Expectant Parents, Looking at Prams without The Ridiculous Price Tag, Possible?

davidinho on 24/04/2022 - 19:22

Hi all,

Not sure if this has been covered, but looking for a pram in the next 6 months.

So my wife found all these mainstream retail brands that cost between $1-2k which everyone tells me is standard but I think it's ridiculous.

I feel like it's like a mainstream tax, same as what you pay when you buy Apple products.

So my questions is, to be concise, what are the 'Android' brands of prams? Half the price with comparable quality/features.

Maybe it doesn't exist but thought the best answers I'd get would be here.

Cheers!

Toys & Kids Stroller

Comments

  • jace88 on 25/04/2022 - 01:07
    +5

    Babyzen yoyo.

    I made the mistake of buying a Bugaboo fox and whilst it was luxurious/comfy/very nice suspension/solid feeling, it was just too big to be useful 9 times out of 10. Bassinet wouldn't fit in boot either.

    Bought the yoyo as we thought we'd want a travel pram and it ended up becoming our main pram. If I could do it all again, I'd just have gone with this and bought the bassinet attachment.

    • morse on 25/04/2022 - 02:11

      I mostly agree with this, the yoyo is a very nice light stroller but I reckon the yoyo would be very low to lift from and attend to bub when they are less than six months, particularly if the mum has a c-section.

      • jace88 on 25/04/2022 - 02:38
        +1

        Fair point but I think the other thing to work out is how much will you be going out in first six months? In some cultures you keep the baby at home for nearly three months, and for us we actually didn’t go out that much as we were pretty strict on the sleep training routine (maybe this wasn’t such a great move though).

        I can’t remember when we did this but getting the baby harness (facing you) was great too.

        • zonra on 25/04/2022 - 09:59
          +2

          work out is how much will you be going out in first six months

          I second this point.
          The amount of time we took bubs out in the first 6 months could be counted on one hand. Kudos on the the culture thing as well but for us it was mainly a convenience thing. Even for our second child, when we had to go to the shop, one of us would stay home with the new born otherwise she wouldn’t get much sleep with the toddler yapping and screaming around in the shop (or even at home for that matter).
          Focus on something light, sturdy and easy to fold (can’t stress this enough) for 6 months+. If you plan to take them out within 6 months, use a baby carrier, newborns tend to prefer this anyway ime.

        • morse on 25/04/2022 - 14:28

          Yep - very different for everyone. I lived out! Walks, parks, picnics, shops, cafes etc. kept me sane. Luckily COVID restrictions didn’t hit us until 5-6months and even then daily walks and takeaway coffees were a big part of my routine. But completely understand that everyone does it differently.

      • Starlight8 on 25/04/2022 - 15:06
        +1

        @morse - I agree with with the low lift and i felt the bassinet was a bit flimsy compared to the Bugaboo range, hence why i didnt purchase it.

        @Jace88 - Husband wanted the Fox but given how short i am we opted for the Bee 6 due to size and weight. Omg any sleep training tips, please send them my way lol - currently in struggletown -_-" thanks :):)

        I feel like the yoyo will suit us a bit later down the track :) it sounds like everyone i know owns at least 2 prams lol

        • jace88 on 26/04/2022 - 19:04

          FWIW we bought the little ones sleep program after someone forwarded us a copy and it worked well, and we also really appreciated the customer support too. YMMV.

      • Darksirius on 26/04/2022 - 09:05

        I had c section and used the yoyo from first week, and we go out on daily walks. No issue at all with the height of the yoyo.

  • Geekomatic on 25/04/2022 - 01:56
    +2

    Buy local or 2nd-hand. Nice, quality stuff at garage sales.

  • OneJay on 25/04/2022 - 02:59
    +5

    I work on a general rule by buying 2nd hand you can pick up prams at 50-70% cost of new.

    • Go for as light as possible. Picked up a near-new 4Moms Origami with extra battery for $700 (RRP$1300). Automatic set up with headlights, phone charger, LED screen, cup-holders, 4-wheel suspension… Thing weighs 14.5KG. Ended up getting a GoodBaby PockIt for $200 (4.3KG), RRP$399. Small and light enough to fit into overhead carry-on.

    • Don’t bother with a bassinet -you never use it and baby outgrows it in weeks anyway.

  • tebbybabes on 25/04/2022 - 04:54
    +5

    the MIL gifted us one of the pricey ones and yes, it was quite nice. And it lasted long enough to pass on. However, it was heavy as shite and took up pretty much the entire boot space.

    One time we travelled out of town and didn't take the car with us, and we bought a kmart cheapie. The kind that folds really skinny, like an umbrella. Man it was night and day in terms of folding and getting it on and off different forms of transport (planes, buses, cars)!!! Honestly, if I didn't feel bad about MIL and her pricey pram, I would have switched to that full time.

    Sure, it didn't have the same build quality, but we didn't break ours and also passed it on. My kid sat in it and slept in it and got wheeled around just like the pricey pram. It's been almost two decades, but if I had to do it again, I probably will get the kmart cheapie.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/04/2022 - 08:49
      +2

      This was us 2 decades ago. Had a new expensive, heavy Steelcraft pram that had lousy storage space, difficult to fold and wouldn't fit in our only car, a Toyota Corolla, at the time. We bought a bigger car to fit the pram!
      Picked up a Kmart folding pram when eldest child was about 6 months old. It cost $15. So light weight, easy to carry over your arm like a handbag, throw it in the boot of the car, kids slept in it, happy to be wheeled everywhere in it.
      Best $15 spent ever.

      • serpserpserp on 25/04/2022 - 10:56
        +3

        We bought a bigger car to fit the pram!

        Now that is some tired parents decision making right there!

  • rezok on 25/04/2022 - 05:44
    +2

    Buy second hand and avoid the tax. Facebook marketplace is your friend.

  • Pudina Chutney on 25/04/2022 - 07:26
    +13

    Redsbaby Jive 3

    • CheapandUsed on 25/04/2022 - 08:38
      +3

      I second the Redsbaby, looks like they are currently reduced too https://www.redsbaby.com.au/

      Light for their size but still very sturdy. Can also now use the bassinet on a frame as a real bassinet which is awesome.

      OP there is also the Pregnancy, Baby and Children Expo coming up in Sydney in May. Most exhibitors have discounts on offer and some sell off the demo stock during the day.

      https://www.pbcexpo.com.au/promo/sydney-expo

    • ribze1 on 25/04/2022 - 21:49
      +3

      +2 Redsbaby

    • alterego13 on 26/04/2022 - 00:28
      +2

      +3 Redsbaby
      Edit: Buy it off the marketplace… there's also a dedicated preloved redsbaby items group.

    • CouponSteve on 26/04/2022 - 11:43
      +1

      Came here to recommend this. Just bought it for our first.

    • Nebargains on 26/04/2022 - 12:31
      +1

      Highly recommend. We have one and it is great, super easy to collapse/open up, feels like it is high quality, zero complaints. Price is also pretty decent, you can spend the same amount and get something pretty crappy. Don't know anyone who has one that doesn't like it.

    • Swanson approved on 27/04/2022 - 10:58
      +1

      Seconded, we bought the Metro 3 package, with Jive you can fit 2 seats so more future proof.

      Metro 3 came with bassinet and all the accessories for Sub 800 on special. Solid, stylish and above all, functional. Our 3 month old will be soon be switching from bassinet to the seat which is very compact when folded, (bassinet is not collapsible)

  • Kmartsecurityguard on 25/04/2022 - 07:48
    +4

    Seriously just get a bugaboo off ebay second hand. Providing you keep it in OK condition you can re sell on ebay when you're done with it for similar price you paid and it won't break the bank

  • greatlamp on 25/04/2022 - 07:55
    +2

    They don't seem that expensive

    I feel for you OP, I don't like being ripped off either. You can buy a ride on mower for the price of some prams

  • ameyas7 on 25/04/2022 - 08:41
    +2

    If you have enough time at hand, you can watch out for special deals like end of financial year etc. They will usually have considerable discount around that time frame as they typically want to boost sales in last couple of months to achieve targets.
    Another factor to consider would be where you will be using it mostly like pushing it mostly on sidewalks vs in a shopping mall as that can make a big difference. Depending on where you live, pushing prams on sidewalks in many areas can be lot harder and size of wheels can be an important factor. Manoeuvring them in shopping malls (or flat smooth surface in general) is lot easier and both expensive ones and average ones would perform very similar.
    Also watch out for features like how easy/ hard it is for single person to fold/ unfold it with one hand, sliding in or taking out baby capsule from the pram and in your car, storage space, snacking tray etc.
    Good luck with your find and parenting in general.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/04/2022 - 19:45

      Totally agree that your use cases and environment will dictate what you should get:

      • wide/rough footpaths? You could go for a big one with chunky wheels that allows you to go up and down curbs if necessary. Your car will need a big boot though
      • shopping centre-use only, or live in a unit with stairs? A smaller one that you can carry with the other hand might suit
      • prefer to not be taking the lifts all the time in a shopping centre with just the step escalators? Then a baby carrier might be perfect.
  • magster on 25/04/2022 - 09:04
    +1

    Second hand. I sold my near new Redsbaby on marketplace for less than half the price, because we ended up using our stroller mostly. There’s many around my price tag.

  • Motek Benzona on 25/04/2022 - 09:27
    +20

    Heres how it works all you 1st time parents

    New 1st time parents: Oooh i must have everything new, look at me I bought a $600 change table, everything looks soooo good

    New 1st time parents 9 months in: Wow, that $600 change table is marked and i do not need it anymore lets sell it, oh crap, i can only get $30 for it!!

    2nd time parents: Ive spent a whole week on gumtree and marketplace and now have everything i need for less than half my first change table

    FACT

    • OneJay on 25/04/2022 - 09:52
      +3

      Easy $5-10k spend for first time parents.

      Even before the baby is born. Things like a random $50 plastic dish-looking thing that sits over the tummy when sitting in the car so the seatbelt doesn’t put too much pressure on the belly 🙄

      But if she wants it you can’t say no because she’ll get all emotional and you still want to live.

      • Motek Benzona on 25/04/2022 - 10:02
        +1

        My daughter had a baby last month, I got her a pram with stroller bassinet and capsule attachements that all clicked into the base off marketplace for $80. The only marks were on the wheels. The same set at baby bunting was $1200 ish. Same with the Boori cot i got her. $50 on gumtree, $800 in the shops (bought a new mattress though of course) . We all live and learn

    • ameyas7 on 25/04/2022 - 10:11

      Personally, I feel it's just the peace of mind that comes with new things. For instance, a used car seat (or baby capsule) may not be just as safe as a brand new one. Even if you can visually inspect that it looks very clean and functional does not necessarily mean that the restraints or wheels haven't deteriorated internally over time? So if I have a budget cap of $500 I'd still prefer to buy a new average one than buying a used luxury brand for same price tag from someone i do not know personally. But I guess it's a very personal call.

      • Motek Benzona on 25/04/2022 - 10:40
        +1

        Ive had 3 kids and they are all still alive. In the old days you just stuck them on your lap, and in taxis you still do! I guess its perception

        • ameyas7 on 25/04/2022 - 11:44

          I know what you mean and unfortunately there are still lot of places in world where this practice continues. However, that may be predominantly due to lack of education around road safety rules. As a matter of fact I wasn't even aware that child seats have an expiry date / shelf life until very recently. It is typically long enough so you don't need to worry when buying a new one but with used one, it may be closer to expiry (highly recommend to check when anyone is buying used child seat)
          Btw in NSW it is not legal to carry a baby (less than 12 months old) in a taxi without a proper child seat as per road safety rules in nsw
          They recently changed some rules around 7 yrs old vs 145 cm tall to start using adult lap-sash seat belt. My son didn't like the fact when he saw his friends stopped using booster seats even though he was in taller group in his class and still had to use it. Apparently, many parents think their kids don't need to use booster seat after attaining 7 yrs of age (I guess maybe it was the case few years back). I can imagine that every childs' body type may be different and may be it was hard to come up with a blanket rule that fits all to stop using child seats and hence many parents may be sticking to 7 yrs mark as per old rules or based on some other rules? I don't know.
          But yes personally when it comes to child safety standards, I'd always prefer to be safe than sorry.

      • jacross on 25/04/2022 - 15:37
        +1

        Okay put baby seats to the side.

        LITERALLY EVERYTHING ELSE SHOULD BE BOUGHT USED.

        …even nappies? Especially nappies!!!!

    • jace88 on 25/04/2022 - 10:30
      +4

      As soon to be 2nd time parents, the difference is we didn't get around to selling a lot of the stuff we bought first time.

      That being said if I could go back in time I'd tell myself not to buy so much crap. Couldn't even give the stupid Charlichair away for free after buying it new. In hindsight should've been obvious that the key selling point of "it was on sharktank" does not in any way correlate to it's usefulness for bathing a newborn.

      • Motek Benzona on 25/04/2022 - 10:42

        its like weddings.. you might well spash out on your 1st but when it comes to the 4th or 5th its "here is a silver plate band now say i do" :-)

        • jace88 on 25/04/2022 - 10:45

          I don't think the shop will be open after the 2nd so probably not something to ponder… just yet ;)

      • jacross on 25/04/2022 - 15:38

        Charlichair! HA you really did buy every single thing.

        • jace88 on 25/04/2022 - 20:43

          At least I was able to refund the extra Charlichair cushion pad/mat… which didn't even fit anyway.

  • Takeohakuto on 25/04/2022 - 09:46
    +1

    Our first born had a few trips in the pram but preferred to be carried. Our second born didn't like the pram in the slightest.

    Save your money, get a second hand and be happy. Or at least wait until they are born and see what your needs are.

  • windrc on 25/04/2022 - 10:06

    people give away their parms for free on gumtree from time to time, good brand too like baby jogger city

  • EyyBanane on 25/04/2022 - 10:11

    Inflation is real! Bought a Graco travel system from US for my first one 10 years ago for <$100 and used it for five kids since and it never skipped a beat. It wasn’t breaking despite so many years of use, and we didn’t want see such a good product to go to landfill, but finally It was lost in transit. Always wondered why strollers are so overpriced here.

    I see you can buy Graco or equivalent / better brand products via Amazon US under <$A500 including international shipping. This could be a better option.

  • serpserpserp on 25/04/2022 - 10:51
    +1

    https://www.babyvillage.com.au/products/baby-jogger-city-min…

    Get one of these but with the air tires, not the hard plastic ones. (I had the original City Mini GT -> https://www.choice.com.au/products/babies-and-kids/baby-tran… find one of these second hand if you can). Also lol at choice review saying too heavy, the thing is so simple and light to fold and put in the car, you can do it in one movement. I've had parents be in awe watching it happen.

    Had it for 7+ years from newborn (get a bassinet attachment, or hire one if you have big, fast growing babies). I only ever needed one for multiple kids. It is light, sturdy, simple to open/close. I even had family members that started with one, thought they'd upgrade to a fancy pram, realized it wasn't as good, and bought a second hand one of these again and mothballed the expensive one.

    Also if you are thinking about second hand, make sure you look up if it has been recalled. Prams that were fine to buy 5 years ago are often recall items today as safety standards improve or obtuse flaws are found though wide user use. I got a whole bunch of hand me downs and 80% were recalled and the other 20% where just not easy to use.

  • GrueHunter on 25/04/2022 - 11:01
    +1

    I feel like it's like a mainstream tax, same as what you pay when you buy Apple products.

    I mean, you can't stop there without having a whine about being forced into the equally imaginary Bugaboo "ecosystem"

  • Pinkster on 25/04/2022 - 11:02

    We bought a baby jogger city mini for our first child. Great unit. Easy to use and one pull fold. Light weight with the bassinet attachment.

    We then had twins and bought the baby jogger twin pram and used two bassinets. Fits through aisles and doors easily.

    Nil issues with both units.

    I recommend a single handle 3 wheeled unit as much easier to move around with one hand.

  • sqrt on 25/04/2022 - 11:08
    +1

    Can highly recommend the BabyJogger brand - their durability has been excellent in that we bought once and used for all the kids. (over a span of 10 years)

  • afah0447 on 25/04/2022 - 11:27

    'I feel like it's like a mainstream tax, same as what you pay when you buy Apple products.'

    Yes! The cult of Apple. I can't believe people still pay such eye-watering prices for their products when Samsung is now generally better.

  • donkeydoc on 25/04/2022 - 12:18

    First pram $500, not on sale, second pram was 2nd hand for $800 (2 seats in line not side by side) Look for sales and the sooner the better!

  • Wasabi Ninja on 25/04/2022 - 12:49
    +1

    We used bugaboo. Great turning circle which I you’ll find is important in shops. Quick to fold up and good resale value. Can buy part if required and with 4 kids we never damaged or broke one.

  • Oz em on 25/04/2022 - 13:32

    I had a bugaboo. Totally worth it. I sold it for almost as much as I paid for it on marketplace.

    If buying second hand be aware there is a sids risk.

    • NigelTufnel on 25/04/2022 - 14:47

      SIDS risk with second hand pram? What?

      I've heard maybe mattresses, but prams?!

    • ihfree on 25/04/2022 - 18:11

      Second this, would love to hear how there's a SIDS risk buying second hand.

  • 0FoxGiven on 25/04/2022 - 14:03
    +1

    Even as a first time parent I found the prices for these things silly. I got a pram, change table, bassinet, cot, baby bath and a walker for less than $400. All second hand and in really condition

  • intelseb on 25/04/2022 - 14:30
    +3

    Highly recommend online only redsbaby prams even at full price they are great value and quality, but they have specials of 20% off every now and then

  • curryblender on 25/04/2022 - 15:09

    We bought this when our little one was born in 2021.
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/223771659086

    Does the Job.

    With our first child we went with really expensive one, Later realised they grow up way too fast for the price we paid for it.

  • jacross on 25/04/2022 - 15:39
    +4

    Buy second hand. Buy second hand. Buy second hand.

    There are so many fantastic second hand prams and other baby items that go to waste because new parents are absolutely ridiculous about having to have new. It's a sickness. It's germaphobia. It's a mental illness. It's punching mother earth AND your wallet in the crotch.

    • greatlamp on 26/04/2022 - 13:15

      It's germaphobia

      A dirty needle soaked for 30 min in bleach will kill the AIDS virus. Just wash the thing!

  • pformag on 25/04/2022 - 17:27

    We bought our city select with our 1st. Using it still with the 4th. They last. If you can't get new, 2nd hand it and get covers etx.

  • pxrnm on 25/04/2022 - 18:44
    +1

    Try maxi cosi stroller. I got the stroller and basinet combo for $500 brand new. It was 6 years ago though.

    • TheFrunj on 25/04/2022 - 23:44

      We bought a Maxi Cosi Laika on sale a year ago, it came with the carry cot/parent facing attachment - was an eBay Plus deal for $158 delivered.

      It was amazing to have another portable place to have the baby sleep around the house, and the <7kg weight of the pram means it is super easy to move around.

      Being light has tradeoffs and the lack of big wheels/suspension means gravel roads aren't ultra comfy, but for footpath and flat surfaces it's perfect.

  • sn00kered on 25/04/2022 - 18:45
    +3

    Personally I've got two kids, I bought a $500-700 pram reds baby and you get what you pay for.. Wheel fell off walking about 2kms on footpaths… Bendy, heavy and shitty quality imo. You get what you pay for not just a self titled "tax"… All prams are overpriced but some of the top ones are quality and hold their value. We switched to the uppababy vista and it was day and night with all the other mid to low tier brands. Lightweight strong and built with quality.

    My justification for spending the bit extra was better resale, better quality and build could run with it, light, steered effortlessly etc.. It's all the little things the more expensive ones to better. Also we were aiming to have more than one kid.

    If budgets an issue definitely aim for a secondhand uppababy about 1-2years old, you won't go wrong.

  • MadeIt on 25/04/2022 - 19:48
    +3

    Highly recommend Red’s Baby, bought their top of the range Jive3 pram back in 2018 for the first Bub now using it for the 2nd and it held up well! Spent about ~$900, which came with a Bassinet, stroller and all the accessories for that price.
    Honestly looked at many others with a much higher price ($2-3k), but you’re just paying for the brand name no other benefits.
    One recommendation is not to get the light grey, no matter how well you look after the pram, kids are messy.

  • charkwayteo on 25/04/2022 - 20:19
    +1

    Bought a second hand combi urban walker prestige for my newborn for a 100 bucks. He's now 3 and the pram is a tank as well as being very light (6.3kg) and easy to fold.. whatever you get just get something easy to manuever + light weight.

  • Herbse on 25/04/2022 - 20:35
    +2

    My partner spent $500 on a super deluxe one that is great for jogging and had add ons and bs. Used it once

    We got a cheap folding one for free after spending $50 in toys r us (same as this. It was small, light,easy put in the car and fold away. Used it daily.

  • MessyG on 25/04/2022 - 20:54

    Baby Jogger Mini City GT. It has lasted us through 8 years of kids, still going strong. Lots of useful accessories too, not ridiculously expensive. Absolutely the Android of prams. Make sure you get a 3 wheeler. My sister went through a few exxy ones before going to it and never looking back too.

  • sirstiv on 25/04/2022 - 21:07

    We bought a Silvercross pram… UK brand looks great and very durable! I think it was about 1500 from baby Kingdom. They often have promos and where if you spend x amount you get % off .. and you can put things on lay-by until bub is born and pay then and still get the deals.

    These prams have largish carrying capacity and fold well. When we have our next child it's still in great condition (for 2 years of wear and tear)

  • kaleidoscope on 25/04/2022 - 21:27

    So my wife found all these mainstream retail brands that cost between $1-2k which everyone tells me is standard but I think it's ridiculous.

    Can you try to convince your wife you aren't missing anything by settling to half that price from a reputed brand. Unless you live in a neighbourhood where owning a sub $1000 pram would make you look bad…

    I feel like it's like a mainstream tax, same as what you pay when you buy Apple products.

    Is it though? Last time I checked there are more expensive other brand phones than Apple's >.<. Even if you want to use apple products, who tells you have to purchase the most expensive product of their lineup :)

    I bought this about 2-3 years ago when it went on sale about $200 less than now advertised price and couldn't have asked for any better. My mate's currently using the capsule for his newborn and he purchased the pram itself to fit the capsule when needed.

  • butwhy on 25/04/2022 - 21:30
    +2

    We've got a few kids, and have quite a few prams. All of them are different for different needs.

    Bugaboo etc are fashion statements / emporer's new clothes. Lots of people trying to justify their expensive purchase / lots of options / customisations. But it could be argued they are Merc vs Toyota. Sure they may feel nicer, but it won't make any difference to the baby, and the usability isn't any better. Plus they are much heavier than other compact 1 prams.

    If you are only going to get one pram here's what I'd look for:

    • lightweight around 6kg (babies and their crap are heavy enough). Some of those exxie prams are pushing 12kg
    • easy to fold (when you're being stalked at the car park, the last thing you want is some complex folding mechanism that you have to pull apart everything
    • decent canopy
    • easy reclining (ours were hard to get to sleep, so the last thing you want is some difficult system that will wake them)
    • lie flat so they can be used from newborn
    • forget bassinets - they are a complete waste of time
    • compatible with a capsule. Our kids were small so we got 12 months use out of ours, but most people only get 6 months. However capsules are controversial
    • decent storage

    The one we bought first and would recommend is the Steelcraft Agile (we paid around $250). It looks like it has been replaced by the Safe n Sound Ride Lite which is under $200.
    - 6kg
    - Super easy one hand folding mechanism. Grab one strap and it folds immediately.
    - Easy reclining
    - With the capsule, both canopies essentially make it completely enclosed. The capsule was under $300 from memory
    - should fit into most hatchbacks

    Our other prams:

    Babyzen Yoyo
    -6kg
    -incredibly compact folding, so small it can fit into the overhead bins on planes = no check in necessary / can use up to the plane, and immediately after getting off
    - super easy to push
    - everything with this pram is a compromise, so I'd only get it for travelling, and expect to have another pram for daily use
    - negatives include small canopy, and small storage, going across slopes can be challenging and easy to tip over

    Baby Jogger City Select Lux
    - We only purchased it cause we had 2 kids close together. If you are definitely having 2 kids close together it may be worth buying a double pram straight up, but there are compromises / they are bigger / heavier / harder to fold. Side by side prams have difficulty fitting through doors / shopping etc
    - Has 2 brakes - full handbrake stop, and ability to slow (useful on slopes with 2 kids on board). However our brake mechanism had to be replaced
    - The bench seat is surprisingly useful once they are older
    - Much harder to fold / store than a compact pram - may need a bigger boot to accommodate
    - We purchased ours from Ebay US. The price was $1400 vs $800 at the time (I think it therefore doesn't meet the Australian standards of having a red colour brake)

    Chariot Cougar 2. These have been bought out by Thule, and since upgraded
    - Double side by side pram for sports
    - Used for jogging / bike trailer
    - Hugely wide - not suitable for shopping
    - Does not recline
    - Good storage
    - Insect screen
    - Despite folding, it is HUGE. You really need a decent sized wagon to put this in, and you'll have little room for anything else
    - Bad ventilation in bike trailer mode - because the wheel is in front of your kids, you probably want the plastic screen up so that stones / dust don't get flicked at them. This model had tiny side windows only
    - I bought this from USA. $600 AUD, when it was $1500 RRP in Australia. Brought it back on the plane as prams are free

    I'd just get the Safe n Sound and go from there.

    Other baby tips - you just need a pram, a way to get the baby home from hospital (ie a car seat / capsule), and a cot. A few clothes and nappies of course (buy them 3 month sized as they grow super quick) Anything else is a luxury. There are so many people out there trying to convince vulnerable parents that they "need XYZ" for their baby. We've avoided most of them, but there were still a few things we regret buying (eg pram glider boards, nappy bins) Don't waste your money on a bassinet.

    I would however suggest:
    - a nappy bag that will attach to the pram handles (with change mat)
    - a change mat for home with raised edges / waterproof - $40 (forget the change table)
    - 2 mattress protectors for your cot (number 3's happen :-(

    Good luck!

    • MassEffect on 27/04/2022 - 11:25

      Thank you for the detailed comment. Can you please tell me why you think a capsule is controversial? I'm in a similar situation, expecting my firstborn in August, and I'm torn between getting a capsule that fits into a pram, or getting a pram and a fixed car seat, separately. The convenience you get from the capsule to be able to move the kid from the car to the pram without having to take them out of the seat is hard to ignore.

      Also, when you say don't bother with a bassinet, do you mean a bassinet that fixes onto the pram or a permanent at-home bassinet? The wife is bent on getting a bassinet in the house because our room doesn't have enough space to fit a cot and she says we need a small bassinet in the room for the first couple of months before we buy a cot that sits permanently in the baby's room once the baby is a few months old.

      • knitwear on 27/04/2022 - 14:15

        I'm in a similar situation, expecting my firstborn in August, and I'm torn between getting a capsule that fits into a pram, or getting a pram and a fixed car seat, separately.

        Your baby will outgrow the capsule pretty quickly (at most 6 months of use), and you still need to purchase a separate child seat afterwards.

        • MassEffect on 27/04/2022 - 14:31

          Yes, that's the downside to a capsule. But the upside is that you don't need to disturb the baby when you're taking it out of the car. From what I hear, you shouldn't be disturbing a newborn baby when it's asleep.

          • knitwear on 27/04/2022 - 16:24

            @MassEffect:

            From what I hear, you shouldn't be disturbing a newborn baby when it's asleep.

            While it's true that you should not wake them unnecessarily, it's not a hard rule. You will still need to wake them up every 3-4 hours in their newborn stage until they have good weight gain.

            Besides you don't know how your baby will behave. Some babies will wake up with the slightest noise (our firstborn did that), and some babies will sleep through even if there's a loud music playing (our second one is like that).

            Personally if the pram chosen comes with capsule, great, but I wouldn't go out of my way looking for it.

      • butwhy on 27/04/2022 - 22:00

        Pretty much what Knitwear says below.

        Having said that, we got really good use out of ours. The Babyjogger capsule we had apparently goes up to 1 year old, and we got 1 year of use for our small kids. It is very convenient if your kid sleeps in it, and you don't have to wake transferring. Esp when our kids were so hard to get to sleep in the first place.

        Note however some other downsides of a capsule - they don't crash very well. There's more parts to go wrong. They take more legroom in the backseat (ie the front seat often needs to go quite far forward, so it may not fit behind the drivers seat). They make the pram heavier.

        Just note to make sure that whatever capsule you get is compatible with the pram you want (and vice versa!).

        As for the bassinet, my comment was for both to be honest. The pram version they will only use for about 3 months (better to get the capsule), and if you can fit a normal cot in your room, use that. We actually got a travel cot (primarily to use for travel) but it doubled for times we wanted the baby to sleep in areas other than the cot at home.

        I personally regret getting a cot that converted into an adult bed - we had to keep the extra bits in the garage for years until they needed the adult bed, and the mattress is non standard size.

  • PAPower on 25/04/2022 - 21:30
    +1

    Redsbaby prams are really good and sub-1k.
    https://www.redsbaby.com.au/shop/baby-prams-strollers/metro3…

  • sheepzpal on 25/04/2022 - 21:31

    lol everything new ae…. just apply for a new credit card with bonus points

  • fruxo on 25/04/2022 - 21:34

    My wife was obsessed with prams. We've had so many, as they all ended up having pros and cons.

    At the end of the day, I can say with certainty that you don't need an expensive pram. One of my favorites, which had the best wheels and easiest to turn etc, was a cheap mountain buggy.

    There is also the second hand market. We have a bugaboo buffalo, which has been really great, except it's very big so it takes up a lot of space in the boot. We ended up using it mostly when going for walks and then we had a smaller one in the car. Anyway, it's in very good condition and fabric looks as new. We are about to list it for sale, and looking at sold prices, it seems we will only get a fraction of the price back. Obviously it's a gamble with second hand, but in this case for example you would get a perfect condition very expensive brand name for a fraction of the price.

    So yeah. Don't spend thousands on a new pram if you have other things to put the money on. Even the most expensive brands have cons and even the cheap ones can be great. And then the second hand market exists if you really had your eye on a specific model.

    Edit: I can't be sure but looking at second hand prices, I'm expecting about $300 for the bugaboo including accessories if I'm lucky. Just as an example. And that's one of the popular expensive brands that probably hold its value the best.

    Edit: it might be hard to win the pram battle with your wife. However, where you can really save money is on all the furniture. Bassinet, change table, cot etc. Those are things that you should DEFINITELY buy second hand as there are no moving parts etc and your can practically get furniture for free (trust me, we just sold all of ours and we got nothing). Also buy car capsule second hand and then sell it after 6 months, cheaper than renting (and buying brand new is a massive waste).

    • Powlie85 on 25/04/2022 - 21:52

      Where you can also save a ton of money is with diy wet wipes like these (it's also a lot less chem stuff):

      https://youtu.be/wpfad7DaitE

      • fruxo on 25/04/2022 - 21:54

        I feel like that's taking it in a much more extreme direction than my suggestions. But each to their own.

        • Powlie85 on 25/04/2022 - 21:55

          Really? How so? Extreme? 😂 Super cheap to make, good for baby and the environment as there is a lot less crap and rubbish.

          • fruxo on 25/04/2022 - 21:59

            @Powlie85: I just meant that it's a different direction. Everyone needs a cot, but disposable nappies vs reusable nappies is a whole other discussion for example. But maybe supplementing with home made wet wipes is not a bad idea, I really haven't heard about it before nor have I done the math on potential savings etc. We are getting to the end of it all, so hopefully wet wipes will soon be a thing of the past! :)

        • Powlie85 on 25/04/2022 - 21:57

          I agree with your other points - especially furniture, so just adding things you haven't mentioned.

      • jolee3 on 25/04/2022 - 22:05

        I would have thought paper towels themselves may be processed with chemicals, like bleach?

        • greatlamp on 26/04/2022 - 23:10

          Even so, there wouldn't be any bleach on the towel after production.

          Bleach/peroxide will break down in the atmosphere into water and carbon dioxide

  • Powlie85 on 25/04/2022 - 21:50
    +1

    Whatever you end of buying, make sure you wash everything about 3 times to get flame retardant and other shit chemicals out…. furniture and rugs best bought second hand as they would have gassed off all the naughty stuff. Only thing I would recommend new is the mattress - ideally from all natural materials (coconut coir, wool, latex, cotton).

    • Embaloo on 25/04/2022 - 22:07

      Except car seats. Don't get rid of the flame retardant on car seats. Super important for safety.

      • Powlie85 on 25/04/2022 - 22:10

        Seems kinda pointless. It's literally useless. If you need flame retardant for a child seat it's most likely too late anyway. Unless your child smokes - the maybe it's a good idea….

        • Embaloo on 25/04/2022 - 22:17
          +2

          Just researched - looks like most Australian ones don't have retardants added anyway, just use flame resistant materials, e.g. Britax: Synthetic /polyester fabrics have flame retardant properties and this is why we use them in accordance with the AS/NZS 1754 Child Restraints Standard.

          But still important to follow manufacturers info on cleaning.

  • Embaloo on 25/04/2022 - 22:06
    +1

    This system is so great and heaps in the second hand market now - you can get it between $100-$300, less if you're lucky.

    https://newbornbaby.com.au/2016/08/redsbaby-jive-goes-tandem…

    Benefits:
    - not crazy heavy, 8kg base
    - options for bassinet plus upright
    - folding mechanism is very swift and easy (one-handed unfold, two-handed pack-down, both single step though)
    - always option to have kid facing you or away
    - if you have a maxi cosi capsule seat capsule (you do not need one but if you are given one or get it super cheap e.g. the maxi cosi mico AP), they transfer straight from car to pram, ideal when shopping or outings).
    - can convert to a double pram for next kid if they are within 3 or 4 years apart (I believe, fact check me).
    - tiny turning circle and incredible smooth push, effortless and easy to exercise with
    - decent appearance
    - good mesh air flow panels that can fold open and shut for a variety of weather conditions
    - good customer service and online chat, used them twice
    - plenty out there to find one with the least wear and tear, particularly as people have been isolating and not using them much.
    - nice accessories if people sell it with - e.g. cup holders, hooks, rain covers or sun shades

    Particular experience with the original Jive. (There is jive 2 and 3 and probably 4).

  • macfudd on 25/04/2022 - 22:17

    My partner refused to go second hand for a pram for our first kid. She had a really specific list of things she wanted (priority #1 being the baby facing her) which after we went through a bunch of shops only left us with 2-3 options - all of which were less than $500. So that was kinda a win.

    But 6 months in she was quite happy to get a second hand light-weight pram for travelling. And when the second kid came along we got a second hand double pram with a ton of features for about $100.

    Whatever you get, make sure it folds up easily and you can fit it in the boot of your car. Many require the seat to be removed so you have two awkwardly shaped lumps to try and tetris in around your shopping etc.

  • jtc13 on 25/04/2022 - 22:31
    +1

    Barely used the pram for our two… $25 K-mart strollers on the other hand were a God send after ours were old enough. I would recommend second hand for sure if you think you need to go the expensive ones. Then move onto the strollers after the first 9 months which are so much more practical.

  • happydude on 25/04/2022 - 23:06
    +1

    So my questions is, to be concise, what are the 'Android' brands of prams? Half the price with comparable quality/features.

    I went with Redsbaby mainly because they are an Australian company. They have an active rep on here that posts deals so one is bound to pop up in the next 6 months. End of financial year should net you 20% off.

    Hit subscribe on their page - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/deals/redsbaby.com.au

  • DingoBlue on 25/04/2022 - 23:47

    +1 steelcraft

  • hailingstars on 26/04/2022 - 01:43
    -1

    $1-2k for a pram?????? You're joking, right? Please tell me you are joking.

  • stratbargain on 26/04/2022 - 06:29

    We got a Joolz Geo 2 second hand with a bunch of additions for $400. It has a few scratches but was otherwise as good as new. Similar to the uppababy vista but much cheaper on the second hand market. New it would have been $2500 of pram and accessories. Absolutely crazy

  • eklipsils on 26/04/2022 - 07:30
    +1

    It's a waste of money to spend $1-2k on a pram. I have three kids and the most I spent on a pram was $300 and that's lasted through kid 2 and now kid 3 is using it. FB market for prams is the best as well. Save that cash for a holiday instead!

  • nightshaide on 26/04/2022 - 08:26

    We went with the Steelcraft strider compact. the package we got came with a baby capsule and a basinet attachment for $1000 although this was about 6 years ago. the basinet was a lifesaver, able to have bub in the basinet and rock them to sleep then push them into the bedroom.

    lasted through 2 kids then we sold it for $300

    great brand and great quality.
    should be able to get it cheaper on amazon under the britax brand.

  • bchliu on 26/04/2022 - 09:22

    Don't go overboard - unless you plan to have more than 1 child and ok with "Hand-me-downs" to your next one.

    We got the medium range stuff (mind you, that was over 16 years ago though) and anticipated for two kids at the time. If you buy things too cheap, then it may not last the whole two or more kids. Hence why don't go with just the cheap stuff.

    Bear in mind to buy convertible stuff that will last from one period of time to another (ie. New Born to infant to toddler etc). Prams, beds, car restraints and chairs need to be adjustable for various periods of growth to allow maximum usability. Spending a little more on the convertible ones is good.

    Good luck in your parenthood journey!

  • Brianqpr on 26/04/2022 - 09:24

    Around the time our kids were little, prams started becoming a fashion competition, bugaboo being the overpriced must have brand.

    Can't say I'm across the current market but I'm sure there would be perfectly good options way below the price range you quoted.

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