The Best Buys' pram & stroller picks of 2010
Over the last 12 months we’ve reviewed and rated a lot of prams. There’s always a few that stand out from the crowd; here are our top 5 strollers & prams of 2010 and the reasons why we chose them.
Before we start our list here’s what we look for in our hot contenders.
The Best Buys' top 5 need to be suitable for a child from birth to at least 3 years old.
They have to be the type of pram your average family can use for at least 80% of their everyday needs including shopping, outdoor activities & travel.
They have to offer quality design, durability and value for money.
Overall our top 5 need to be a good mix across function, size & price so there’s a great pram to suit every family’s lifestyle & budget.
1. The best performer – Bugaboo Bee - $999.95
The Best Buys all round best performer for 2010 goes to the Bugaboo Bee. Although many rivals are sneaking up in terms of quality & performance, the Bee is still just that little bit more versatile. What gets the Bee over the line is the combination of function, very smooth ride, size & maneuverability. The Bee's good looks don’t hurt either.
However, the Bee does have a huge downside and that's the price. With it's new price tag of just under $1,000 the Bee is an investment in infant transport.
Irrespective of the price Best Buys gives the thumbs up to Bugaboo because their prams are all round top performers.
2. Smoothest pram on the road - Mountain Buggy urban jungle - $679.95
2010 saw the Best Buys team become Mountain Buggy converts. Why? Because these prams are so smooth they almost push themselves.
What the Mountain Buggy urban jungle lacks in the size department it more than makes up for in both baby & parent comfort. While reviewing the urban jungle we took it places we’ve never contemplated taking big prams before. The urban jungle is so easy to push that you almost don’t notice its size.
Also the urban jungle is a toddler favourite. Although we are not fans of a sling style seat our toddler tester slept so soundly in it the urban jungle became the pram of choice for long days out & during nap time.
Finally the urban jungle is indestructible. We're not going to divulge how we know this because Mountain Buggy might never let us near another one of their prams again, but you can trust us on this one.
3. Best new design - phil&teds smart stroller - $279.95
Since when can you get a little stroller than can accommodate a full sized bassinet? Since when can you get such a stroller & bassinet combo for under $400? Since September when phil&teds released their smart stroller.
The smart is a new approach to stroller design with lots of unique features. It really gives parents an alternative choice when they are buying a stroller. Plus it’s a cool looking little machine.
Phil&teds have lots of ideas for the smart and I’m looking forward to seeing what more it can do for parents in 2011.
4. The best budget buy – Steelcraft Profile - $189.95
The Steelcraft Profile makes it into the Best Buys top 5 because it’s a robust little stroller with great function for its price.
It’s got great features for a budget buy, accommodates the compatible baby barrier and the umbrella fold makes it perfect for the car & for travel.
Also it looks smarter than its price tag with that fancy black chassis.
If you want a little work horse and can’t or don’t want to buy a big brand name, you’re certainly not settling for second best by choosing the Steelcraft Profile.
5. The easiest to use - Combi Well Carry - $399.95
The Japanese take a different approach to stroller design and the Combi Well Carry is a great example.
Made for with ease of use in mind the Well Comfort weights a tiny 5.5 kgs (& it's not the lightest in the Combi range!) and the folding action is simple. We also love it that the Well Comfort stands folded.
It's packed full of features which are designed for your baby's comfort but also for parents ease of use which is what we love about Combi prams across the range.
It was hard picking just one Combi out of the crowd but the Well Carry stood out as having all the parent freindly features we love at the best price.
Our Picks
