Here’s what you need to know.
Project Baby’s guide that will help you avoid spending hundreds of pounds on a buggy that isn’t right for your family.
Buying a buggy is an important milestone for parents, but our recent research reveals most families regret their pre-baby purchase and end up spending hundreds more on two or even three buggies.
Project Baby conducted some research to find out how many prams families went through and why? Our research showed that 41% went onto purchase a further pram. 21% bought a new buggy because it no longer suited their family set up. 17% felt it was too heavy with a baby. 42% went on to buy a second pram for quick shop trips and travel. When you consider most pushchair packages cost upwards of £700, many parents are shelling out at a time when money is already very tight.
The statistics also show that 96 per cent of parents buy their first buggy before their baby is born – getting caught up in the excitement of pushing the buggies around a baby store. If you attend a Baby Shows and visit the test track you will meet impartial buggy experts who can help talk you through what pram suits you and your needs best.Â
Even with test tracks and buggy experts it presents a minefield of choice and, until you have used a buggy as a parent, it is very difficult to know what is important and what is just a gimmick or a ‘nice to have’.
I have tested many buggies for Project Baby, from running buggies to travel buggies, and from compact designs to complete travel systems. Here’s a few things you should consider when choosing a buggy to suit your family and your lifestyle.
Does it fit?
Where does it need to fit? your car, your hallway, do you take the lift much or use lots of public transport?
Make sure you check the dimensions and, if space is an issue, go for a lighter option, maybe consider using a travel buggy for everyday use. – Prams like the Joolz Aer+ and BabyZen YoYo2 are both seriously durable and stylish options if you frequently use the tube rather than a muddy path for example.Â
Where and when will you actually use it?
Something to think about, in the early days of maternity leave, you pushing a sleeping newborn around in a carrycot, is not the long-term reality. More often than not, your buggy will only serve you on the nursery run or on weekend days out. So, maybe think where are those weekend days going to be? Are you living in the city but every Saturday is spent in a muddy park? Do you go on public transport? Do you need something you can put up and down really quick?
Do you plan on having more than one child?
If you plan on having more children then you might like to consider a buggy that will grow with your family save buying twice.
Do your research
When I say research I don’t mean trends, I mean opt for quality over gimmicks, make sure your chosen buggy can cope with terrain and use-case most typical for you.
Finally, consider ease of use and weight. Something nimble, agile and easy to manage alone is critical. Can you lift it in the car without the help of your partner? Can you fold it whilst tackling a toddler?
Keep all this in mind, and you’ll end up with a buggy that will go the distance and suit you down to the ground.
What is the Difference Between a Pushchair, Stroller and Buggy
What is a Buggy?
A buggy is a lightweight and often more compact version of a pram, designed for transporting older babies and toddlers who can sit up and have better head and neck control.
What is a Stroller?
Stroller is a type of baby carriage or wheeled device for transporting babies or young children. It is typically lightweight, compact, and easy to manoeuvre.
Strollers often feature a folding mechanism, making them convenient for storage and transportation.
They are suitable for babies sitting upright unassisted, usually around 6 months old.
What is a Pushchair?
A pushchair is commonly used in the UK to refer to a stroller. It is suitable for older babies and toddlers who can sit up unaided. Pushchair/Stroller same difference.
What is a Pram?
It is typically designed to allow the baby to lie flat, providing a comfortable and safe environment for newborns and young babies. Prams often have large wheels, a sturdy frame, and a hood or canopy to protect the baby from the elements.
What is a travel system?
A travel system you can change the attachments swapping between an infant car seat to carrycot to the seat attachment. Some people love these style prams because everything is included, however they are often slightly bulkier. But with plenty of space for shopping underneath. With that said lots of lighter weight prams are now offering adapters to be able to fit carrycots and even car seats on the lightweight prams.
Conclusion:-
There’s so many different names for prams but all you need to know is If you live in the countryside don’t buy little wheels that will need unclogging from leaves and mud every 10 meters.
If you live in the city and travel by tube daily I wouldn’t recommend a pram that is big and bulky and you can’t get in small spaces with.
Questions or advice drop us a message on Instagram @projectbabymagazine or Visit us on The Baby Show Buggy Track.
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