Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Your Baby Pram

1. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Your Baby Pram I still remember the thrill of walking into the One Fine Baby Expo, determined to find the best baby pram for my little one. I’d spent weeks researching, reading reviews, and comparing models, but nothing beats seeing them in action. After putting different prams to the test—navigating the trial track, checking wheel suspension, and assessing how smoothly they handled—I finally found the one: the Bumbleride Era. It felt like the ideal choice. But here’s what I didn’t realise—choosing the best baby pram is just the beginning. So many parents (myself included!) assume that once they’ve picked the best model, it’ll be smooth sailing. But then reality hits—sticky folding mechanisms, wobbly wheels, awkward handling... Suddenly, that dream pram can feel more like a headache than a helper. The truth is, most pram frustrations come down to a few common mistakes—ones that can be easily avoided with the right know-how. If you’ve ever found yourself battling with your pram or questioning whether it’s really making outings easier, you’re not alone. Let’s go through the top mistakes parents make and, most importantly, how to avoid them so you can enjoy stress-free adventures with your little one.

2. 1. Not Testing the Pram Before Buying Many parents rely solely on online reviews when choosing a pram, only to realise later that it doesn’t suit their lifestyle. At the baby expo in Australia, I saw firsthand how different prams handle differently on real surfaces. What to Do Instead: ✅Use a pram trial track at a store or expo. Test maneuverability, wheel suspension, and how easy it is to fold and unfold. ✅Try it one-handed—you’ll often have a baby or bag in the other hand! ✅Consider your daily routine—will it fit in your car boot? Can you take it on public transport? Different prams suit different lifestyles—travel prams are compact but may lack storage, while jogging prams have great suspension but are bulkier. Make sure your choice aligns with how and where you'll be using it. 2. Forgetting to Do a Safety Check One of the most common (and easily overlooked) mistakes is skipping a quick safety check before heading out. I learned this the hard way when I forgot to lock the brakes, and my pram started rolling—luckily, I caught it in time!

3. Essential Safety Checks Before Every Outing: ✅Engage the brakes before putting your baby in. ✅Secure the harness—snug but comfy is the goal. ✅Check the wheels for any wear, wobbling, or loose parts. ✅Make sure the frame locks properly after unfolding. Deep Safety Check Every Few Months: ? Inspect wheel axles and tighten any loose screws or bolts. ? Test the brake system—does it lock securely? ? Clean and lubricate moving parts to prevent stiffness. Regular maintenance keeps your pram safe, easy to use, and in top-notch condition for longer. 3. Overloading the Pram with Bags I used to hang all my shopping bags off the pram handle—until the day I took my baby out, and the whole thing tipped backwards!

4. Why It’s a Problem: ❌ Can make the pram unstable and tip over. ❌ Puts unnecessary strain on the frame, shortening its lifespan. ❌ Affects maneuverability, making it harder to steer safely. How to Fix It: ✅Use the under-seat basket for heavy items. ✅Get a pram caddy for easy access to essentials. ✅Evenly distribute weight to keep the pram balanced. A well-packed pram means safer, smoother walks—without any surprise topples! 4. Waiting Too Long to Switch from a Pram to a Stroller A pram is fantastic for newborns, but once my baby became more active, I noticed they were restless and frustrated during outings. I hesitated to switch to a stroller, but once I did, everything became much easier. Signs It’s Time to Switch:

5. ➡ Your baby can sit up unassisted and wants to see more of the world. ➡ They start wiggling and trying to escape from the pram. ➡ You need a lighter, more compact option for daily trips. Many of the best baby prams in Australia now come with convertible features, allowing you to switch between pram and stroller as your child grows. 5. Forgetting to Maintain Your Pram Your pram works hard, so a little regular maintenance will keep it running smoothly and lasting longer. Plus, it helps prevent annoying issues like squeaky wheels or stiff folding mechanisms. Easy Pram Maintenance Routine: ?Weekly: Wipe down the frame and fabric to remove dirt, spills, and sticky messes. ?Monthly: ✔ Tighten any loose screws or bolts. ✔ Clear out dust, sand, and hair from the wheels. ✔ Lubricate moving parts with silicone spray (not WD-40!). ?Every 6 Months: ✨ Give your pram a deep clean—especially if you live near the beach, where salt and sand can cause wear and tear. A little TLC goes a long way in keeping your pram safe, sturdy, and easy to use for all your outings with bub! 6. Choosing the Wrong Pram for Your Lifestyle A friend of mine once splurged on a big, all-terrain pram, convinced it was the best option—until she realised it barely fit in her car boot! The right pram isn’t just about features; it needs to suit your daily routine. Before You Buy, Ask Yourself: ❓ Do I need a pram that folds compactly to fit in a small car? ❓ Will I be using public transport regularly?

6. ❓ Do I need an all-terrain pram for off-road adventures? Taking the time to choose a pram that truly fits your lifestyle will save you frustration (and money!) in the long run. 7. Forgetting About Weather Protection Australia’s weather is unpredictable, and I’ve learned the importance of being prepared for all conditions. Weather Essentials for Your Pram: ☀For Summer: A breathable sunshade to protect from harsh UV rays. ?For Rain: A waterproof cover to shield against unexpected showers. ❄For Winter: Warm footmuffs and blankets—just make sure there’s airflow. If your pram isn’t weather-ready, consider adding accessories to make outdoor trips more comfortable for your baby. Make Your Pram Work for You, Not Against You Owning the best baby pram isn’t just about the brand—it’s about using it the right way. Small mistakes can turn a great pram into a daily frustration, but with a few adjustments, you can enjoy smooth,

7. stress-free outings. Testing before you buy ensures the pram suits your needs in real life, while prioritising safety—such as engaging brakes and securing harnesses—keeps your baby protected. Distributing weight properly prevents tipping, and transitioning to a stroller at the right time makes outings easier as your child grows. Regular maintenance extends your pram’s lifespan, and choosing the right model for your lifestyle ensures convenience rather than hassle. Lastly, being prepared for different weather conditions makes every outing more comfortable. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll get the most out of your pram and truly appreciate it as one of your most valuable parenting tools.