Factors to Consider When Buying a Pram.

If you are expecting a baby, you will be hurrying from shop to work, from doctor’s appointments to baby shower planning sessions, full of excitement and just a little nervous.

A pram is just one of the many things you will have on your list of things to items to buy over the next few months leading up to your new arrival. You will be looking for a pram which is comfortable, safe, durable and easy to use.

When shopping for the perfect pram, you will need to take into account how you are planning to use it. So, first of all – are you likely to be walking a great deal whilst pushing the pram? If so, you will require a solid pram that can be pushed and maneuvered with ease. If you are going to drive a great deal, the pram will need to be fold-able and lightweight. You must also check to ensure that the pram will fit into the boot of your car! Should you be planning to lose the baby weight by jogging, a three wheeler pram may be your best option. These keep both you and the baby safe.

In terms of test drives, whilst you may feel a little silly doing so, taking your pram for a walk around the shop is a good way of working out whether it is the right pram for you. Ensure your partner does the same. Remember to go around corners, set up the pram and fold it away as well.

In all honesty, finding the perfect pram may not be an option. It might be a good idea to purchase one pram for everyday use and another lighter number for quick trips out when you don’t want to waste time setting up.

There are certain safety standards which you need to be aware of when purchasing a pram. All prams must meet the British Standard 7409, whether the pram is new or second hand. The brakes should be simple to apply and the tires should be resilient. A pram also needs to have two locks – one to collapse the pram, one to stop the pram from collapsing straight away. Check to ensure that there is no way that your child’s fingers could get caught in the pram when it collapses. The pram should have a five point harness to make sure your child is securely strapped in and the buckles and clips should be easy to use. The pram also needs to be labelled with the identification, trademark and name of the UK retailer.

General points to consider when shopping for a pram include:

-How easy is it to use the pram, for instance will it go around corners well and how does it fare on rough terrain?

-Can the baby lie flat (if you are purchasing a pram for a newborn) or 130 degrees from horizontal in the pram?

-Does the pram give you the option of either having the baby facing you or facing away (rear-facing or forward-facing)?

After you have considered all these points, there are one or two further points to think about. Will the pram suit your partner’s height, for example? Then there is the question of weather protection. You will need to purchase a rain cover and foot muff – these sometimes are included with the pram. You will probably also need a basket underneath the pram to keep items in such as wipes, drinks, towels and other baby accoutrements! Baskets are again often included with the purchase, but the size of the basket will differ depending on design.

All things considered, it is now time to go pram hunting! Best of luck!

A natural born writer, Stacey Barton writes professionally and for fun across a wide range of niches with particular attention to how classic brands can continue to offer the same product for decades and somehow survive the turbulent and ever changing consumer market.