Taking a walk with your newborn baby is a great way to get fresh air and exercise. A quality pram with several top-notch features can make the prospect of strolling with your infant even more exciting. Prams are ideal for newborns because you can tightly swaddle them and fit them snugly into the pram to walk or run errands. Some prams can even be detached from their stroller frames and placed inside the home for a sleepy baby to rest in.
Prams feature a number of extras that can drive the cost from reasonably priced to very expensive. Picking the right pram with the features most important for you and your baby doesn’t have to be hard, though. The Baby Jogger City Select with Deluxe Pram is a step above the rest for its versatility and comparatively lower price.
What to know before you buy a pram
Versatility
Prams are sometimes hard for parents to justify because you will only use them with your baby for a short time. However, if you invest in a pram that can be converted to a stroller, you will be able to use your purchase for years to come. A pram that can be swapped for a stroller seat will prolong the life of your investment by several years.
Your baby’s age
If you are shopping for a stroller for an older baby or a toddler, a pram is not for you. A pram is a flat bassinet that is attached to a stroller frame that is perfect for a newborn or baby younger than five months. Rather than place your baby in a car seat, which isn’t ideal for long periods of napping, you can let your baby slumber in a pram. However, once your baby can sit up on their own, a pram is no longer useful because your baby can pull up on the sides and potentially fall and hurt themselves. Once the baby reaches about five months in age, you should likely invest in a traditional stroller.
Size
Prams can vary a bit in size, from compact to somewhat bulky. If you live in a small space or will regularly need to carry your pram up and down stairs, you will want to take size and portability into consideration. Many pram frames can be folded flat for easy storage when they aren’t in use.
Pram features
Adjustable handlebar
Some pram frames have a stationary handlebar height that is meant to accommodate a wide range of users. However, if you are extremely tall or short, you might find that a non-adjustable frame is challenging for you to use. There are pram frames available that come with adjustable handlebars that may be of interest to you. Adjustable handlebars are also useful if you share the pram with another user whose height is significantly different than yours.
Cup holder or parent tray
If you plan to use your pram to run errands or for long walks, it can be nice to have a cup holder or parent tray to hold your necessities. Having a designated spot for a bottle of water or coffee mug as well as for your phone and keys means you aren’t scrambling to find your things if your baby starts crying.
Undercarriage storage basket
Large storage baskets at the bottom of the pram are must-have accessories if you use your pram to run errands. A large undercarriage storage basket can hold your diaper bag, purse and shopping purchases while you wheel around town with your little one.
Pram cost
Pram costs vary greatly depending on what features you select. A good pram will cost anywhere from $200-$1,000.
Pram FAQ
If I purchase a stroller with a pram insert, do I need a car seat insert as well?
A. Travel systems that come with car seat and/or pram inserts target the same age group, so whether you get one or both is a personal choice. Experts don’t recommend letting your infant sit in a car seat for long periods of time, so having a car seat insert for your stroller can be nice to easily get your infant in and out of your vehicle frequently. Remember, both prams and car seats are typically only used until your baby can sit up on their own, and then your child can be transitioned to a regular stroller seat.
How do I wash a pram?
A. If your pram gets dirty, you can wash it fairly easily with a washcloth and mild soap. You can easily wipe down any hard surface with a wet cloth or even a disinfectant wipe and then use a toothbrush or any gentle scrubber to eliminate heavily soiled spots. Just be cautious to only use a mild soap that is safe for your baby.
Which pram should I get?
Best of the best pram
Baby Jogger City Select Stroller with Deluxe Pram: available at Amazon
Our take: Sleek and versatile, this stroller converts from a pram to a double stroller with additional accessories.
What we like: With a large storage basket and an adjustable handlebar, this pram provides a smooth ride for both you and your baby. The pram can be used with infants up to 25 pounds and the stroller can accommodate toddlers up to 45 pounds.
What we dislike: To make this pram hold two children you must purchase additional accessories.
Best bang for your buck pram
Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System: available at Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Our take: If you can’t decide if you should get a pram or a stroller that accommodates a car seat, then look no further. This stroller gives you the option to have both.
What we like: At less than $300, this stroller is a steal of a deal and the only one you will need from birth to when your child is a toddler. Push your baby around in the pram or car seat and then convert the pram to a toddler seat when the time comes.
What we dislike: Some users report that the wheels on this stroller are cheaply made and don’t hold up well with consistent use.
Honorable mention pram
Maxi Cosi Zelia Travel System: available at Buy Buy Baby
Our take: This travel system from Maxi Cosi has five different modes so you can find one that accommodates, and eventually grows with your baby.
What we like: Lightweight and available in several colors, this stroller and pram is the only one you will need from newborn until your toddler weighs 50 pounds. A large storage basket will hold all your necessities as well as shopping bags.
What we dislike: The wheels on this stroller could provide a smoother ride. If you want to use this pram with a car seat you will have to purchase it separately. Stephanie Jarrett is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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