When you can spend anywhere from two hundred dollars, to over two grand on a new pram, I can understand why some parents are left wondering if it’s really worth paying more. Rachel Stewart explores whether high end prams a frivolous and unnecessary expense, or a worthwhile investment.
Do you really get what you pay for with prams?
My short answer is – generally, yes. While there might be some exceptions, I think you do get a better pram when you spend more money.
Generally more expensive prams are better designed, well made and often more innovative or interesting. They’ll have more features, better materials and textiles, and ideally a little easier to use and push.
Is It All About The Label?
I feel like sometimes there is a negative attitude towards parents choosing a pram because of it’s brand name. Some brands are easily recognisable and have built themselves a strong fan base. And I don’t actually see a problem with that!
If you can afford it, and the pram itself meets your needs, then why not choose a pram because you like the brand? There’s really nothing wrong with that. It’s like buying a designer handbag. As long as it’s also practical. Especially given how much time over many years you’ll probably be pushing it around, why not choose a pram just because you like it?
High Price = High Expectations
As I said there are exceptions to the rule that the more you spend the better the pram. And you absolutely should be fussier the more you spend. So an awkward fold, a smaller seat or low weight limit might be acceptable with an entry level pram, it’s going to be less forgivable the more you spend on the pram.
And even though I’m totally down with buying a pram because you like the brand, you shouldn’t overlook design flaws just because the pram is popular.
Some factors to consider:
- How easy are the mechanisms to operate? Test out things like the fold, recline, brakes and buckles to make sure they’re easy for you to operate.
- What features does it offer? Parent facing seat, adjustable handlebar or footrest, storage options like the basket and pockets, hood and wheel size. Make sure it’s meeting all your needs.
- Suitability from birth? Even some high end prams aren’t ready to go from birth, because they don’t offer a fully flat seat for your newborn. This is something to be aware of and factor into the overall value for money.
- What are the height and weight limit? If you’re spending top dollar you want to be sure that you’re going to get a lot of years out of the pram.
- Check the reviews! You should do this with any major purchase, especially when you’re spending the extra money. The pram might look and feel good in the baby store, but how does it fare over time? Online product reviews from other parents are incredibly valuable when working out if a pram is truly worth the price tag. Tell Me Baby is a great go-to for reviews from real mums!
Do You NEED To Spend More On A Pram?
Absolutely not. I’ve paid more than a thousand dollars for a pram, but I’ve also bought a pram for $36 second hand on ebay. And guess which one is still in my garage? The cheap second hand one! So you don’t have to pay top dollar for a great pram, especially if you know what you’re looking for.
If you’re not planning to use your pram a lot; you generally don’t walk a lot, you’re planning to babywear, or only going to be using a pram around the shops so your pram will be in the boot most of the time anyway, then it might not be worth investing a lot of money into a pram.
But if you can afford to, and you want to, and you see yourself getting value out of a top end pram – then go for it! Just be discerning to ensure that you truly do get what you pay for.
About Rachel
Rachel is a Melbourne based mum of two. She has a background in early childhood education, but always wanted to be a writer. She enjoys knitting, drinking coffee (sometimes wine), spending too much time on Facebook and is a little obsessed with prams. She also writes for her own website Parenting Central.
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Image: DepositPhotos.com/Seamartini
