How to choose a pram in Australia

A pram is one of the biggest baby purchases, and one of the most overthought. The internet will tell you that you need a $2,000 off-road tank, a $600 travel stroller and a second pram for the grandparents. You probably do not.

This guide is about safety first, then fit for your actual life. It is not a ranking, and we do not take sponsorship for product recommendations.

Safety first: the label that matters#

In Australia, prams and strollers supplied must meet the mandatory safety standard based on AS/NZS 2088. A compliant pram should have a label or statement confirming it meets the standard. If a seller cannot tell you, walk away.

The safety features to check:

• Five-point harness with a crotch strap. A three-point harness is not enough for a wriggly baby.
• Wrist tether strap so the pram cannot roll away from you.
• Brake that locks at least two wheels and holds on a slope.
• Stable frame that does not tip when you hang a bag on the handle or when a toddler climbs in.
• No dangerous gaps where fingers, arms or heads could get trapped.
• Compliant accessories — a rain cover or sun shade that restricts airflow can be dangerous.

Match the pram to your actual week#

Before you compare models, answer these questions honestly:

• Where will you walk most days? Smooth footpaths, gravel, bush tracks, shopping centres?
• What car do you drive? Does the folded pram fit in the boot with the groceries and the dog?
• Do you use public transport, stairs or a lift?
• Will you fold it every day, or leave it set up in the hallway?
• Is there a second child, now or soon?
• Who else will use it? Grandparents, a partner, a nanny?
• Do you need a bassinet, a toddler seat, or both?
• What is your realistic budget, including accessories?

A compact pram that fits your boot and folds one-handed will get used more than a heavy all-terrain pram that lives in the garage.

Types of prams#

• Full-size pram: comfortable, stable, lots of storage, often heavy. Good for long walks and everyday use if you have space.
• Compact or travel pram: light, folds small, less storage and suspension. Good for public transport, travel and a second pram.
• Double pram: side-by-side or tandem. Think about doorways, aisles and the boot. Side-by-side is often easier to manoeuvre; tandem is narrower.
• Jogging pram: fixed front wheel, handbrake, wrist tether. Only for running, and only when your baby is old enough.
• Travel system: a pram frame that accepts a compatible infant car seat. Convenient for short transfers, but not for prolonged sleep.

Newborn specifics#

Newborns need to lie flat. A bassinet attachment or a seat that reclines fully flat is generally recommended for the first months. Check the manufacturer's weight and age limits, and make sure the bassinet has good airflow and a firm, flat mattress.

A pram is not a cot. If your baby falls asleep during a walk, keep them supervised and move them to a safe sleep surface when you get home. Do not leave them in the pram overnight or in a car seat for long periods.

The test drive#

A pram is a physical object. You need to touch it.

• Handle height: does it suit you and your partner? A handle that is too low hurts your back.
• Fold: can you do it one-handed, with a baby on your hip? Does it lock?
• Weight: can you lift it into the boot when it is folded? Add the weight of a baby and a nappy bag.
• Push: load it with a weight or a bag and push it on a slope. Does it track straight?
• Brake: can you apply it easily with one foot? Does it hold on a ramp?
• Harness: can you buckle a wriggling baby without a degree in engineering?
• Sun canopy: does it cover your child without blocking airflow?
• Storage: can you fit a nappy bag underneath without it dragging?
• Seat: can your child sit upright, recline and sleep comfortably?
• Accessories: do you need a bassinet, rain cover, footmuff, cup holder or second seat? Add those to the price.

Ask the shop if you can take it to your car and try the boot. A good retailer will let you. Check the return policy before you buy.

Second-hand checklist#

A used pram can be a smart buy. Check:

• the model and age, and whether it has been recalled
• the compliance label
• the harness, buckles and straps for fraying or missing parts
• the brakes on a slope
• the frame for cracks, rust or bends
• the wheels and tyres
• the fold mechanism and locking pins
• the fabric and padding for mould or tears
• the manual and any accessories

If the seller cannot demonstrate the fold and brake, or the pram has missing harness parts, do not buy it. Replacement parts can be hard to find.

Safe use, every day#

• Apply the brake whenever you stop, even for a second.
• Use the wrist tether, especially near roads, trains and slopes.
• Never leave a child unattended.
• Do not hang heavy bags on the handle.
• Use the pram on stairs or escalators only if the manufacturer says it is safe — most say no.
• Keep your child harnessed, even for short trips.
• Check for overheating and airflow in hot weather; use a clip-on shade rather than a blanket over the canopy.
• Do not use a pram as a sleep space for overnight sleep.

Once the pram is sorted, the next safety purchase is the car seat. Our baby car seat safety guide covers the Australian rules and installation checks.

The bottom line#

Buy for safety, fit and your actual life. Look for the mandatory standard label, a five-point harness, a wrist tether and a brake that works. Test the fold and the boot. Then ignore the internet's opinion about which pram is “best” — the best one is the one you can use safely every day.