What are the best Australian prams? Finding equipment that is perfect for your baby and your family can be daunting. There are so many options while price, durability, and safety must be taken into account. The Uppababy Vista V2, Babybee Rover and Babyzen YOYO2 are all solid choices. Let’s take a closer look at the best Australian prams.
Introduction – Best Australian Prams
What is the best Australian pram to buy for your baby? This question sounds familiar, doesn’t it? After all, if you’re a new parent, you may have asked yourself what is best for your baby when it comes to bottles, nappies and car seats too, right?
The good news is, like with all baby items, there are so many pram options to choose from that you’re sure to find the right fit. But the bad news is, like with all baby items, there are so many options to choose from! Safety, cost, pram weight, durability, features, and many more details must be taken into account when purchasing a pram. Will you need a newborn pram that is adjustable for when they grow? Are you expecting twins and looking for a double pram? Is a lightweight pram important to you? How much do you have to spend?
After all, even the cheap baby prams cost money and this is one baby item you will use frequently, if not daily.
Are there any prams manufactured in Australia?
According to Babybee, an Australian-based pram company, “Due to rising manufacturing costs, there are no longer any prams or strollers manufactured in Australia.” Most are now manufactured in China, but there are a few that are manufactured in other countries: Agio and Peg Perego in Italy, Bumbleride in Taiwan, Stokke in the Netherlands, and Silver Cross Heritage in the United Kingdom. Though there aren’t any manufactured in Australia, there are many prams, including newborn baby prams, double prams, compact prams, lightweight prams and affordable prams, available on the Australian market.
https://strolleria.com/pages/where-are-strollers-made
Are there any Australian prams that are made by Australian companies?
There are a few Australian prams made by Australian companies. One is Babybee, local to Melbourne and 100% owned and operated in Australia. Bambini, though actually made in Europe, was created by an Australian couple. Redsbaby is another Australian-owned company for not only prams, but all things baby such as nursery furniture, carriers, and high chairs. As for whether these are made or manufactured in Australia, that information is hard to find, but all of their products are “crafted by [our] Australian team of designers, from conception to creation.”
What are some features to look for in a pram?
There are many features to look for in a pram. Mum Central has a helpful Pram Buying Guide that provides questions you can ask yourself to help find the perfect pram for you and your baby. These questions are: What is your budget? What will you be using the pram for? Where do you intend to store the pram when not in use? Think about the pram weight. Will you be expanding your family? What features matter the most to you? https://mumcentral.com.au/best-prams-2021/
Martin Wanless, author of article 9 Things To Look Out For When Buying the ‘Perfect’ Pram, gives us advice on what features to look for. Not only is it extremely useful for the pram to fold but the ease with which it does is also important. Have you ever got into a fight with your pram in the grocery store parking lot? Well, if not, avoiding that situation is best. The second piece of advice is that even if it folds, double-check the size is manageable and will fit in places you need it to, like your car’s boot. Third, prepare for the future by buying a pram that is suitable from birth, but will grow with your baby. Many prams can be multi-functioning, accommodating a car seat or bassinet and then converting into a seat able to fit an older infant or toddler. These next two might make you laugh a bit, but “taking it for a spin” and “doing a few wheelies” is great advice. Wheels that can’t be pushed over even the smallest crack or turn around a corner, are not going to be fun to try and maneuver especially with a baby you’re trying to keep asleep.
Features don’t mean they have to be special – as Wanless advises “in-built sound systems and speakers…They may seem like a good idea at the time, but after a few weeks, you won’t use them. Guaranteed.” A cup holder, however, is always a nice touch for those parents that need a mid-afternoon caffeine pick-me-up. And size does matter, at least in regards to a basket or storage area that’s large enough to help you with your grocery bags or nappy bag. The eighth feature suggested is a canopy to protect against the sun, meshing to help with airflow, and a rain cover, just in case. Finally, Wanless ends with the idea that you should also get a secondhand lightweight stroller for travel. https://directadvicefordads.com.au/expecting/how-to-pick-the-right-pram/
There are so many features a pram could have, but there are a few others that are noteworthy aside from the above-mentioned. Good shocks are important, especially if you’re using a pram-ride as a way to get your baby to sleep (don’t judge – we’ve all done it). Bumpy rides do not lull a baby to sleep. The height of the handlebar is also important; your baby should be comfortable in their seat, but you should also be comfortable pushing them. No one wants a too short or too tall handlebar. Then there is, of course, safety to take into account. Your pram should have the appropriate harness to strap your child in and have a brake so your pram is stable when stopped or parked.
Personally, I always had 2 prams. The first was actually a Peg Perego, super lightweight and compact pram that was easy to fold up and get in and out of the car boot by myself. This one was easy to manoever around shopping centres, had a decent shopping basket at the bottom, a cup holder and sun shade.
The second pram I had was a 3-wheeler with large tyres that was more like a terrain pram that I used to go for walks with my son and my dog at the time. It was a bit difficult to fold up and get in and out of the car so it stayed in my garage, just for the purpose of walking around local streets, which suited me well. It was also a second hand pram, gifted to me by a friend who no longer needed it, so I didn’t have any extra outlay.
What are the 6 best Australian prams?
The 6 best prams include: Uppababy Vista V2, Babybee Rover, Joolz Aer, Bugaboo Fox Series, Baby Jogger City Mini, and Babyzen YOYO2.
The Uppababy Vista V2 has been described as “sleep-deprived-new-parent-friendly”. https://www.parentingcentral.com.au/best-prams-2021-australia/
Basically, the ease of folding, handling, locking, plus the large basket all contribute to this pram being ranked high on several lists.
Features:
- Starts as a single pram and expands to accomodate up to 3 children.
- Detachable carrycot – for naps on the go
- Ventilated canopy and extendable sunshade
- Overnight sleep solution with carrycot
- Reversible seat for toddlers – can also incline
- One handed recline function
- Leather, extendable, adjustable handlebar
- Folds into a standing position
- Extra large shopping basket underneath
- All wheel suspension
The Babybee ROVER is “easy to steer, suitable for newborn (with the bassinet), 2-in-1 travel system and car capsule compatible, compact, lightweight and easy to fold.” https://www.bountyparents.com.au/product-guides/best-pram-under-1000-australia/
Features:
- Comes in bassinet & stroller set or stroller only
- Lightweight aluminium frame
- Organic, cotton fabrics
- Front swivel wheels and all wheel suspension
- Suitable from birth to 4yo
- Adjustable handlebar
- One hand seat recline
- Pivot swivel belly bar – easy to get baby in and out
- One hand seat recline
- Slim frame
- Very large shopping basket
- One touch foot brake
- 5 point safety harness
Joolz Aer is also known for its easy-to-fold feature. Not only is this ideal for traveling, but it’s also very lightweight and has a strap so you can carry the stroller over your shoulder. https://www.babyvillage.com.au/blog/expert-advice/top-30-prams-strollers/
Features:
- Super lightweight (6kg)
- Easy to fold and unfold with one hand (in one second)
- Ergonomic design
- Comfortable, padded toddler seat
- Shoulder strap for easy carrying
- Plenty of storage
- Good ventilation
- Lifetime warranty
The Bugaboo Fox Series is praised for its comfort, but it is also known for its large wheels yet easy steering, versatility from newborn to toddler, and ability to travel in the city and out on adventures. Bugaboo Fox2 was also rated at 91% on Choice.au, a website that compares products in order to help you find what you need. https://www.choice.com.au/babies-and-kids/baby-transport/strollers-and-tricycles/review-and-compare/prams-and-strollers
Features:
- 4 wheel suspension terrain pram
- Bassinet with toddler seat (suitable for 0-4)
- Ergonomic design
- Easy manoeverability
- Available in a range of colours
- Adjustable handlebar
- Reversible seat direction
- Large underseat basket
- Fairly lightweight (9.9kg)
- Machine washable fabrics
- Peekaboo window on sun canopy
Baby Jogger City Mini “is the perfect pram for parents who are looking for a simple, reliable, easy to use, practical pram that just does what it’s supposed to do.” What more could you need? Though let it be noted that in this pram, the baby is always facing outward, never toward you, the parent. https://www.parentingcentral.com.au/best-prams-2021-australia/
Features:
- Lightweight, 3 wheel design
- UV 50+ sun canopy
- Heaps of optional, compatible accessories (including capsule adaptors)
- One handed, compact fold
- Soft, textured fabrics
- Suitable from birth, up to 4yo
- Large weight capacity (29.5kg)
- Good airflow in canopy, with peekaboo windows
- Adjustable handlebar and extendable leg rest
- Good quality wheels with suspension
- Large shopping basket
Finally, if you’re a traveling family, another great option if you’re not sold on the Joolz Aer, is the Babyzen YOYO2. It’s compact (carry-on size), lightweight, and can also be carried over your shoulder. https://mumcentral.com.au/best-prams-2021/
Features:
- Suitable from birth up to toddler age
- Very lightweight (depending on the version you opt for)
- Padded shoulder strap for carrying
- Decent size shopping basket
- Unique technology Hytrel suspension
- Handlebar features soft faux leather
- Ultra compact (folded cabin baggage dimensions for on board flight)
- 5 point safety harness
- Anti UV (50+) water repellent fabric
- Head support and foot cover
- Comes in 9 fabric colours
Conclusion – Best Australian Prams
Choosing the best Australian pram for you and your baby can be anxiety-inducing because what if you could have found a better deal or what if your friend’s pram looks nicer or what if you just wanted a bit bigger of a basket to help carry your items when you’re out and about. Breathe, mama, breathe.. oh and you may want to check out my Best Advice for New Parents – 10 Tips HERE.
Stores allow returns, your friend’s pram may be flashy but may not suit you, and an extra piece of storage can always be added to the handlebars of your pram (or perhaps this is the perfect time to argue you need the monstrosity of a purse you hadn’t been able to justify buying before this.. haha). There are plenty of items that are sold separately that you can add to your pram. Check out the Australian prams we’ve deemed to be the “best” and have fun shopping for that beautiful baby of yours.
We love our Upperbaby Vista! We got it years ago when it first came out, before all the beautiful leather accents. Whilst it is bigger, we found that it was the most functional pram for us. Really big basket to do grocery shopping while bubs slept, can fit up to 3 kids (including capsule) with the piggyback board and good for rough terrain (lots of bumps). The UV canopy design wasn’t as good as the Bugaboo, but it was (is) still a great pram for us. Would highly recommend it!
Thanks for your feedback on the Uppababy Vista Amy! The big shopping basket is so important! I was always filling it and then hanging extra stuff off the side of my pram. This one really is a great design, isn’t it? Good for rough terrain is awesome too – good for shopping centres, as well as going for walks in the park etc. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!