2023 has come with new discoveries in the world of baby retail shopping 101. Raising 5 kids and a new born, I have seen a few trends building up on baby equipment and resources. Standing out the most would have to be "the Pram!"
I had recently gone out to purchase a new baby pram, with a mindset of " I got this! Attitude, just get in the store, grab the pram thats most practical, easy on the wallet than get out.
To my amazement, the amount of choices was abit overwhelming that it gave me those feelings of being out of place in a crowd or being at one of those childrens birthday parties where every other parent has already formed alliances and your standing their with your heart racing waiting to be approached. In the space of 10years, the Pram seems to have evolved dramatically since my first purchase of a baby Pram for my first born. A Steel Craft Pram which cost around $360 (including a bassinet) in Toys R Us.
Fast forward to 2023 and the humble baby Pram/Stroller have evolved into many different stages, looking more and more of a luxury accessory to match the baby bag than a practical baby mover, visually amazing with all its attachments, storage compartments, the many sizes it comes in, could have been an offspring of Tesla on baby wheels, in fact the whole line up of Prams being displayed inside the store was clearly targeted for the baby makers the family dream, the accident, the build up and I dear say it could be compared to a Tesla car show premier!
The price range of a standard basic Pram can set you back in the hundreds of dollars, and yes I had already gone fishing through the selling networks such as Gumtree and Market Place, Salvation Army, and Lifeline. But even the price's their were as close to the original cost of purchasing it brand new than second hand. As I walked down the prestige display of Prams and Stoller, the top end brands, ranged anywhere from $1000- $3000 depending on what features you prefer, want, need and not need but more for the look rather than the practicality. The choices are endless; Leather, fabric blinged out exterior and interior, titanium built frames, metal frames, add on mechanisms, coffee cup holders, phone and tablet holders and the lists goes on. Some looking more of a statement piece to the ever so popular yoga pants, worn by the masses including myself, just go to your local parks, shopping malls and school pick up, drop off points. You'll find one!
"The war of the Prams."
Choosing my Pram, I felt like I was choosing my dream car because the sales pitch was just as overwhelming as the price. I did purchase a Pram in the end, but I guess the only difference from purchasing a Pram 10years ago, than now is turning it into an investment by renting it out!
2 Tips when purchasing a Pram but not limited, it's more of tips for the overwhelmed, the first time buyers and energy savers ( shopping for Pram and stroller can be draining to ones energy levels) as theirs so many choices!
[ ] Budget
- It can be an expensive purchase, it may even feel like buying house furniture for the prices of top brands and quality. Keep in mind that some Pram modles require you to purchase other attachments separately> example’s toddler seats, bassinet and car seat adapters.
Don't be pressured or feel like you have to follow the Jones and go out to purchase a pram or stroller thats out of your budget.
[ ] Is it Practical
- Height, weight, does it fit into your family lifestyle> example’s: as you'll be surprised at some Pram products can be bigger than the person pushing it.
Estimate your cars boot than roughly add in your mind what other items will be in the boot (especially on school runs, sports trainings and outdoor activities with the family.) You want to be able to lift the pram out easily with out injury to your lower *Back muscles! (I am not a doctor but ask any parent who do this action on repetitive mode) especially on a daily school routine during the week days and weekends for outdoor activities and outings with the family.