Choosing the right pushchair, can be a tricky process (How to choose a pram, pushchair or buggy)

Member Name: mummy2twogirls

Product:	How to choose a pram, pushchair or buggy
Date:	03/12/08 (313 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: having so many styles and makes to chose from

Disadvantages: some prams can be to highly over priced

When choosing a pushchair, there are so many different issues to consider. This to some people can get a little confusing. We all want to go out and buy the latest designer pushchair, but in reality these days a lot of them are not what they cracked up to be.

When I first was pregnant three years ago I was so overwhelmed at the amount of different types/ makes there appeared to be on the market. After doing a lot of research from books, the internet, and asking other people i narrowed my choice down and the most obvious and practical option seemed to be travel system.
Travel systems are 3-in 1 pushchair, which are very versatile, because they can be set into various position's to adapt with your growing baby. They lie flat, slanted, and you can attach a car seat onto it. People at first normally use the car seat attachment, when their baby is very small, as your baby is facing you.

After having decided on a travel system the next decision was what make and model should I chose. At the time I wanted the biggest and best model, but being on a budget meant that wasn't possible.

Again after doing a little research I went for the 'Graco' range as there pushchairs seemed so sturdy and good value for money. I really like the 'tour de luxe' range and chose it in colours of black and gold. I found it on the Graco website and instantly fell in love with it; however the price was slightly too high for my budget so always being the bargain hunter I had a look on eBay, to see if I could get it any cheaper.

To my delight I found a complete system, with matching cosy toes, carry cot, rain-cover and some other bits I went for it and got it for £120.00. The car seat had never been used and was still in its box and wrapper, the pushchair was in pristine condition. So I really got a great bargain. It folded flat so would fit into my car, and was easy to put down. It had a large shopping basket underneath and on the front it had a cup holder and a clock.

Whilst looking for my perfect pushchair i picked up so many hints and tips along the way, she here are my top ten tips-

First of set yourself a budget, and think how much can you really afford to spend, while these top of the range can seem tempting, in the long run they aren't very economical and after 6 months or so your baby can grow out of them.

Find a pushchair that grows with your baby, travel systems are great because they have lots of different position and can last for quite some time.

If buying second-hand, make sure before you buy that the pram is in sound condition, and if you get a car seat to make sure it is brand new, as you can never tell if it has been in an accident previous to you buying it.

Also if buying second-hand, be sure to clean/wash the material if possible.

Check the heights of handles, if you are tall and your partner/husband is short or vice versa, make sure the handles are a suitable height, or even better try and find a pram that has adjustable ones.

Are the wheels easy to manovue? So whilst pushing it's easy to get the pram corners, up and off curbs etc. Swivel wheels are best because they move with you.

Will the pram, fold down flat and fit into your car boot? It's best to measure your boot first- height, length and width, and then go from there. There's no point in falling in love with a pram only to find that once you've brought it, it doesn't fit.

Do you live in a flat or a house? Having to lug a heavy pram upstairs isn't easy, so try and find a lightweight base.
Do you want a heavy, yet strong and sturdy pushchair that will last longer? Or a lightweight designer pram with no shopping baskets. Think what is best for you.

Make sure that before you put your baby into the pram, that you get familiarised with how it works, how the rain cover fits, how the cosy toes is fitted, how the car-seat clicks on etc. Trying to figure this out when you have a baby in one arm proves to be a little tricky.

==Verdict==

There are literally hundreds of different makes and models out there, and finding the right one can be hard. Try to think practically and chose one that suits you and your baby. There's no point in paying £500 for a pram, then 6 months down the line, you prefer that you want a small stroller. I know many people that have done this, and I think what a waste of money. If buying from a shop make sure you keep the receipt and check that it has a guarantee in case anything was to go wrong. I have had my pram for about three years, and after having looked after it, it has stayed in tip-top condition.

Ok so I used it for about a year constantly, then when my other daughter was born I brought a double, and the single only gets used occasionally. But about 2 weeks ago, I dug it out of the spare room and washed the covers down ready for the new addition.

In about three years i have purchased three pushchairs, each one them being very good value for money. I have always stuck with graco, because they are such a good make.

Summary: There always the right pushchair out there, for the right person