the right choice when it comes to selecting your Pram or Travel System
What you need to know:
Buying a pram is an important decision for parents-to-be. There are numerous factors to consider to ensure you choose the right pram for you and your family.
Here’s The Baby Store guide to help you through the process and, if you’re still undecided, try our Pram & Travel System Selector Quiz to help guide you towards the right choice to suit your specific needs.
Types of Pram:
- Standard Prams & Pushchairs: Suitable for newborns or from 6 months, often equipped with a carrycot or a lie-flat reclining seat.
- Travel Systems: Compatible with infant car seats, offering flexibility for travel.
- Lightweight Pushchairs: Ideal for travel and quick trips, compact and easy to fold.
- Double Prams: For parents of twins or two young children, available in side-by-side or tandem configurations.
Features:
- Safety: Look for a five-point harness, sturdy frame, and brakes that are easy to engage.
- Adjustability: Check if the pram's handlebar height is adjustable for comfort. Some prams also offer adjustable seats for various recline positions.
- Storage: Consider the size and accessibility of the storage basket for carrying essentials like nappies, bottles, and toys.
- Canopy: Does the pram include a sun canopy with UV protection to shield your baby from the sun?
- Manoeuvrability: Check out the pram's manoeuvrability by taking it for a 'test-drive' around the store.Â
Usage:
- Consider where and how you'll use the pram most often: indoors, outdoors, or for travel.
- Think about the terrain you'll navigate: smooth pavements, rough terrain, or both.
Comfort:
- Ensure the pram has adequate padding and support for your baby's comfort.
- Consider the size of the seat and whether it will accommodate your child as they grow.
Foldability & Portability:
- Check how easy it is to fold and unfold the pram, especially if you'll be using it frequently, and whether it fits into your vehicle if you intend to travel with it.
- Consider the pram's weight and whether it's manageable for you to lift and transport.
Reviews & Recommendations:
- Read reviews from other parents to get insights into the durability, ease of use, and overall satisfaction with different pram models.
- Seek recommendations from friends, family, or parenting forums.
Budget:
- Prams can vary widely in price, so it's essential to consider your budget.
Compatibility with Accessories:
- If you plan to use accessories such as cup holders, rain covers, or snack trays, ensure they are compatible with the pram you choose.
For Newborns:
For those seeking a pram for a newborn, you’ll require a complete pushchair frame with either:
- A carrycot (forming a pram) or
- A lie-flat seat/cocoon/soft carrycot.
Why choose a 2 in 1 Pram?
- Provides a lie-flat position, promoting correct spine and hip development, and optimal breathing
- Offers both parent-facing and world-facing options, with reversible seats for easy adjustment.
- Some models feature all-terrain wheels, suitable for countryside strolls, while others are designed for urban environments
- Can be adapted to accommodate two children, either with an additional seat unit or accessories like buggy boards, ideal for older siblings
What are Travel Systems?
A travel system typically combines a pushchair with a detachable infant carrier car seat; some may also include a carrycot.
It’s important to note that even if sold separately, many pushchair frames are compatible with travel systems. This means that when purchased with a compatible car seat and, in some cases, relevant adaptors, the infant carrier can be attached to the pushchair frame.
We offer a variety of bundles that may include an ISOFIX base along with additional accessories such as relevant adaptors and changing bags.
However, it’s essential to recognize that while these systems are suitable for newborns, car seats are primarily crucial safety equipment for car travel. They are not intended for prolonged use or as somewhere for baby to sleep.
Consider a Pushchair or Travel Stroller if:
- Your child is older than 6 months (though some are suitable from birth)
- You're looking for versatility and ease of use
- Space is limited
- You lead a busy lifestyle or travel frequently
- You use public transport frequently
Why choose a Pushchair or Travel Stroller?
- Easy to lift and carry, with simple one-handed folding mechanisms
- Ideal for shopping, travel and holidays, as well as city living and public transport
- Lightweight and manoeuverable, some even qualify as hand luggage on aircraft
- Many are adaptable into prams or compatible with travel systems
If you need to accommodate twins or two young children:
- Twin Pushchairs feature two seats side by side (suitable from birth or 6 months)
- Tandem Pushchairs have seats positioned one behind the other (also suitable from birth or 6 months)
Why choose Twin and Tandem Models?
- Many models support two carrycots, suitable for twins from birth
- Several options are travel system compatible, allowing attachment of two infant carrier car seats
- Additional accessories like buggy boards facilitate transportation of older siblings
- Some models can be extended to accommodate two children as your family grows
