Prams and Strollers – The Buying Guide

As their bundle of joy starts growing up, parents often find it difficult to manage all their chores and supervise the little ones simultaneously. With this prams and strollers buying guide, we plan to make the ‘carry them around’ part a lot easier for new parents, and promise to work on the rest!

Kinds of strollers

Standard-size strollers are the conventional strollers that have reclining, comfortable padded seats. Most of these strollers have storage areas below the seat along with sun shades. They can range from simple, inexpensive strollers to high-end strollers loaded with many features.

Car seat stroller frames are lightweight metal frames that act as simple bases for car seats to fit in. They convert into a stroller in no time! Most often foldable, the strollers don’t take up much of space.
 


Travel systems are traditional strollers that can also carry an infant car seat. They generally include a stroller and a matching infant car seat which can also be used after the baby has outgrown the stroller.

Lightweight strollers usually weigh 12 pounds or less and fold up compactly. These no-frills strollers are often less expensive, don’t have much padding, and are not always adjustable. They are most often used for older infants as backup strollers.

Jogging strollers look like tricycles! They feature three bicycle wheels on a lightweight frame and deliver a smooth ride for both pusher and passenger. Parents find it extremely convenient to take their children out on treks or jogs on such strollers. Sometimes, these strollers can also carry two children side by side. They are specifically made for urban setups to scale steep hills and navigate easily.

Double and triple strollers, as the name goes, allow parents to push two or more children at once. Three-in-one pushchairs have a detachable carry cot which your infant can sleep in. In tandem models, one child sits behind the other, while in the side by side model, the kids are placed next to each other. Tandem strollers are easier to maneuver through doorways while side-by-side strollers can be harder to wheel down a crowded sidewalk. Such strollers are generally bulky, heavy, and expensive too.

How will you know which is the right stroller for you?

We’ve made the process a lot simpler for you! Ask yourself these simple questions –

Are you planning more than one baby? Then, you must choose a sturdy stroller that will last you longer. Or, go for a double pushchair.

How do you travel regularly? Do you use public transport frequently? Or, do you drive? Choose a sturdy travel stroller with lockable wheels if you walk a lot. Make sure the baby stroller has an adjustable handle height for you and your partner to carry it around easily. Small but important things like these will go a long way in making your family trips easy and enjoyable.

Is space a concern at home? If it is, choose a stroller that’s easy to fold and occupies minimum space. Three wheelers are the best bet!

Important Points to Consider before Buying a Stroller

Consider these important points while buying a stroller –

• New babies need to be able to lie flat for at least the first three months until they can support their heads fully. Choose a pram wisely.
• If you and your partner are different heights then one option is to buy a pram with an adjustable handle, so that you both find pushing the pram/ stroller comfortable.
• Ensure that the pram you choose fits comfortably into your car, and is easy to fold and unfold.
• Always check that locking devices are secure when you open the pushchair. Remember to release all locks before folding it.
• Always secure your child in the pushchair with the five-point harness.
• Use the brakes every time you stop – even on flat surfaces.

Try these before buying a stroller –

• Load the stroller to its maximum capacity and take it out for a test ride.
• Try folding it with one hand and see how easily it folds.
• Apply brakes on flat grounds or slopes to check their promptness.
• Picture the stroller at home and try to find it a suitable place.
• Think about the budget and choose accordingly.