| As a new parent (or parent-to-be), you may be | | | | plenty of 4 wheelers have off road wheels for |
| feeling a little overwhelmed about all of the items | | | | introducing baby to the great outdoors. If you will |
| you need to purchase. One of the most | | | | only be "driving" your baby stroller on a footpath |
| expensive pieces are baby prams. They really are | | | | or in a shopping centre on a smooth surface, then |
| an essential parenting tool that you should do your | | | | small wheels will be fine. Some people find large |
| research on before making a purchase. I urge you | | | | wheels cumbersome and unnecessary. Others |
| to consider at length what your requirements are | | | | have their pram with off road wheels plus a |
| and what your budget is before you decide which | | | | smaller baby stroller for quick trips to the shops. |
| baby stroller to buy. | | | | Some baby prams are reversible so you can gaze |
| Safety - Does the pram comply with your | | | | at your newborn in awe or have them turned |
| country's Standard laws? For example, in Australia | | | | outwards to face this spectacular world that is so |
| it is called the Australian Standard and it means it | | | | new to them. |
| has been tried and tested for safety before being | | | | Accessories and Extras - How many children to |
| able to be sold to consumers. Does it have a 5 | | | | you have or plan on having? A toddler seat or |
| point harness to keep your child from climbing | | | | toddler board may be a necessity if your children |
| out? As they get older, this is a necessity. A | | | | are (or are going to be) close in age. You may |
| basket that has easy access is not only very | | | | cross this bridge when you come to it and invest |
| handy (especially when baby is sleeping) but will | | | | in a double pram / twin pram. Me - I am going to |
| also stop you from loading up the handle bars | | | | try a baby sling or front baby carrier for my next |
| with bags and shopping, which will reduce the risk | | | | one... |
| of tipping, particularly jogger prams. | | | | Covers for baby prams - they should fit properly |
| Budget - So, how much do you have to spend? | | | | so I recommend getting the same brand as your |
| Remember, the pram does not need to be | | | | pram, or try before you buy. There is nothing |
| expensive but it does need to be safe and | | | | worse than rain or shade covers that flap about. |
| comfortable (for baby and also for you to push). | | | | Actually, yes there is, muslin wraps on the pram. |
| Decide on your budget before you head out to | | | | Very annoying. |
| the shops. Do not be temped by expensive, shiny | | | | There are so many other optional extras and only |
| prams, especially travel systems. I know of so | | | | you can decide what you really do need. Drink |
| many people who did not need the bassinet piece | | | | holders, pram hooks, woolly liners, head inserts for |
| they paid $100s for. If you feel you need this | | | | newborns, toy bars, boot cover and parasols |
| added extra, then look at a possible cheaper | | | | (what the?!), just to name a few. Maybe wait until |
| option. You can buy flat inserts that will fit in | | | | the baby has arrived and you have been out in |
| many prams. I personally have a Valco Cocoon | | | | the pram a few times. You will know then what is |
| which I have used in a 3 wheeler Valco and also a | | | | a necessity and what could have potentially been |
| Strider 4 wheeler. Perfect for a newborn and | | | | a waste of money. |
| much cheaper than the bassinet. Prices for prams | | | | So, get out there and test drive some of the |
| and strollers start as low as AU$29, going up to | | | | popular brands - Steelcraft, Bugaboo, Love n |
| AU$4,000. Stay focused! | | | | Care, Phil & Teds, Mountain Buggy, Valco, |
| Build and Structure - Weight, size and the wheels | | | | Maclaren, Mother's Choice. Write down what your |
| are all very important factors. How big and | | | | wants and desires are, and do your research |
| accessible is your boot? You will obviously need to | | | | online so you can make an informed decision once |
| be able to lift the pram into your boot easily, | | | | you are in the baby shop. Make sure to check |
| especially after giving birth! Do you want 3 or 4 | | | | online as you may even find your baby stroller of |
| wheels? Jogger prams are very popular with | | | | choice much cheaper, and now is a great time to |
| people who enjoy exercising with baby, while | | | | be saving some money. |