What I Wish I'd Known Before Buying a Pram
Top 13 Pram Regrets from Real Parents (And How to Avoid Them)
Choosing the perfect pram for your newborn can feel like a monumental task. This wheeled chariot will be your companion on countless adventures, from café runs to park explorations. It needs to be safe, comfortable for your little one, and, importantly, practical for your lifestyle. But with so many options, features, and price points, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or even make a choice you later second-guess.
While many parents adore the pram they pick, hindsight often brings a clearer perspective. We’ve all been there – that "if only I’d realised..." moment. It turns out, you're not alone. Many parents wish they'd considered certain aspects more thoroughly before making that big purchase.
Here, real Aussie parents get candid about the one thing they wish they had known before committing to their baby’s pram or stroller.
1. The 'One-Pram-Fits-All' Myth
"I wish I'd realised that 'one pram to do it all' can sometimes mean it does nothing perfectly. We got a mid-range one, but now I envy friends who have a super-light 'café stroller' and a separate rugged one for actual outdoor adventures. "
— Amanda J., Melbourne, VIC
Tip: Consider your lifestyle and daily routines. If you frequent both urban settings and rough terrains, you might benefit from having two specialised prams rather than one all-purpose model.
2. Postpartum Recovery and Pram Weight
“I loved the look and features of our big pram (Uppababy Ridge). However I ended up with a C-section, and couldn’t lift it into the car for a long time without pain. We ended up having to buy a small, lightweight stroller as well (the Minu) and I'm SO glad we did. It's small and perfect for going into shops. It lives in my car unless I'm driving somewhere for a walk."
— Kelly S., Brisbane, QLD
Tip: Postpartum recovery can limit your ability to handle heavy equipment. Opt for a lightweight, easy-to-fold pram if you're anticipating a C-section or want to minimise strain.
3. The True Cost of 'Going Cheap'
“I tried to save money by buying a cheap travel system off Amazon, and I regretted it immediately. It rattled and was soooooo bumpy, even on sidewalks. The straps were really badly designed too - it just felt unsafe. I ended up buying a second-hand high-quality stroller just weeks later. Lesson learned: don’t skimp on quality when it comes to your baby’s safety and comfort.”
— Jess F., Newcastle, NSW
Tip: Investing in a quality pram ensures durability and safety. If budget is a concern, consider reputable second-hand options that meet Australian safety standards.
4. Real-World Testing
“I only folded and pushed the stroller in the store, but I wish I had tested it on uneven footpaths, and with one hand while pretending to hold my baby. It was a nightmare trying to manoeuvre it outside. I highly recommend borrowing or renting a pram for the first few weeks before investing so much. You'll quickly figure out what features are important to you and you can buy from there. We would have gone with a completely different pram if we'd waited until our baby was 4 weeks old. We ended up changing to a jogging stroller despite never jogging. It is SO much more maneuverable than the traditional 4 wheeled stroller. "
— Isabelle D., Annandale, NSW
Tip: Test prams in real-life conditions - on various terrains, with one hand, and while carrying items. Borrow from a friend, rent or buy a cheap second-hand pram to test it out.
5. Not Thinking Ahead
“We bought a single stroller, then I got pregnant again four months after our daughter was born! Suddenly our 'perfect' pram wasn't so perfect, and we were back to square one looking at double prams. I wish I’d thought ahead and bought a convertible or double stroller from the start.”
— Lily P., New Farm, QLD
Tip: If you plan to have more children close in age, consider prams that can convert to accommodate multiple children.
6. Overlooking Second-Hand Gems
"I wish I hadn't dismissed second-hand options so quickly. I thought it would be gross or "cheap" to have a used pram for my newborn. But if you are doing high-end like UppaBaby, second-hand is the way to go. My friend got one that was 7 years old for just $80, and it's fantastic. She replaced the fabric and it works perfectly, and she doesn't stress about walking it out in the rain. "
— Jessica H., Richmond, VIC
Tip: When buying second-hand, always ask for the serial number to check for recalls directly with the manufacturer or on Product Safety Australia. Ensure it also meets current Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 2088).
7. The Uncomfortable Handlebar Height
"I wish I'd thought about the height of the handlebars. My partner is much taller than me, and what was comfortable for one of us was awkward for the other. An adjustable handlebar would have been a game-changer."
— Sophie B., Carlton, VIC
Tip: Adjustable handlebars can make pram pushing comfortable for caregivers of varying heights, preventing strain and discomfort.
8. Under-Basket Storage Capacity
"The basket size! I wish I'd known how critical a massive, easily accessible under-basket is. The one on our pram looked decent in the shop, but once you add the nappy bag, a toy and your own water bottle, there’s no room left for even a small grocery shop."
— Aisha R., North Adelaide, SA
Tip: Evaluate the storage basket's size and accessibility, especially if you'll be carrying multiple items during outings.
9. The Car Boot Reality Check
"Honestly, I wish I’d actually measured my car boot before falling in love with that gorgeous but massive pram. It technically fits, but getting groceries in as well? It’s a game of Tetris I lose every time."
— Bella K., Fitzroy, VIC
Tip: Measure your car boot and compare it with the pram's folded dimensions to ensure a good fit, leaving room for other essentials.
10. Pram Width and Accessibility
"I wish I had considered the width of the wheels. I love the pram we picked, we use it a lot. But the rear wheels are spaced too widely to fit through the aisles of most small shops. I end up having to leave the thing by the door and carry my baby. The worst time was when I had to get a whole table of people out of their seats in a restaurant to get by. So embarrassing!"
— Chloe T., West End, QLD
Tip: Consider the pram's width, especially if you'll be navigating narrow aisles or doorways frequently.
11. Parent-Facing Options
"I wish I'd considered the 'parent-facing' option for longer. My little one absolutely loved seeing me and interacting during those first few crucial months, but I chose a pram that was mostly forward-facing too soon, thinking ahead to when they'd want to see the world."
— Danielle G., Subiaco, WA
Tip: Prams with reversible seats allow you to maintain eye contact with your baby during early months, fostering bonding and comfort.
12. The Bassinet Benefit
"I wish I'd considered the bassinet attachment more seriously for those early months. We thought we'd just use the capsule for walks, but bub hated being in it for long stretches. Proper, flat naps in a bassinet on the go would have been a game-changer. You can always sell it after about six months when they outgrow it."
— Olivia M., Byron Bay, NSW
Tip: A bassinet attachment provides a flat, comfortable space for newborns to sleep during outings, which can be more suitable than capsules for longer durations.
13. Aligning Pram Choice with Lifestyle
"I wish I'd been truly honest about my lifestyle. I bought a beautiful, big pram perfect for those dreamy long park walks I envisioned. In reality, I mostly needed something quick, light, and compact for school drop-offs and zipping into local shops. The big one mostly collected dust."
— Mia S., Chatswood, NSW
Tip: Assess your daily routines and choose a pram that complements your actual lifestyle, not just the idealised version.
Quick Checklist Before Buying a Pram:
✅ Does it fit your car boot with room to spare?
✅ Can you lift and fold it easily, especially post-birth?
✅ Is the under-basket spacious and accessible?
✅ Is it suitable for your local terrain and lifestyle?
✅ Does it have adjustable handlebars for different users?
✅ Is the seat reversible for parent-facing options?
✅ Does it meet Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 2088)?
✅ Have you tested it in real-world conditions?
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pram isn’t easy, but learning from the experiences of other parents can save you significant time, money, and frustration. Hopefully, these candid confessions help you pinpoint what truly matters for your family.
This article reflects real parents’ experiences and practical advice. Always consider your unique needs and check current safety standards before buying.
Lulu Babe editors independently select and write about products we love and think you'll enjoy. This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.
