7 thoughts new parents have when using a pram for the first time

You’ve got your pram, and you’re ready and rearing to get out of the house with your new baby. Sounds pretty simple, right? 

Well, not always. The pram (and getting out of the house) can take a bit of getting used to when you’re a new parent. Here’s 7 thoughts parents have when using a pram for the first time – plus some tips for overcoming common pram obstacles that you might encounter. 

Don’t worry – you’ll be a pram pro in no time!

Sponsored by Joolz Day+

1. “Do I put the baby in first and then all my gear? Or all the gear in first, then the baby?”

Ahh, the logistics of packing your pram. Do you put your baby in first and find a home for all the baby stuff, or do you put the gear in first and buckle baby in once you’re ready to go? It’s a puzzle that probably comes down to personal choice and depends on where you are. One thing we can say about buying a pram is to make sure there’s an easily accessible storage basket. As well as somewhere to hang and store your nappy bag and other accessories, there still needs to be plenty of room in your basket for shopping. 

2. “Why does my baby hate this so much?”

If your baby isn’t comfortable in your pram, they won’t enjoy being pushed around – which kind of defeats the purpose of having one in the first place, as you’re probably hoping they’ll be falling blissfully asleep in there. The new Joolz Day+ features a spacious cot with a breathable mattress, and the extra head cushions and a comfy seat have been designed to support your baby’s back and neck without compromising on style. As a bonus, parents who purchase and register a Day+ receive a FREE 4moms rockaRoo worth $380. Find out more here.

3. “Why is my back hurting?”

It’s not all about the baby: the pram needs to be comfortable for parents too. After all, you’re the one who’s pushing it around! Not having the handles at the right height can cause serious back issues. Make sure you give your pram a good push around the store before buying, and ask someone to show you how to adjust the handlebars so they’re the right height for you. 

4. “How do I get it in the car?”

You’ve found your pram. It was love at first sight. But here’s the big question: does it fit in your car? Sure, you could always get a new car, but it might be more practical to find a pram that fits perfectly in your boot while leaving room for shopping and other bits and pieces. 

The most important feature of your pram is that it is easy to fold and lightweight. Practice folding it up before buying and again before giving birth. And take the demo model out to your car to make sure it’s compatible with your boot – yes, the baby shops will let you!

5. “Have I set it up properly? Is it safe?”

Not all prams are created equal: some are harder to set up than others, especially if you’re sleep-deprived (which you probably will be once your baby arrives – for a while, at least). Make sure you read the instructions very carefully or hand the reins over to someone who has had eight hours sleep to set it up for you. 

6. “How do I get over there with the pram?”

Prams are essential for getting your baby from A to B, but there will come a time in your pram-pushing life that makes you question your manoeuvring abilities, like how to get it up a gutter, escalator or down a narrow aisle at the shops. The good news is that prams have come a long way over the years, and they are becoming easier to use. The new Joolz Day+ is compact and designed for smooth one-handed steering so that you can have one hand on your pram and the other on your coffee. Parents who purchase and register a Day+ receive a FREE 4moms rockaRoo worth $380. Find out more here.

7. “Should I just stay at home?”

The thought of just staying home might cross your mind as you’re gathering everything you need for your outing. To this we say: no way Jose. Think about all the positives that will come your way if you leave the house. For starters, there’s coffee, adult conversation and fresh air. Your baby may fall asleep in the pram, and even if they don’t, they’ll love the change of scenery.  Trust us … you won’t regret it!