What Makes Good Prams?

A pram (also called a stroller or pushchair) is the main form of transport for infants and toddlers. A well-designed pram is a combination of safety, comfort, and design to make walking enjoyable for the entire family.

The R for Rabbit Poppins Stylish Baby Stroller is a great stroller for infants to 3 years old. The reversible handle lets you turn the seat to face your child or the world.

Comfort

If you're out and about with your baby, you'll want to ensure that they're safe. The good news is that there are prams made to ensure your little one isn't apprehensive.

The prams we've picked in this buying guide all allow your baby to lay flat, which is important for infants as lying flat increases oxygen saturation and assists in the development of their spine and hips. The seats can be adjusted to an upright position once your child is capable of sitting up.

Venicci egg2 is a high-end pram with a cocoon feel for your baby. It features smooth, curving lines and a bucket-shaped seat which does not recline into an upright position however it does come with padding on the mattress and a liner. It's also lighter than other prams, at a weight of just 8kg. However, it is sturdy and has the grained leather accents and air-filled tyres which are puncture-proof.

The Minu V2 is a great choice when you're looking for a model with a similar look but at a price that is lower. The stylish one-hand steer model isn't as light as some of the other prams we tried but it does have a large storage basket and extendable hood with UPF 50+ protection to keep your baby shaded and protected.

If you're the first parent of your child we suggest you look into the travel system bundle that includes a pram and a car seat that attach to the same frame. This makes it easier for parents to transfer their baby from their car to the pram without having to wake them up. The Bugaboo Dragonfly travel system is an elegant and practical pram that is able to be easily converted from a 'pramette' or lie-flat 'pramette,' into a toddler-friendly stroller compatible with the Graco iSize car seat.

Safety

The pram should be equipped with five-point safety harnesses that will ensure your baby's safety. It should also not have any gaps in which their heads or legs can get trapped. The straps must be cushioned and easily adjustable as your child grows. Examine the buckles on the harness to ensure they are not cracked and show signs of wear. Many children are admitted to hospitals each year due to pram or stroller-related injuries. Tipping over is the main reason for these injuries. Even the sturdiest prams can tip over if you hook bags to the handles or if a child with a wriggling is able to get into or out of the seat without the harness being secured.

Another reason for injury is falling from the pram or stroller. If a child's harness is not fastened properly it could cause them to fall out of the stroller and suffer head or neck injuries. This is why it is important to make sure that the harness buckle is always secured.

Some good prams also have an adjustable canopy that can protect your baby from the sun in either direction. This feature is helpful because you won't have to wake your baby when you change their position in the stroller, or when you go in and out of stores. Other handy features include a tray for snacks and drink holders for your infant or toddler, a shopping basket underneath the seat, and a handlebar that locks into position when you're not using it.

Don't leave a baby sleeping in a pram if you are not within sight. Babies are known to wiggle when asleep and this can cause them to slide off the pram or stroller and can lead to suffocation or strangulation. A pram or stroller is not a substitute for a cot and should be used only for short periods during the day.

The majority of prams require you dismantle them to fit them into the trunk of your car therefore it's recommended to familiarize yourself with this process before purchasing one. Find out how easy it will be to put the pieces back together.

Durability

A pram must be durable enough to endure many years of wear and tear. You want to make sure that your baby's pram is able to handle slippery walks, as well as multiple car trips. You also want your pram to come in the form of a color or print that doesn't get outdated to avoid looking like you've gone out of style.

The best prams are made of high-quality materials and are built to last. So, look for robust fabrics, sturdy wheels, and a well-designed suspension system. The most reliable prams have a compact stroller fold, so they can be easily stored in your garage or boot when not in use.

All the prams on this list allow your baby to lay flat. This is crucial for newborns, as it helps them develop their hips and spine and improves oxygenation levels. Many of these prams have been designed to expand with your child's. Some come with a carrycot, or a reclined chair that can be easily removed and put back on as your child grows.

If you're looking to purchase a brand new pram for the first time, you may also be interested in a travel system which is a bundle that includes a lie-flat carrycot and car seat. Our parent tester Jaya loved the Graco Near2Me system that she used with her 10-month-old son. It comes with a handy feature that can raise or lower your child at the push of a button. This way you can maintain eye contact and keep them close which she said was really important for her son as he was in an exploratory stage.

The Bugaboo Fox 3 is another option that our tester Jess Bird tried with her two children Effie and Boden (pictured above). It's a luxurious pushchair that converts from a single to a double pushchair with 30 possible configurations. It also comes with premium fabrics, an extendable sun canopy, and puncture-proof tyres. It's not expensive however, it can be used for multiple children, if needed. And like our winner, the iCandy Orange 3 with its carrycot, it can be used right from birth.

Style

All prams should permit newborns to lie as flat as possible. This will aid in their development and improve oxygen levels in the lungs. Some models allow a completely flat surface with a fully-reclinable carrycot while others feature seats that recline to an upright position.

The Graco Near2Me works great for the latter, as our parent tester Jaya discovered when she tested it on her 10-month-old daughter. She loved the fact that she could raise and lower her child with the push of a button, keeping him in sight and still maintain eye contact and closeness.

The frame is perfect for nipping around town and the puncture-proof wheels permit you to drive it off road or over rough terrain. It's also a great option if you're thinking of having a second child in the future because it easily converts from a single pushchair to a twin or double pushchair.

The Bugaboo Dragonfly looks and feels like a high-end, stylish option. It's ideal for infants as it includes a lie-flat carrycot and is compatible with a car seat in the event that you purchase it separately. It is able to be folded with the carrycot still in place, which is something that not all prams provide. This saves time and makes it simpler to use.

The pram's luxurious fabrics large basket, spacious interior, and puncture-proof tires are all features you would expect to see on a high-end model However, the sleek frame makes it simple for you to maneuver on diverse terrains. This is a great option for those who live in the city and must navigate narrow streets or crowded pathways frequently. It's not cheap, but its versatility and quality can save you money in the long run by avoiding the purchase of a separate toddler stroller (linked web page). It's available in a wide selection of colors as well, so you can pick one that suits your personal style.