As new parents, mistakes are inevitable. We all make them and learn from them. That is what makes us human and helps us become the parents we need to be. Thankfully, these days, there is so much information online about parenting that we can avoid many of the simple mistakes parents made before us. One mistake we’ve seen many parents make is choosing the wrong pram.
Prams are definitely a necessity, but on top of that, you’ll find many are completely decked out with things that are somewhat unnecessary. In this article, we’ll shed some light on the common mistakes parents make when buying their first pram and how you can avoid them.
How important is choosing a pram?
You might think any old pram will do, but buying the right pram is actually a pretty important decision. Considering the fact that a pram is supposed to be comfortable, secure, safe, and convenient for you and the baby, you need to take great care when choosing one. Here are some reasons why you need to choose the right pram:
- It needs to be adequately comfortable for your baby in various situations. For example, if you’re going over rough terrain, the suspension should absorb most of the shock, while the seat cushioning should keep your baby comfy to provide a smooth ride. Likewise, the pram should have good ventilation to keep your baby cool and comfortable
- It also needs to be safe, kitted out with a strong and durable frame, a five or 6-point safety harness, and strong reactive brakes to assist you in stopping
- Finally, it needs to be easy for the parents to use. This means that it should be light and easy to push and manoeuvre. Having a folding mechanism and adjustable handlebars are also ideal
Mistakes to avoid when buying a pram
Choosing a pram for your little one can be an overwhelming task, thanks to the sheer number of options available on the market. Buying the wrong one could put you into a sucky situation where you’re equipped with something that doesn’t suit your lifestyle or needs. But people have been buying prams for centuries now, and so let’s learn from their mistakes, shall we?
1. Not checking dimensions and weight
For many people, prams are the doorway to portability and mobility with a child. That said, it kind of defeats its purpose if the pram is too big to fit into your boot or even your front door.
Likewise, if you’re unable to push or pick up the pram to load it, then it would be a practical choice. Unfortunately, these are things people overlook easily. Then they find themselves with a tank of a pram that is basically used as a cot on wheels at home because it’s too bulky and heavy to use anywhere else. So, check the dimensions and weight of the pram before you buy it.
2. Buying a pram from style and not functionality
Another common mistake new parents make is choosing a pram based on how it looks instead of considering how it functions. Remember, a pram needs to be convenient for you as a parent to use. This means that all of its features need to make your life and job easier as a parent. From placing your baby into the pram and clipping them into the harness to having enough storage for all your baby essentials, try to find a pram that suits your needs in both its function and aesthetic, which leads us to our next point.
3. No considering your lifestyle
Parents often also make the mistake of buying a pram that doesn’t match their lifestyle practically. Say, for instance, that you enjoy jogging. While you might not be able to jog for a bit after giving birth, you certainly don’t have to give it up. However, buying a bulky stroller won’t be the best pram to use when you want to go jogging right now. Rather, you’ll want to purchase a lightweight stroller designed for running. The same goes for if you enjoy hiking or travelling. Look for a pram that matches your lifestyle.
4. Making a hasty purchase
For some of us, money burns a hole in our pocket relatively fast and the temptation to get out there and buy what’s needed often wins. However, making a hasty purchase when it comes to buying a pram is an easy way to make a mistake. You might find that you miss out on an epic deal or buy a pram that you need to replace in 6 months. Either way, taking your time to find the right pram would be the better way to go!
5. Not thinking about the future
Planning for the future needs to be a regular part of your life when you have a kid. Did your parents ever buy you clothes that were slightly too big and say you’ll grow into them? Well, there’s wisdom in this approach. When buying a pram, some people only think of the now and not the future. As a result, they have to replace the pram with one that’s more suitable for their child as they grow. However, you can avoid this by considering a pram that’ll cater for your baby as it grows anyway.
6. Neglecting to do your research
Lastly, this is probably the most common mistake that probably doesn’t apply to you since you’re reading this article. But, many parents don’t do their research on what programs would be best for their kids. In Australia alone, over 200 pram brands are approved for use and sale.
Finding the best prams takes time and research. You need to compare their features and prices to find what’ll suit your needs and offer you the best service. Click here to compare prams if you want to get a head start on choosing a pram for your little one.
Final thoughts
In all honesty, choosing a pram isn’t the most complicated decision you’ll make for your child. But, if you don’t put some decent thought into your decision, it can end up causing you a headache further down the road. So, consider these mistakes others have made and do your research before buying a pram.