Pram

Buying A Baby Buggy: What You Really Need To Know

by Lynley Oram in Features on 20 February, 2012 at 1:00 pm

Buying A Baby Buggy: What You Really Need To KnowA baby buggy, pushchair, stroller, pram. We give the device used to push little tiny people around a lot of different name. Some are not universal, as I found when I was in Canada, where they thought it was awfully cute that I called it a pram.

The thing is, when you're a first time mum, it is really hard to decide what it is you actually need. First off, what you don't want to get is a stroller. These are sometimes called a pushchair as well. But confusingly, I've also seen prams or buggies called pushchairs too.

A stroller is a mode of transportation suited to much older babies and toddlers. Definitely not for newborns.

Now that we've got that struck off the list, you're basically left with three types of buggy to choose from. Read on to find out what they are, and whether they're any use for you. Start from the beginning as some of the features you'll need to take into consideration are the same for some or all pushchairs.

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Maclaren Grand Tour LX Pushchair Review

by Luschka van Onselen in Reviews on 2 December, 2010 at 5:00 pm

Maclaren Grand Tour LX Pushchair Review
The Maclaren Grand Tour LX is a very luxurious pushchair. It is suitable from birth with a cosy cot, and can be either forward or parent facing – my favourite feature.

Maclaren Grand Tour LX Pushchair ReviewThis pushchair comes with plenty of add ons. There's the rain cover and sun shade – nicely hidden in pockets behind the seat, a large basket, a foot muff, and matching nappy bag... all pretty standard. But then there's the remote safety lights, pedometer, temperature gauge and built-in clock. The 'dashboard console' also includes a handy storage space for a mobile phone – although my Blackberry Storm didn't fit.

The pedometer – or strollometer – is useful if you're using the pram for exercise, which is sort of the point of this pushchair. Maclaren and Pushy Mothers have worked out a whole exercise programme to accompany it. Which is also why it comes with a clip on cup holder for your sporty water bottle.

Maclaren Grand Tour LX Pushchair ReviewThe cot has a storage bag, the wheels have Formula 1- style wheel bags and there is a bag that covers the chair and frame too, although this doesn't seal, which I found unfortunate as it means it can't lock. I had my temperature gauge and clock stolen out of the dashboard during a recent flight, so the ability to lock the bag would have been great, in retrospect.

This is an extremely luxurious buggy. There's nothing that hasn't been thought of. The wheels can be locked or swivel, the headlights are bright, the seat is plush, and can recline for a sleeping toddler, the pedometer works well. It is definitelythe most luxurious pram I've ever used.

But...

It is a massive pushchair. It weighs 17.2kg and is 65cm wide. It folds, but still takes up most of the back seat of a normal car. You can get it up the stairs, but need a tea break after.

If you're after something zippy, this isn't it. If your baby will be spending a lot of time in their buggy, or you're walking a lot (and love your gadgets) this is it.