17 best prams suitable from birth, tried and tested

The best pram for you needs to work with your home, lifestyle, budget and, of course, your baby. With hundreds of designs on the market, it can be difficult knowing which is the right one for you. To give you a helping hand, we’ve put 16 of the top, market-leading models to the test.

A pram is probably the single, most expensive piece of baby kit you’re going to buy and, with some premium models costing upwards of £1,500, you don’t want to splash out and get it wrong. 

When choosing a pram, you need to think about your particular lifestyle needs, the type of terrain you’ll be pushing it on, how and where you’re going to store it, how heavy it is and, if you’ve got a car, does it fit in the boot? Because it's a problem if it doesn't. Picking the right pram will make excursions with your baby an enjoyable, relaxing experience, picking the wrong one and you'll dread heading out with them.

This guide covers every budget and style of pram, with something for both ‘city slicker’ parents and those who live in the country. Read on for our reviewers’ honest feedback on the best prams on the market now and find the right one for you. 

Best prams 2023 - our top pick

In a hurry to find the best pram for a newborn baby? The Ickle Bubba Stomp gets our vote. It's not the cheapest pram we've tested but it represents brilliant value for money as it comes with absolutely everything you need to get out and about with your baby from day one. There's no need to fork out for compatible extras or accessories. This pram is a marriage of style and practicality - it looks glam but it has a huge shopping basket. Our tester found it a dream to push, especially on bumpier terrain including country parks and coastal paths. Best of all, she found the plush materials super easy to clean - always a bonus with a newborn baby.

Best prams - as rated by our parent testers

Tested by: Johanna Hewitson, mum to three-month-old Georgia

We say: This is an impressive 'travel system' deal that simplifies the process of buying a pram and saves you money compared with buying each of the parts separately. You get both a newborn carrycot (0-6m) and a reversible pushchair seat (6m+) included, along with a Galaxy 0+ car seat (with Isofix base, worth £179) which is suitable from birth to 13kgs/12-15 months. And that's not all - they've even thrown in a nappy change bag and window sunshades for your car.

Our tester says: The Stomp looks very sleek and stylish and is an absolute dream to push. It glides along effortlessly and has an 'off-road' feature which makes walking over the grass much less bumpy for the baby. The adjustable handle is great for shorter-than-average mums, like me, and makes the pram even more comfortable to push. I am especially impressed with the leatherette handle and the bumper bars as they're so easy to wipe clean – always a brilliant feature whenever children are involved. 

I also love the quilted carrycot liner, super comfy for keeping my little one on her newborn sleep schedule, and the way the pram hood extends to create a cosy, den-like atmosphere for my baby - and I am impressed that it offers 50 UPF sun protection. The extra-large shopping basket is also a real bonus.

Verdict: This is the best pram of all those we've tested because it comes with literally everything you need to get out and about with your baby from day one – and you don't need to rob a bank to pay for it. 

The pram is both supremely stylish and great value for money - a winning combo. We love the premium fabrics and the classy colour options, and the fact that you can choose the colour of the frame. (Bronze is stunning and definitely gets our vote.)

Choosing a complete 'travel system' bundle like this takes all the stress and hassle out of shopping for a pram. You don't need to shop around for extras like a compatible car seat or spend yet more cash on extras like a carrycot - it's all included. It's also built to last but still great value, with all the extras covered in the price. Top marks!

• Read our full Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 Special Edition All-in-One Travel System review

Tested by: Johanna Hewitson, mum to Georgia, three months.

We say: The Silver Cross Wave is a beautifully crafted pram that's mind-bogglingly versatile. It's cleverly designed to adapt to your family's changing needs, so it's perfect if you're a first-time mum hoping to add to your family - with the Wave, you can 'future-proof' your pram.

What does that mean? You can use it as a single pram but then later convert it to a double, so you could accommodate both a baby and a toddler at the same time. It's also ideal if you're expecting your second baby but have a toddler who still needs to use a pushchair. You can also add an infant car seat, a tandem pushchair seat, or even a second carrycot. Overall, you can create 30 different configurations for carrying a baby, siblings, or twins. Add a ride-on board, and you could even carry three children at once! 

The Wave also has multi-terrain wheels and independent suspension so it handles brilliantly on all kinds of surfaces, rather than being better suited to one type of terrain. This means you can move seamlessly between the park and the pavement without worrying about whether the pram can cope.

Our tester says: This pram certainly lives up to the manufacturer's claim that it's both beautiful and luxurious - I fell in love with it on first sight! And all the little finishing touches make it look so smart and chic. 

My husband also fell in love with it when he realised that the carrycot and the pushchair seat are on two separate frames. This means no fiddly assembly for him when setting it up or switching between using the carrycot or the seat!

The carrycot is well-positioned so it doesn't restrict access to the shopping basket, and there's plenty of space for storing a couple of bags of groceries. The Silver Cross Wave also comes with a separate storage bag for each of the rain covers (one for the carrycot and one for the pushchair seat), and each seat comes with an insect net.

The inside of the carrycot is beautifully plush and well-padded - in fact, I noticed my baby was pressing her hands into the sides so she clearly liked the feel of it too. Also, the zip-on cover is really easy to pop on and off.

Verdict: If you're looking for a really luxurious pram for your newborn - and don't mind paying extra for first-class craftsmanship - the Silver Cross Wave is the best pram you could choose. Built to stand the test of time, it's a perfect choice if your family hasn't finished growing yet.

• Read our full Silver Cross Wave review

Tested by: Natasha Henderson, mum to Montgomery, 13 weeks.

If you're looking for a hassle-free set of wheels that converts from a lie-flat 'pramette' for a newborn to an upright, toddler-friendly pushchair, this is it. Compatible with the Graco SnugEssential i-Size car seat, the Graco Transform 2-in-one Pramette to Pushchair comes with a cosy newborn liner, a pram/pushchair seat, and an apron and rain cover included.

We say: The seat has three recline settings so it's comfy if your baby naps when you're on the go. There's a spacious basket to hold shopping or your change bag, lockable front swivel wheels for easy maneuverability, and a mesh window in the hood, making it easy to keep a close eye on your baby when you're pushing the pram. When it's folded, the pram is both compact and free-standing so you can pop it in a corner for storage without it taking up lots of space.

Our tester says: Having a baby means an overnight explosion in the amount of stuff you have to find space for, so I like the concept of a pram that converts to a pushchair – it means you don't need storage space for a bulky carrycot once your baby outgrows it. Also, the seat is extremely simple and straightforward to convert from a lie-flat bassinet to an upright pushchair seat. The thick, sturdy apron that covers the bassinet has a long fold-down flap so it can keep a small baby really sheltered from the elements. 

This pram also has the best shopping basket of all the prams I've tried – it's really spacious and a good shape so that things don't tumble out when you mount a steep curb. The basket is also really accessible and easy to pop things in and out of - without having to dodge the swinging legs of a toddler or risk a muddy welly to the face! The pramette also passed the 'going around a corner on the bus' test with flying colours.

Verdict: The pramette has less impressive suspension than other prams, but that's not an issue unless you live in the countryside or do lots of off-road walks. Folding it took a bit of practice at first and it definitely requires two hands but once you've mastered that, it's straightforward to collapse. 

You can fold the frame with the pramette in place or – when you're using it as a pushchair – with the seat unit facing in either direction. That's a brilliant feature that makes folding your pram so much easier than wrestling to remove the bassinet or seat unit first before you can fold it.

As for the price tag, our tester guessed that this would cost at least £300. Wrong! It's really affordable - the best pram we've tested in the 'budget buy' category. Sturdy and straightforward, it's excellent value compared to other similar prams we've seen.

Tested by: Claire McCrory and her 10-week-old son Cathal.

We say: The iCandy Orange 3 is every bit as impressive as you'd expect from a brand of this calibre. It's the perfect pram for first-time parents, since it's suitable from birth and comes with a carrycot that's approved for overnight sleeping - but it also easily converts from a single to a double pushchair in the event that your family grows. There are 30 different possible seat configurations and you can choose whether your child faces you or the direction of travel.

The pushchair seat is easy to recline through three different positions for a smooth transition, if your baby falls asleep while you're out and about, and it comes with adaptors included so you can also pop a car seat on the frame, if you wish. 

It has optimised tyre tread and soft suspension which means it handles all kinds of terrain well, and it's free-standing when folded for neat and easy storage when it's not in use. 

It has an integrated ride-on board for toddlers who need to hitch a ride now and then, plus a removable Pip-Zip carry bag - we love that you don't need to spend more money on buying these items separately. 

The adjustable handlebar makes this a dream to push if you and your partner are not the same height, while the large basket makes nipping to the shop for milk and nappies hassle-free.

Our tester says: The new iCandy Orange Crush 3 impressed our tester for several reasons. Firstly, she was wowed by its luxe look and feel; this is a premium pram with a high-end finish and great attention to detail.

Secondly, Claire found the pram lighter and more compact than she expected. Prams can be heavy and cumbersome - that's partly what makes them so comfortable and robust - but a heavy pram can put you off getting out and about with your baby. But Claire found this really maneuverable and very easy to handle on all kinds of terrain and in different environments. 

'It ticks all my boxes; it's a beautiful-looking yet robust buggy/carrycot combo which is suitable from birth but it has some great additional features like the integrated buggy board and the fact that you can convert it from a single pram to a double,' she says.

Verdict: The iCandy Orange 3 is not a budget buy so it won't appeal to everyone. But it's well worth considering if you're shopping for a luxe, premium pram and your budget allows. And if you're hoping to have another baby within the next few years, it's an investment that could deliver real value for money over the long term.

• Read our full iCandy Orange 3 review

Tested by: Grace Holliday and her 10-month-old daughter.

We say: With advanced suspension and ergonomic design, this all-terrain pram is suitable from birth all the way through to toddlerhood - and beyond. Sturdy but compact and astonishingly easy to manoeuvre, it's a dream that can handle every type of terrain from cobblestones to muddy forest walks, and everything in between.

Our tester says: Our tester, Grace, who tested the Bugaboo Fox 3 for this review, had high expectations of it based on the fact that it's a top-of-the-range pram with a price tag to match. Happily, it met with her approval almost instantly. 'The first time I took my 10-month-old daughter out in the Bugaboo Fox 3, I had to stop in the middle of the street and message my husband to tell him that it feels like I'm not pushing anything - it's as if this pram just drives itself,' says Grace. 

Verdict: A brilliantly well-executed pram that's as stylish as it is practical, the Bugaboo Fox 3 is an investment that will ensure you don't need to buy another set of wheels for your child at any stage. There's almost nothing we can think of that could be improved about it - except perhaps being able to fold it with the seat unit facing in either direction. 

• Read our full Bugaboo Fox 3 review

Tested by: Catherine Hudson, with her daughter, Iris.

We say: This cleverly-designed travel system impressed our parent tester from the minute she unboxed it. The box is so compact that she thought there must be other boxes to follow but, in fact, it's just cleverly designed so that the carrycot (suitable from birth to six months) and the pushchair seat (suitable from six months up to around four years) are interchangeable on the pushchair frame. And storing the carrycot (or the seat, when you're using the carrycot) isn't problematic, as they're both pretty compact.

Our tester says: The Eclipse isn't the most compact pram you'll find - it definitely has a larger footprint than other more compact prams, but it suits our town and country lifestyle perfectly, absorbing all the bumps during woodland walks just as well as it zips over shiny shop floors and weaves through crowded pavements.

I also love all the thoughtful little design details on this pram which make it really enjoyable to use. From the adjustable handle and puncture-proof tyres to 'memory buttons' that make it quick and easy to attach and release the carrycot or seat unit, everything on the Eclipse seems to have been thoughtfully designed to make life easier for mums and dads.

Verdict: Our favourite feature is the integrated ride-on board which makes this the perfect travel system for a growing family. An older sibling can hop on board any time they want to give their legs a rest from walking.

The Eclipse comes with the carrycot and pushchair seat included, but if you drive you can also opt for an all-in-one bundle with either the i-size Mercury car seat or the Group 0+ Galaxy rear-facing car seat included.

• Read our full Ickle Bubba Eclipse review

Tested by: Jill Bragg with her newborn daughter, Grace.

We say: This travel system comes with all the accessories you could possibly need – the chassis, bassinet (suitable for overnight sleeping), pushchair seat, and even a car seat, along with an Isofix base. We love that a folding carrycot stand is included too – it's so handy for 'stretching' your baby's nap when you get home after a trip out. 

The pram seat is reversible, so you can choose whether your child faces you or the direction of travel. It's possible to fold this pram with one hand and with the seat facing either direction. The pram comes with the Darwin i-Size car seat with an Isofix base, which meets the very latest ECE R129 car seat safety regulations. The height-adjustable handlebar is a great feature for parents of different heights, while the large wheels easily cope with all kinds of terrain.

Our tester says: The carrycot and car seat both fit onto the frame easily. Although the pushchair seat can be reclined for use from birth, I preferred using the carrycot as it's so spacious plus the lying angle can be adjusted to suit babies with reflux, who might not be comfortable lying completely flat.

The bassinet is really soft and the padding looks very comfy, plus it has ventilation so it's suitable for overnight sleeping or use on a hot day. The storage is great – there's a zip-up pouch at the bottom to store things like your purse/wallet, as well as a roomy shopping basket. 

Large wheels make this a very smooth ride for my baby, and it handles different types of terrain pretty well. When folded, the pram handle doesn't touch the floor  – this is a great design feature if you're folding it up to put in the car on a wet day.

The cupholder attached to the frame is another noteworthy feature – just as much thought seems to have gone into little details like that and the storage pocket as into elements for the baby, like the padding and adjustable functionality. Overall, it's a very impressive and well-thought-out pram.

Verdict: Some prams seem to have been designed for either the parent or the child, whereas this pram has clearly been engineered with the needs of both in mind. You'll need a large car boot and plenty of hallway space to store it, but this pram is ideal for babies with reflux and anyone who wants a truly smooth, luxurious ride for their baby. It's ideal for parents who want all the bells and whistles that the best pram can offer.

Tested by: Johanna Hewitson, mum to Georgia, three months

We say: The aluminium pushchair frame is compatible with selected car seats to create a travel system, making it super easy to move back and forth between the car and the pram with your baby.

You can convert this pram to a double pushchair if you buy the additional converter kit. As well as an adjustable handlebar, the pram has a reversible seat that can be reclined with one hand – useful if your baby nods off in the pram. There's also an adjustable calf rest for tired little legs, and it's both easy to fold, even with one hand, and free-standing when folded for easy storage – ideal if you're short on space in the hallway.

Our tester says: This pram looks very stylish and elegant, and offers a really smooth ride. The lining on the carrycot cover is beautifully soft, but it has to be attached with a zip, which is quite fiddly. The large canopy and carrycot apron meant my daughter was so cosy and well-covered that we didn't actually need to use the rain cover when we got caught in some light rain - although it will be very useful in heavier downpours.

The shopping basket looks very spacious, but I struggled to fit my groceries in because the carrycot is positioned so low on the frame, restricting access to the basket. This will be less of an issue once you convert the pram to a pushchair but it's worth bearing in mind if a large shopping basket is a priority.

Verdict: This sleek but robust travel system comes with a luxurious, fleece-lined carrycot that's suitable for overnight sleeping. This adds real value as it means you don't need to buy a separate travel cot for use away from home with your baby overnight.

Other standout features of this pram are the puncture-proof tyres – no terrain is off limits – and the handy storage pockets on the back of the seat unit for stashing your purse and keys.

Tested by: Rohese Devereux, mum to Lemba, 11 weeks

We say: The Mamas and Papas Ocarro is a premium pushchair for use from birth to toddlerhood. It's a breeze to assemble, tackles different surfaces with ease, and feels sturdy, safe, and secure.

Our tester says: With plush accessories, faux leather trim, and exceptionally smooth handling of corners, the Ocarro is the high-end sports car of the pushchair world. It's easy to assemble and it folds easily, even with the seat unit still attached. The chassis is heavy so those with smaller car boots might struggle to squeeze it in – in a Volkswagen Polo, the fit was snug and we had to remove the parcel shelf. It's also a bit of a struggle to carry the whole thing (plus a baby) and up down steps, so it's not ideal if you live in a flat.

The basket is a good size and would easily fit a day's groceries but it's hard to access when the bassinet is attached. While it's a bit of an effort to push this uphill due to its weight, the ride is very smooth for the baby. The pram handles well, even going round corners and over bumpy pavements. It also tackled cobbled streets easily without jolting my baby awake, and the swivel wheels mean rough, off-road surfaces only require a little extra expenditure of effort. 

The changing bag is roomy and can be worn over the shoulder or as a rucksack, and the footmuff kept our baby warm in the Scottish autumn wind.

Verdict: This isn't the most compact pram you'll find, but it can easily manage narrow shop aisles and its sturdiness makes it feel reliable and safe. The hood can be pulled right down almost to the baby's feet for sun protection or a cosy snooze.

Although this is an expensive option, it represents good value for money since it looks, feels, and handles like a luxury item. Ease of use, the comfort of the seat unit and bassinet, and well-designed features like the extended sunshade, air vents, head pillow, and big basket make this a brilliant buy. Considering it can be used for both city streets and country walks, or even a bit of off-roading, it's well worth the price.

Tested by: Natasha Henderson, mum to Montgomery, 13 weeks

We say: The Salsa 4 by ABC Design is a contemporary pram with swivel front wheels, a reversible seat unit, and a bassinet suitable for overnight sleeping. It's light and stylish and folds to a neat size for travel use or easy storage. Large air-filled tyres and integrated suspension offer a really smooth ride, even off-road.

Our tester says: This pram oozes stability and feels well-engineered. I like the large and beautifully padded seat, which feels safe and supportive enough for my newborn son or my toddler daughter. It was very easy to assemble and it's easy to fold – and surprisingly compact when folded. It feels massive compared to my usual pram and although it's relatively easy to manoeuvre, it's tricky to steer around narrow corners in my local shop. But the suspension is great – my baby usually startles awake if anyone so much as opens a bag of crisps across the street but he didn't stir when we went for a bumpy off-road walk with this.

There's a large shopping basket but access is a little restricted. The space to put things through is relatively small with a tricky angle of access – you couldn't fit a large pack of nappies in the basket, never mind an unexpected ‘middle aisle’ German supermarket purchase in the basket! I was, however, impressed by how well this pram handles, especially on public transport. Many buggies you have to hold onto on the bus when going round corners as the brakes are not up to the job, but this passed the bus brake test with flying colours – this bad boy did not budge!

This is definitely the SUV of the buggy world: it's big, it looks pretty flashy, and it will suit parents who value good style and are happy to pay extra for a luxe look and solid engineering. It's perfect if you live near cobbled streets as they'll be beautifully absorbed by the excellent suspension.

Verdict: This is an especially good choice for a first-time parent looking for a robust pram that feels both solid and luxurious, but you'll need plenty of storage space for it in both your home and your car. 

Tested by: Rohese Devereux, mum to Lemba, 11 weeks

We say: Despite its weight, the Cruz feels light and nippy to push, and it seamlessly navigated the busy one-way system of a certain Scandinavian interior store like a dream. Tilting the pushchair to mount pavements is easy, and can even be done with one hand, according to our tester. 

Our tester says: I found this a practical yet stylish pram that made moving around with my newborn baby pretty much hassle-free. This pram is sturdy enough to feel safe and secure but light enough to tackle every urban landscape. Although heavy to carry when folded, the chassis is incredibly quick and easy to open and fold. It's also designed to stand when folded, which is handy for storing and travelling.

The bassinet is deep and comfy with padded lining and a padded, zippable cover to keep little ones warm. The bassinet attachment fits onto the frame easily and comes off smoothly thanks to a button on top of the hood. The thick fabric is stylish but practical too, offering extra protection against wind and cold weather. The bassinet hood has vents that can be uncovered during warm weather to allow air to circulate and houses a UV sunshade tucked inside that folds all the way down to the bassinet cover.

One of the standout features of this pram is its spacious, easily accessible shopping basket. There's enough space for groceries, rain covers, and a changing bag - with room to spare. I like the extendable handle – a useful feature for taller parents. This pram has good suspension and tackles puddles, sand, grass, and small bumps easily, although tougher terrain and uneven ground presented more of a challenge. The heaviness came into play when trying to push it up steep inclines - that takes quite a bit of extra effort - but the swivel wheels were very easy to lock and unlock with a push button.

Verdict: This is a stylish but reliable pushchair that offers maximum comfort for your baby whilst being easy and intuitive for parents to operate.

Tested by: Rohese Devereux, mum to Lemba, 11 weeks.

We say: The Cosatto Giggle Quad is a light and compact pram in a bold, striking print that is sure to turn heads and help you strike up conversations with other mums.

Our tester says: It was lovely to see my daughter captivated by the Fika Forest print, which features white, blue, yellow, and grey trees on the inside of the bassinet, seat unit, and hoods. The compact chassis makes doorways, bus aisles, and narrow paths easily navigable. The bassinet has a deep, soft mattress that my daughter clearly found comfortable, and the suspended bassinet rocked slightly during walks or when stationary, so she was comforted to sleep or calmed easily.

The chassis is quite heavy to lift and awkward to unfold but it handles curbs and steps well. It was also easy to assemble and I appreciated that much of it was already built on arrival, which meant less faffing around. It comes with a little toy to hang from the bumper bar, which is a thoughtful touch. Overall the Giggle Quad is very nippy – it moves and swivels like a four-wheeled suitcase – and can easily be pushed with one hand.

I particularly like the shape of the frame, which means the baby is close to whoever is pushing the pram, plus the baby gets a great view. This was a game-changer for us as two tall parents who usually have to bend low to speak to and reach our baby!

Verdict: The Quad is brilliant on pavements and smooth road surfaces but it struggled a little on grass and loose stones. Unfolding it was not seamless either, as the wheels would often catch in the basket so the pram wouldn't pop open. But overall, this is a lovely, well-thought-out pushchair that's good value for money. Our tester reports that her daughter really enjoyed journeys in it and was very comfortable.

Tested by: Natasha Henderson, mum to Montgomery, 16 weeks,

We say: With a spacious seat that reclines to an ergonomic lie-flat position, the Balios S Lux is an elegant 4-in-1 travel system that can take a seat unit, an infant car seat, and the Cot S or Cocoon S carrycots. It's self-standing when folded for easy storage, and easy to fold with one hand.

Our tester says: I found it easy to assemble and I love that it has luxe energy without being flashy. When I unclipped the front wheels it was agile enough to swerve past a gang of teenagers at the bus stop without breaking my stride. The suspension is awesome, even on cobblestones, and my little chap snoozed peacefully.

The rear wheel brake is responsive and 'flip flop friendly' so you can use it without mashing your toes in the summer, but my favourite feature is the hood. It's a bit tricky to get on but once you've done it – oh my! The fabric is SPF50 and it's a good size but there is an extra flap that folds out at the front to deal with the low-hanging winter sun. There is also a secret extension compartment that you can unzip and it folds right over to help little ones snooze in peace on the go. Best of all, the viewing flap in the hood opens silently and the mesh is perfectly designed so you can check on your little one without risking eye contact when they're nodding off.

The seat is easy to recline, even if you've only got one hand free. However, I found the one-handed fold feature a bit tricky to get to grips with. It has taken me a couple of attempts with both hands to pull this off but I imagine this is a technique that gets easier with more practice. The pram is also quite heavy considering it's supposed to be foldable with one hand. The marketing video shows a woman carrying it like a handbag whilst wearing heels and walking normally but she must have epic core strength. I was staggering a little even in my flat shoes and I definitely wasn't able to swing it into the boot with one hand! However, once folded it does stand well, although you have to remember to lock the front wheels. It's very easy to unfold.

Another selling point is the shopping basket. It's easily big enough for those days when the supermarket has an unexpected offer on a mega multipack of nappies. Also, you can reach into it from either side regardless of whether you're using the carrycot or the pushchair attachment. The padding for the pushchair is extra plush, giving a real sense of snugness, and the carrycot has a lovely thick apron that looks and feels warm and secure.

Verdict: This is a cleverly and thoughtfully designed pushchair that's more agile than our tester expected - she describes it as the Tesla Model 3 of the pram world. Good engineering and a luxe appearance combine to create a great pram that's spacious for little ones but compact enough to be practical for parents.

Tested by: Natasha Henderson, mum to Montgomery, 13 weeks, and Alberta, three years.

We say: The initial assembly was slightly fiddly with multiple zips and poppers, but after a couple of tries, everything was in place. The pushchair seat has an extendable hood and the vent/viewing screen is secured with a magnet so it's silent – perfect for peeping at your little one without the dreaded eye contact that can startle a nap-resistant baby awake!

Our tester says: This pram is really nifty to manoeuvre, even with one hand. I easily steered it around the aisles of my local supermarket without taking out the chocolate display! The one-handed fold really lives up to the hype, too. At the squeeze of a button, it smoothly swings into action at a speed that does not affect your balance if you're also holding a baby, a change bag, or a cup of coffee. Having said that, I expected more from the suspension. When I went over a little ‘off-road’ section where I live, my baby wiggled and jiggled with every bump.

I really like the high arch of the hood over the carrycot with factor 50 sun protection. The shopping basket is also a good size and accessible from both sides of the pram. It can easily hold a changing bag plus a bag of groceries.

Verdict: The truly luxurious padding in the carrycot particularly impressed our tester, along with the fact that the pram can be folded with the reversible seat facing in either direction. Most buggies require the seat to face a specific way for folding but that's a massive faff if it's not the way your baby prefers. So this feature means less hassle when getting the pram in and out of the car. 

Tested by: Grace Holliday and her five-month-old daughter, Lila.

The Ark travel system is by far one of the best prams you can buy if you're looking for value for money. In the bundle, you get both the carrycot (suitable for overnight sleeping) and the upright pushchair seat, which can be used either forward-facing or rear-facing on the frame. Other extras, such as the rain cover, are also included, making this an exceptionally good price. 

We say: The Ark can be folded with one hand and is neat and compact when collapsed, so it's a good choice if you need a pram that will fit into a small car boot or narrow hallway.

Our tester says: There are lots of things to love about the Ark and all the little extra features - such as the temperature gauge inside the carrycot and the fact that you can fold the whole thing easily, no matter which way the pushchair seat is facing - make me love it all the more. 

Verdict: Practical, affordable, and well-designed, the Ark is a good buy for a first baby - especially if you're looking for something budget-friendly but reliable. It might not win any style awards and there's no car seat - you'll have to buy a compatible one separately - but if saving some cash is more important to you than showing off your pram, this is the one for you.

• Read our full Ark 3-in-1 travel system review

Tested by: Anna Bailey and her six-month-old daughter, Freddie.

The Xplory X from Stokke is a popular premium choice and one of the best prams you can buy if you like the idea of your baby being positioned higher up than traditional prams allow so that you can interact more easily. The chassis comes with the pushchair seat included and it's compatible with a lie-flat carrycot and a car seat but these, along with other extras such as the rain cover, have to be purchased separately.

We say: Like a lot of Stokke products, the Xplory X pram is designed to ‘grow with your child’ meaning that you can continue to use it, with small adjustments, as your child gets older. For example, the seat unit can be positioned parent-facing or turned around to face the direction of travel, and the footrest can be extended to accommodate growing legs. The padded seat liner can also be removed, creating more space for a toddler

Our tester says: The padded insert feels very comfortable and plush. It’s easy to take off, and we’ve thrown it in the washing machine a few times. I was actually given a fancy luxury pram liner but I chose to use the Stokke liner instead as I think it's nicer. I also love how the pushchair seat is designed so you're much closer to your baby, with adjustable heights and recliner settings so Freddie can be right up high and close to us when she wants to be. There are three recline settings to the seat unit - sleep, rest, and active - and the latter is perfect when we're on a bus or a train, or in a coffee shop. The handle is adjustable too so you can 'drop' it out of the way or raise it to suit parents and carers of different heights.

Verdict: Overall, this is a stylish, versatile pram that will appeal to parents who like the idea of being close and connected to their baby, even when they're on the go. It's not a budget buy and you should factor in the additional expense of the extras but plush design features do add value.  'The canopy extends really far, which is really handy,' adds Anna. 'It’s water repellent and has SPF 50+ sun protection plus a breathable mesh section for ventilation and a reflective strip, so it can easily be spotted at night. When Freddie was just a few weeks old we were out and about and it started to rain - we were totally unprepared and didn’t have a rain cover, so we were very grateful that we could fully extend the canopy. We just about got away with it - and frantically bought a cover for next-day delivery.'

• Read our full Stokke Xplory X pram review

Tested by: Jess Bird and her baby Remy, who was aged six months old at the time.

The Inglesina Aptica XT Travel System is a feature-packed, beautifully designed product that is one of the best prams you can buy, especially if you have a newborn or infant on your hands. It merges style and functionality seamlessly and it comes with all the accessories you need — and more. This includes a car seat, carrycot, chassis, and storage basket. But despite this, the Inglesina Aptica XT Travel System is lightweight, spacious and easy to stow away. It's also ideal for just about any terrain so your little traveller can travel in comfort. 

We say: One of the best things about this model is the fact it's a stylish, all-season stroller with multiple configurations that will keep your little one safe and comfortable. The versatility means you get more bang for your buck, as you essentially get a car seat, carrycot and pram all in one. Plus, the clever design makes changing the travel system into any one of its other four configurations quick and easy — once you've got the hang of it, you can do so in seconds. 

Our tester says: I really like the Inglesina Apitca XT Travel System. Remy is six months old and in a bit of an 'inbetween stage' where sometimes he needs to lie flat to sleep and sometimes likes to have a look around when out and about. Due to the Inglesina being very versatile, it is quick and easy to change the travel system to ensure maximum comfort at all times. The Inglesina Aptica XT Travel System has everything that you could need and has some very unique features that set it aside from others on the market. I do think you get a lot for your money with this travel system, but I do think this is more high-end budget, especially for a brand that isn't as well known as others in the UK.

Verdict: All in all, this super stylish and adaptable pram will best suit parents who like the idea of having a stroller that does it all. "The travel system definitely has a premium feel about it and comes with so many items and accessories," says Jess. "It has a large carrycot suitable for slightly older babies and a large basket to hold even the biggest of change bags. The carrycot also has a very handy pocket on the outside which was ideal for stashing my phone and keys." Jess adds: "The Inglesina Aptica XT Travel system would definitely suit someone who likes stylishly designed products and someone who is on the go a lot. Especially mums on the school run etc."

• Read our full Inglesina Aptica XT Travel System review

How to choose the best pram

Take these factors into consideration to help you choose the best pram for your needs before you buy:

• Affordability and value for money—is the pram affordable or expensive, and if the latter, do you feel it's worth the price? Or could you choose a cheaper pram but still get lots of the same features and functionality?
• Ease of use—is it easy to steer and push, even uphill and over bumpy ground? Is it intuitive to fold and unfold or do you need to read the instructions to work out how to do so? Does the brand claim you can fold it with your baby in your arms - and if so, is that really true? 
• Weight— how light and compact is it? A robust, heavy frame might feel lovely and sturdy to push, but it's not fun to lift in/out of the car boot or on/off public transport. Size matters too. If your car boot or hallway is small, is the pram compact when folded? Many prams are designed to be free-standing when folded, which means you can tuck them neatly out of the way without tripping over them.
• Terrain—are the pram wheels designed for weaving through busy city streets, gliding over shiny shop floors, or trekking to your local forest, park, or beach? Does it have swivel wheels to help you steer in confined spaces like narrow shop aisles and crowded places? If you live in the countryside, you'll need all-terrain wheels that can cope with muddy walks and 'off-road' adventures.
• Special features—can you adjust the height of the handlebar to suit different people who might use the stoller, apart from you? Is the seat reversible, so you can choose which direction your child faces, or is it fixed facing one way? Are there any extra features like a coffee cup holder or extra-large sun canopy that add value to the pram?
• Functionality—check out the size of the shopping basket – the bigger, the better! Can you fit a packet of nappies in the basket and still have room for your change bag plus a few essential groceries? And is the basket accessible with the carrycot or seat unit in all positions? Bonus points for any pram that can be folded with one hand. You'll be surprised how much you'll appreciate that when you're caught in a downpour and have to dash back to the car or hop on a bus unexpectedly.
• Design—prams come in lots of different styles so pick one that you love the look of and you'll be more likely to enjoy getting out and about with your baby, even when it feels like quite the operation to pull off! 
• The bus and cobblestones tests—Does the pram stay put even when you're on a bus that's screeching around a corner, or do you have to cling onto it with all your strength to keep it in place? And when you push it over cobblestones, will your baby get a smooth ride, or will their cheeks wobble like jelly? 

Can you put a newborn in a pram?

Yes, you can put a newborn baby in a pram if it has a carrycot or lie-flat seat that's suitable for use from birth. Prams are better for babies than strollers or pushchairs with upright seats because lying flat is important for the healthy development of a baby's spine, hips, and lungs, and also helps a baby to breathe normally without restricting airflow. Whichever product you choose, your baby should lie flat in the pram until six months of age.

Carrycots, sometimes called bassinets, are suitable for use from birth until your baby is around six months old, at which point you can remove the carrycot and replace it with the pushchair seat. However, don't move your baby out of the carrycot and into the pushchair seat too soon. Wait until your baby can sit up unaided before replacing the carrycot with the pushchair seat.

Instead of a carrycot, some prams have pushchair seats that can recline to a lie-flat angle to make them suitable for newborns. The advantage of this type of pram is that you won't have to store the carrycot attachment once your baby outgrows it. However, if you choose one of these, make sure the seat reclines to fully flat and check that it is officially suitable for use from birth.

If you choose a travel system – that's a pushchair frame that you can attach a carseat to – make sure that your baby does not sit in the car seat for prolonged periods and never for more than 2 hours at a time. It's safest for babies under six months to lie flat in a pram, and a car seat should never be used instead of a carrycot.

Can babies sleep in pram bassinets overnight?

This depends on whether the pram has a lie-flat bassinet or carrycot that is approved for overnight sleeping. Do not use a pram bassinet for overnight sleeping unless the manufacturer states that it is safe to do so.

Some pram bassinets are only appropriate for 'occasional' overnight sleeping such as a short stay away from home for a night or two now and again. If you use a pram bassinet for overnight sleeping, take care to follow the latest safe sleep guidelines.

For the first six months of your baby's life, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot or crib of their own in the same room that you sleep in.

Best prams - how we tested these products

Our product review testing process is fair, consistent, and robust. 

To begin with, our Consumer Editor Heidi Scrimgeour came up with a shortlist of the best prams to include in this buying guide, based on her extensive product knowledge and industry research. She looked at the latest offering from the market-leading brands - and as a parenting journalist for 15 years and mother of three, what she doesn't know about baby products isn't worth knowing. She also selected products from a broad range of price points so there's a pram in this guide to suit every budget. 

Next, we assembled a panel of parent reviewers and arranged for them to put our chosen prams to the test with their babies. They tested the product rigorously for at least two weeks. We asked them to consider specific factors including how easy the pram was to fold and unfold, how much storage space it takes up in a car boot or hallway, how well it copes with different types of terrain, and how easy it is to steer and manoeuvre. 

Finally, our testers gave each product a rating out of five for overall performance and provided comprehensive feedback on key factors including design appeal, functionality (how easy is it to assemble and use), portability (how easy is it to lift in and out of the car or up a flight of steps), how compact when stored and value for money.

Once you’ve chosen the best pram for you and your baby, make sure you’ve got all the other baby essentials you need to transport your baby around, including the best baby car seats and best baby carriers, when you’re making journeys on foot. And, for the home, check out our best bedside cribs and the best Moses baskets guides so they have somewhere comfortable and safe to come back to after all their adventures.