Would like suggestions for a pram

[Karina]

Hello,

I want to get a new pram. At the moment, we have a lovely small pram which folds up super small, but I use it alot outside (it doesnt have great wheels) and it doesnt have a big basket underneath so its hard when I do shopping to carry everything home.

What I need (or would like, rather) is:
- not too expensive.
- can lay all the way back (for a new born) but also sit upright for an older child, but preferably with a few differnt recline positions.
- fairly light. I live in a unit and sometimes I need to bring my pram upstairs so it doesnt get stolen (Usually I leave my pram under the stairs but if another unit is having a party, for example, there can be some dodgy people turn up, and I dont like leaving it in the car as my car has been broken into and stuff stolen from it.)
- can face backwards or forwards
- folds up fairly small (we dont hve a big boot in our car).
- good wheels/steering, as I do a lot of walking on horrible uneven footpaths.
- decent sized basket underneath for all my and babes junk
- can hang stuff off the handles if necessary.

At the moment, we have one child, 15 months, but will be having a second child in the next couple years, so would like something we can use for the next child as well as an older child.

I dont really want or need a toddler seat option though.

Does anyone have any ideas for any prams that fit what I'd like (or at least some of it)?

I'm going to go to the baby shop and have a look, but just wanted to grab some names of prams first so I can make sure to look at those ones.

thanks

[Muppity]

Hi Karina

I can't advise on any good ones as I have somewhat limited experience with them but I just thought I would let you know that there are really good specials on prams at the moment because the Australian standard is changing and the shops are getting rid of the ones that don't meet the new standards.

HTH

[MummyTummy]

I'm not sure either - what would you consider a good price?

The best thing to do would be to ask the sales assistants. They always seem to know what is a good pram and you will easily be able to spot what suits and doesn't suit you. Just take the above list in with you so you don't forget certain features when you are looking as it can be a bit overwhelming.

TaffyLou - What are the new standards? How are they differing to the current ones and when are they coming in?

[JordieC]

well we have the Beema Q and it seems to fit most of your descriptions:

- it's fairly light
- it is a 3 wheler nad VERY easy to move
- it was a good price - about $400
- it lays all the way back but also has 2 other positions
- the basket is quite a good size though a little hard to get to when it is fully reclined

It doesn't go both ways and you can't really hang things off the handle except for nappy bag with large strap. Hope this helps - be interested to see what new standards are! The Beema Q was well rated by Choice last year.

[Laranna]

I have a Steelcraft Strider 4 with the bassinette attachment. Bubs is still in the bassinette for now and when he gets too big I will put the stroller seat on. Because the pram and stroller seat can detach it is easy to lift and fits in the car nicely. It is light and easy to wheel around and has the big wheels but they are solid so don't need to pump them up all the time. It has a decent size basket underneath which I find holds everything I need and I just hang my nappy bag over the handle. The bassinette faces in so you can see bubs and the stroller seat you can turn around either way. You actually turn the seat around rather than move the handles over which is good because no risk of bubs fingers getting caught and also the big wheels still stay at the back which makes it easier to push. It cost around $450 including the bassinette option (we got it on a sale day at the baby store).

HTH

[Muppity]

TaffyLou - What are the new standards? How are they differing to the current ones and when are they coming in?

Apparently (is second hand but from a trusted source - I should probably have checked it more before repeating it to everyone!)

As of 1 July all prams sold will have to be fitted with a wrist strap for the "driver" and the foot breaks have to be in red.

[MummyTummy]

Actually now that you mention it I think I heard something along those lines too. Although I thought the wrist strap was brought in a while ago....?

[Beach Mama]

Taffylou - you are right hun, the leglislation comes in on te 1st of July for the red brakes, not sure about the wrist strap. The wrist strap issue is easily fixed however many prams and strollers don't have the red brake so it will be interesting to see what many places do.
We had the Strider 3 - and I sold it on ebay - only used it for a few months and found it too big bulky and heavy, the new 4 has a toddler attachment though. I just laybyed a P & T's, because i wanted pretty much most of what you specified and wanted Izzy to be able to recline and have naps too rather than being upright in a toddler seat. Plus I wanted something light and narrow. Have you lookd on ebay - you might find a bargain there. Good luck with it