Off-road Pram

[KiLLaKaZ]

I'm wondering if anyone knows a website or store in Brisbane that I can visit to view a wide range of prams?

Or, does anyone have any recommendations?

What I'm looking for in a pram, is:

a 4 wheeler (preferrably, as they are more stable)

pneumatic (pump up) tyres as i'll be wanting to use it when i go out walking, with no footpaths available

small enough to fit into a small car boot (if i ever get a car!!) & light enough for if i have to use public transport!!

suitable for a newborn through to toddler

not too expensive (at the moment the absolute maximum i can afford is about $500)

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this might be asking a bit too much, but as long as it covers MOST (but preferrably all) of these things, it should be good!

i have tried doing searches online for product reviews, etc but have found it quite tedious! they usually only list a couple of products & don't give very good descriptions. BUT, i'm scared if i go into a abay shop that they'll try & sell me a dodgy/ expensive one just to make a sale!

[Maghan]

I love my Baby Jogger. It's great for all terrain, but maybe the tandem is a bit wide for public transport. Here's the link: http://www.babyjogger.com.au/. They also have a selection at Intraining Running Centre, 33 Park Road Milton. (07) 3367 3088.

I've got a tandem one at home that you can have a look at if you like, just send me a PM.

[dna13]

I have a Bertini Reversible Handle pram and it sounds perfect for your requirements. I think we got ours on special for $299. I think RRP is about $399 from Baby Bunting. I can highly recommend this pram as it is so light and easy to use. It folds so easily and fits in the boot of my car with no problem. I could almost fit 2 if i had to.:thumbsup:

http://www.bertini.com.au/pages/documents/002602_byB_KoKo_RvsHdl_FS.pdf

I have had this pram since DS was born and it has been absolutely wonderful.
Good luck with your decision. :)

[purpleant]

Hi KK

I have a Swallow 3 wheel-jogger and find this very stable as you can lock the front wheel in for exercise. Swallow is a 'middle range price' brand from babyco and comforms to AS/NZ standards. I find the weight not to be an issue as you get used to it over time. It's about 15kg. See review: http://www.productreview.com.au/showitem.php?item_id=1043

See also a review in A Current Affair: http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/stories/1593.asp

The important things I found in selecting a pram is whether it's maneouvrable, and I would try it before purchase; so sorry, there is no avoiding sales people. Take someone with you, so there's no pressure!

What I found useful: :thumbsup: Storage room in the pram, shade device and a peekhole if the pram doesn't swing to face you. Pump up tires are great but watch the flats, get a spare from bike shops. The adjustable seating positions are great for a newborn until they get older to sit up and watch the world go by.

I am more than happy for you to try mine out if you like.

Goodluck in your search.

[Cheeky Little Monkey]

I have a Beema Q Swallow 3 wheel jogger.
It is from Babyco and only weighs about 11kg.
It fits into my Toyota Corolla Hatch boot with no probs. I think it was about $399.
I love it because it is so easy to move around especially with one hand while holding an unsettled baby while out and about.
Its also really easy to fold up.
The wheel base isnt too wide so I am so far able to get through all supermarket and shop checkout lines. That is something you will want to check out no matter what pram/stroller/jogger you go for.
The Beema Q was also recommended by Choice Magazine for its features and safety.
The only thing I wasnt keen on was the limited colour choice.....black with either orange or green trimming but I got over that rather quickly.
Good luck with your search.

[KiLLaKaZ]

Thank you so much for all your replies!

I have made note of all these models & will try & check them out in stores

(purpleant - i'll have to take a closer look at yours next time i see you! ;))

[jacks mum]

babies galore has a big range of prams on show, I know the one at loganholme or kiddies corner at coorparoo but there is nothing around our area that has much

[tickle]

I would also recommend Babies Galore. They have so many out on display to try. I was initially turned off 3 wheelers because of the apparent instability but after testing out a few different ones they are the best for off roading.
I have a driveway that is half washed away due to the rain, pot holes galore, 500m long and up a big hill and the 3 wheeler I got is so much easier than any other 4 wheeler I've tried. It is just so much less effort. I have a Roger Armstrong, it is a bit more light weight and not as wide as a regular 3 wheeler and we brought it when my DS was a bit older for that reason.
Good luck with your decision.:thumbsup:
Editted to add: The one I've got was $149

[Chickadee]

The Bubhub Directory has some prams and stroller reviews which have been submitted by members: Product Reviews - Prams and Strollers (http://www.bubhub.com.au/communityprams.shtml)If anyone else wants to add a review too I'm sure other mums will appreciate it in future.

When I was pregnant DH & went to one of the Baby Expo events. All the baby stores had their prams out (though not necessarily a full range) and it was easy to compare them. I also spied on all the mums there to see what they had chosen for their new bub, and would stop them to ask if they liked their pram :laughing: All of them were happy to talk to me thank goodness.

[KiLLaKaZ]

thanks jack's mum - i'll try & check them out. i don't mind taking public transport to travel places. hopefully i can find some other stores in the area to check out at the same time! ;)

happy lady - i'm starting to reconsider the 3 wheeler, too. i guess when they first came out they were extremely unstable, but they've managed to improve on them a bit. unfortunatley it means they are very heavy & wide... so that's another consideration! :rolleyes:

martham - i was thinking of baby expos, but they usually charge to get in & i'm not that fussed on paying to go somewhere to get advertised at. i did that enough for bridal ones!! :mad: anyway, i will keep it in mind, tho :) also, i've caught myself checking out all the strollers/ prams that other mums & dads are using, too! but, i'm too shy to talk to them about their choice...

[tickle]

The 3 wheeler I have is very lightweight (under 10kg) and only as wide as a regular pram. You definatley need to hold onto it if you are pushing it up a bumpy hill. It might not be what you are looking for though as it is a very basic, no bells and whistles variety that I brought because my DS was older and the old one was just too big and heavy to lug around.
Good luck with your decision.:)

[My3kids]

Sounds like you need a bertini. I have a bertini Shuttle and i think it's great. I can fit in my hubby's 2 door Hyundai accent. There under $500. I take it to my Dad's farm, And I have had it since 2002 and it's great, still in very good condition. I sure you could also pick one up from ebay cheaper. Also I got my from the Baby expo so I got a really good price for it, If you can wait for a baby expo to come around, here is the website.

http://www.bertini.com.au/pages/shuttle

Good luck finding a pram

[KiLLaKaZ]

good news: size may no longer be a problem since jayncharlie (bless her!!) has offered me a free car (station wagon)!! if i get it i'll be able to fit HEAPS in it! :)
tho big cars scare me, it's better than having to take the bus ;) & i'll just have to get used to driving again! (haven't driven in about 3 years!!)