Let me share a little secret with you: some prams out there can be incredibly pricey. We’re talking “Whoa, does this thing come with wings?” pricey, reaching upwards of $3,000. Unfortunately, while we’d love them, many of us need to be mindful of our budget during that first year when income might not be steady.
But here’s the great news: you can find prams that tick all the boxes without breaking the bank. Prams and strollers come in a range of prices. The best part? You can still enjoy all those fancy features and essential safety measures in our range of affordable prams. In fact, some of the highest-ranked prams on the market can be found for well under $1,000.
Luxurious yet affordable prams? Yes, it can be done!
We’ve uncovered our top six budget prams in Australia, all prams under $1,000 and still boosting the features you want and expect from a pram that goes the distance.
Joie signature finiti™ stroller
Price: $799
Where to buy: Joie
What we love: Everyday strolling made easy and effortless
Lovely to look at and even nicer to walk with, the Joie signature finiti™ stroller will set you back less than $800 and impress you for years to come. The pram is suitable for newborns to 22kg and comes with a reversible seat to go from forward to rearward facing in just a click.
The lie-flat recline creates a cosy haven for brand-new babies or energetic toddlers who grow sleepy on the go while the one-click fold allows you to easily fold the stroller, regardless of which way the seat is facing. finiti™ features four modes in one – a forward-facing seat, a rearward-facing seat, plus an optional carrycot and an infant carrier (both sold separately). The stroller is compatible with the Joie Ramble XL carry cot and i-Gemm infant carrier.
The biggest perk about this stroller is how sleek and simple it is to use. Not only does it look good, but it’s also easy to transport and store with a quick tug. At only 11.2kg, it’s also light enough to throw in the back of the car but won’t take up too much space. It’s also really comfortable with flexible spring technology built into the cushion and adjustable calf support for bub.
In terms of safety, finiti™ boasts a SoftTouch 5-point harness with 3 adjustable heights and quick action one-touch brake. The UPF 50+ and water-repellent canopy comes in handy for all-weather walks and the extra large all-access storage basket means more room for groceries, toys and more. This budget-friendly pram also comes with a few fancy add-ons including a detachable bum bag that attaches to the basket and a cup holder.
Joie Litetrax 4 DLX Travel System
Price: $899
Where to buy: Joie
What we love: Comes with a complete travel system (pram PLUS capsule included)
A big deal-breaker when it comes to buying a pram can be that it isn’t capsule compatible. So having the ability to transfer bub from car straight to the pram with just one click is a lifesaver, especially in those early days. The litetrax 4 DLX travel system not only is capsule compatible, but it comes with a capsule too – no adaptors necessary. And for under $900! Definitely one of the best value prams on the market!
You get the gemm infant car seat and litetrax 4 DLX stroller that will take you from the back seat to the main street, and beyond once bub outgrows the capsule. The litetrax system is also compatible with the Joie Ramble and Joie Ramble XL carrycot.
This complete travel system is suitable from birth up to 22kg and is a breeze to use. The one-hand quick compact fold and one-hand recline system make it easy to open, close and adjust your pram, all the while holding a coffee in the other hand. The pram provides plenty of room for growth with an adjustable leg rest, a spacious shopping basket below, and rain cover and drink holder.
In terms of pushing power, the litetrax is as smooth as it gets with all-wheel suspension and locking single front swivel wheels. There’s also an adjustable telescoping handle so you can find the right height for you plus a large expandable SPF50+ hood, removable bumper bar plus a five-point harness to keep bub safe. One more cool feature – the automatic fold lock which means your pram will stand up on its own when folded which is pretty handy when not in use.
Karion Kids Travel Stroller
Price: $344. Now from $257
Where to buy: Karion Kids
What we love: The perfect travel stroller and it comes with its own bag
Every busy household needs a travel stroller and our top pick in terms of price and quality goes to Karion Kids. Their travel stroller is ultra-compact and lightweight yet great on all-terrain and comfy too. It weighs just 4.9kg and easily fits everywhere – in garages, car boots and even in airline overhead compartments. Plus, it’s under $300 too for a limited time! Score!
With a solid wheelbase and a strong frame, the Karion Travel Stroller is durable and dependable. It comes with a five-point safety harness, a quick-flip fold and brakes on both wheels. It also comes with its very own shoulder carry bag – another massive tick when travelling. You can also add a backpack (for an additional $19) which allows you to carry the stroller on your back easily.
Not only one of the top affordable prams on the market, but Karian Kids Travel Stroller also comes with nothing but rave reviews from busy parents!
Suitable for babies from 6 months to approx 4 years (17kg), the Karion Kids Travel Stroller is great for everyday errands but is also the ideal stroller for weekend aways, holidays overseas and any outings where you don’t want to BYO bulky pram – the beach, the zoo, the park – Karion Kids Travel Stroller will carry your precious little one so you don’t have to.
Redsbaby METRO⁵ Pram
Price: $949
Where to buy: Redsbaby
What we love: Great for exploration and adventure (with bassinet included)
If you’re after a pram that is made for exploration, you cannot go past the award-winning METRO⁵ from Redsbaby. Redsbaby is a pram expert and their newest model has recently undergone 20 design updates including new high-performance wheels, ergonomic harness design, foot brake and trend-inspired designer fabrics.
METRO⁵ comes with both a bassinet for newborns AND a seat – something that is rare to find under $1,000. It’s also car seat compatible and comes with a wide range of accessories (sold separately) including a sheepskin pram liner, nappy bag and BuggyBoard.
Suitable from birth to 20kg, METRO⁵ features everything you want in a luxury pram. It’s slim, sleek and stylish, lightweight (the frame weighs just 6.8kg) and is easy to fold. Best of all, you don’t have to remove the seat first either – simply click to fold and you’re done! Go from bassinet to parent-facing seat to world-facing seat in just a click too. So simple!
METRO⁵ oozes with style with its leatherette finish and marle material. Comfort-wise, bub is in for a treat with improved breathable panels on both the seat and extra-large extension canopy. Finally, a supersized 10kg basket, ergonomic, single slider harness system, removable bumper bar and puncture-proof wheels with four-wheel suspension round off this amazing yet affordable pram!
Liinii Stealth²
Price: $899
Where to buy: LIINII
What we love: A unique, stylish and practical pram
LIINII prams embody style and confidence and set a new level for stylish prams and strollers. LIINII’s Stealth² combines the latest state-of-the-art features and sleek functional design. It is designed to be manoeuvrable in tight spaces including car parks and shopping malls. Stealth² is easy to steer with one hand and folds compact enough for easy storage.
It features two shock absorbers which collectively make the pram sturdy, and is effortless to push on all kinds of surfaces. The pram also boosts a breathable ventilated seat cushion that provides ample airflow for baby, an adjustable handle to suit the individual height, large puncture-proof all-terrain rear wheels, a reversible seat with parent- and forward-facing positions and an exclusive stylish matte black chassis. Suitable for newborns to 22kg.
Stealth² is a breath of fresh air in aesthetics and design and also comes with $280 worth of accessories. You’ll receive an insect net, rain cover, cup holder, footmuff to keep bub warm, organiser and foot cover for sun protection, all included with your pram purchase.
Milly + Coup’s Milo2 Pram
Price: $949.99
Where to buy: Milly + Coup
What we love: Newborn ready, plenty of accessories and the unique patterned sets
A full-sized pram for only a fraction of the price – Milly + Coup’s Milo2 Stroller is one of the best prams under $1,000. It’s also newborn-ready from day one with a flat-lay design and newborn insert without the need to add on a bassinet – you can add one though if you’d like (sold separately).
Milo2 packs so much goodness into a small package – it’s one of the lightest full-sized strollers at only 10kg and comes with a best-in-class fold. You can also easily fold the stroller with the seat in both directions (forward or reverse facing). Not only functional but also incredibly stylish, this power pram is a breeze to push, and comes with 11 adjustable handlebar height positions, an extra-large easy-access basket and an easy slide-style harness with stay-put harness covers.
You’ll also love the extendable canopy with UPF50+ protection and the ultra-luxe fabrics that gives this pram a sleek yet comfortable look and feel.
Milo2 also comes with over $300 worth of free accessories including a handlebar bag, reversible seat liner, infant support set, UV cover, belly bar and harness cover. You can also “pimp” your pram for an additional $89.99 thanks to Milo2’s unique coloured/patterned sets. LOVE!
Which budget pram is right for you?
Ah. the million-dollar question. Unfortunately, we can’t wave a wand and determine which pram will perfectly pair with your needs, but what we can do is offer our top tips and advice, from real mums who have put several luxurious but affordable prams through their paces:
TOP TIP #1: Categorise what matters most to you
Consider what you’ll be using it for on a daily basis. I needed a pram that was easy to grab and go but that I could also jog with and could easily live in my car boot to take out at the shops. I didn’t need fancy and I found what I needed for under $1,000 and it’s lasted for several years.”
TOP TIP #2: Try before you buy
Head in-store and try to set up/pack down the pram you are thinking of purchasing. This will give you the confidence that you know how to do it and it’s something you can easily do over and over again. It’s also nice to see how the pram feels to push before you bring it home. Even if you buy online, head instore for a test run.”
Top Tip 3: Bigger isn’t always better
Having purchased many prams over the years, one of the biggest things I found to be so important is how easily your pram folds down and how much room it takes up in your boot. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re going to “do your back” every time you have to lift the pram in an out of the boot.
Plus, you don’t want to take up your whole boot and leave no room for your shopping or anything extra. You’ll be surprised how small some prams these days fold down and are ideal for popping in the boot when you’ve got to travel or for shopping, expeditions etc.”
Top Tip #4: Compatibility matters
A pram is more than just a pram these days and travel systems, which include a pram plus capsule, are really popular. A lot of capsule manufacturers have adapters to fit various prams (or vice versa). So be sure to check out whether or not your capsule will fit your pram basin and save you a whole lot of lugging around.”
Top Tip #5: Always check what’s included
“When buying your first pram, make sure that you are aware of what’s included and what’s not. Many prams will come with an additional bassinet as part of the price while others may have the option to purchase it seperately. The best value prams often come with both a bassinet and a seat for older kids.
Always check to see what’s included in the box, what’s extra and what attachments you may need to suit bub’s age/size. A pram that allows you to add on an extra seat in the future is also a huge bonus if you’re considering another baby down the road.”
Top Tip #6 – Accessories matter
“Little things make a difference to the ease of your pram such as a drink holder and a big storage basket. Another thing I would suggest – if you can find a pram liner to match your new pram, do it! Or, if your pram comes with this included, even better!
It is so much easier to throw a pram liner in the wash and will save you squatting in front of your pram scrubbing with a baby wipe.”
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