Tried and tested - the best prams for new parents 2023
As pop star Rihanna gives birth to her second son, we take a look at some of the best prams on the market right now for fellow new parents.
Best for… EASE
Silver Cross Auto
The days of grappling with your pram as you try to fold it, while hoiking your child up under your arm, are gone - thanks to this nifty pushchair from Silver Cross. Suitable for a wide age range (from birth to a 22kg four year old), it works out cheaper than many options on the market - and is arguably the most stylish of the lot. Indeed in signature Silver Cross style the Auto is luxe to look at, with a large, comfy seat, quilting detail and brown leather. A roomy basket at the base of the pram is large enough for both parent paraphernalia and some shopping.
Weight: 8.26kg
Best bits: Top of the list has to be the auto fold, making maneuvering it onehanded a doddle. The Auto pushchair joins a select group of buggies that are small enough to be carried onto a plane due to its compact size when folded - 56cm x 45cm x 30cm. Although this is down to the airline's discretion. There's a lie flat option for naps, which provides a useful option.
Cost: £350
Best for… CITY SLICKERS
Bugaboo Dragonfly
The latest addition to the Bugaboo family, the Dragonfly, is a seriously stylish piece of kit. But behind the aesthetically pleasing belies a brilliant pram too. While it’s been designed with city slickers in mind, thanks to its small frame which folds down to just 90cm in height, it’s a great all-rounder, and works well on most terrains. A matching bassinet attachment means it can be used from birth, then removed at six months to be used as a pushchair. The sturdy construction can hold a toddler up to 22kg - more than the average four year old. There’s a large basket underneath too, which can hold up to 10kg.
Weight: 7.9 kg
Best bits: The one-handed fold mechanism is genius, and a gamechanger for on-the-go parents with their hands full. It’s compact, so fits into the boot of a small car. What’s more, it has good eco credentials, as Bugaboo has recently become certified BCorp.
Cost: From £695
Best for… TRAVEL
BABYZEN YOYO2
Got a holiday coming up? You may want to consider the BABYZEN YOYO2 - the ultimate travel companion for new parents. It folds and unfolds in one movement, and can be done with one hand - useful when navigating a baby, a map and a city break. The padded strap makes for comfortable carrying when needed. Although small, both the bassinet and the pushchair provide a good level of comfort and support for little ones. The fabric basket underneath is surprisingly roomy, and can carry a weight of up to 5kg.
Weight: 6.2kg
Best bits: The BABYZEN is one of the only prams recognised by airlines as small enough to fit in the cabin and, as a result, means the chances of having to check it in when you fly are minimal. The YOYO2 is also a great choice for shorter mums, thanks to its low-to-the-ground chassis.
Cost: From £380
Best for… ECO
Didofy Stargazer
Research shows that more of us than ever are looking for ways to help the planet. With hardwearing, luxe-looking fabric made from recycled PET bottles, the Stargazer pram from Didofy is a great option for the eco conscious parent. The matching bassinet carries a baby from birth and also flatpacks, while a four point magnetic harness is adjustable and holds a six month old safely once the transition to pushchair has been made. A solid-feeling spacious pram - on the big side - it feels sturdy, and is available in black, green and grey, each paired with a gunmetal grey frame.
Weight: 9.9kg
Best bits: For those looking to be more eco friendly, this is a great way to shop more sustainably that many won’t have considered before. It’s sturdy, with good suspension on all four wheels, and works well on most terrains.
Cost: From £425
Best for… THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Out n About Nipper Single V5
New and improved for this year, as the name would suggest, the Out n About Nipper is ideal for active, outdoorsy types. Three 12 inch air-filled tyres take on gravel, grass and more with ease, making walking in the countryside and along rocky tracks a doddle. Its three wheel design - and swivel lock front wheel - makes the pram very stable, even when jogging, and indeed the Nipper is a good running pram to be used with babies over six months. It is compatible with a newborn bassinet attachment, meaning it can be used from birth.
Weight: 9.8kg
Best bits: This is a really versatile pram, and works well both popping to the shop and running across a field. A double seat version is available for twins and siblings up to 22kg (approx four years).
Cost: £425
Best for… LUXURY
Stokke XPlory X
With its unique one-stem design, you’re sure to turn heads in this stylish pram from Scandinavian brand Stokke. With a bassinet attachment available, it can grow with your child from newborn up to 22kg. The storage element at the base is small, but the zip-up element protects your belongings - nappies, bottles et al - effectively. Available in seven colours, there’s a hue for everyone, from teal (my favourite) to ruby red, with neutral black and grey in there too. Of course, more and more new parents are thinking about the environment when it comes to making big purchases, and the Stokke ticks that box, with great sustainability credentials in the form of fabric made from 100% recycled PET bottles.
Weight: 13.4kg
Best bits: From its smooth manoeuvring to its sleek shape, everything about the Stokke Xplory X silently screams luxury. The height adjustable seat seems simple enough but allows you to bring your little one to table height at ease in a restaurant.
Cost: From £1159
