The Ultimate Real-World Guide to Baby Prams & Strollers (2025 Edition)
Ask ten parents what the best Pram is, and you’ll get ten different answers. Some will swear by their Bugaboo. Others will insist their UPPAbaby changed their life. And at least one will say they ditched it all for a baby carrier. But here’s what they all agree on: buying a stroller is one of the most important (and expensive) decisions you’ll make in the first year of parenthood.
Not just because it’s a big-ticket item — but because this one purchase affects your everyday life more than almost anything else. It’s the thing you’ll use during meltdowns at the park. When your baby falls asleep during school pickup. When you’re trying to carry a bag of groceries, an iced coffee, and a screaming toddler across a bumpy carpark.
In this guide, we don’t just list specs or paste product descriptions. We’ve pushed these strollers over cracked footpaths. Folded them while holding a baby. Tested them in lifts, on planes, in hatchbacks. We’ve talked to dozens of Aussie parents — from first-time mums in apartments to dads of three with twin prams. And we’re giving you a brutally honest, real-world breakdown of what’s worth your money — and what’ll collect dust in your garage.
How We Actually Test Prams
Most stroller reviews online are written after unboxing and pushing it around a showroom. That’s not how we roll (literally). Our testing includes:
- Daily routines: School drop-offs, park runs, errands, and naps on the go
- Urban vs suburban stress testing: Can it handle gravel, curbs, public transport, and tight aisles?
- Storage checks: Will it fit in a Corolla boot? Can you carry it up two flights of stairs?
- Sleep tests: Do babies actually nap in it — or scream the second you recline?
- Fold-and-carry drills: One-handed fold? How heavy is it after 3 flights of stairs?
- Real parent input: We asked over 40 mums and dads what worked, what broke, and what they’d do differently next time.
This isn’t about which stroller is technically “best.” It’s about which one fits your life. Because a $2,000 stroller that won’t fit in your boot isn’t better than a $300 one that actually lets you leave the house without tears (yours or the baby’s).
So whether you’re here looking for the best lightweight stroller for travel, a rugged all-terrain beast, or the most adaptable pram for two under two — we’ve got you covered. Let’s get into the real-world winners (and losers) of 2025.
Full-Size Everyday Prams: The Daily Workhorses
If you’re planning to use a stroller every day — walking to daycare, grabbing groceries, doing long naps on the go — a full-size pram is usually the right call. These aren’t just baby transport devices. They’re rolling bedrooms, shopping carts, snack stations, and meltdown management vehicles.
But not all full-size prams are equal. Some are overbuilt and bulky. Others are so stripped back they don’t last beyond the toddler years. Here are the ones Aussie parents consistently trust — and exactly what it’s like to live with them day in, day out.
UPPAbaby Vista V3 – “The SUV of Strollers”
If you walk into a café in Sydney’s inner west or a park in Brisbane’s leafy suburbs, chances are you’ll spot a Vista. It’s iconic — and for good reason. Almost every parent we spoke to said the same thing: this pram just handles everything.
With its massive wheels, springy suspension, and spacious bassinet, the Vista feels stable and smooth, even on uneven footpaths or over grass. It’s quiet, too — no rattling wheels or creaky joints. One mum described it as “pushing a cloud with shocks.” Another joked it felt more expensive than her car.
The storage basket is truly ridiculous — in the best way. We packed it with a full nappy bag, groceries, picnic blanket, scooter, and a spare hoodie. It still had room. For families who are always out and about, this space is a game changer.
But the real killer feature? It grows with your family. You can add a rumble seat for baby number two, or a ride-along board for a toddler. The configurations aren’t always intuitive (there’s some fiddling required), but once it’s set up, it’s rock solid. Multiple parents told us it’s the only stroller they didn’t regret buying — even after their third kid.
Cons? It’s heavy. Really heavy. Folding it is a two-handed job, and getting it into the boot of a small car takes practice. It also takes up a lot of hallway space if you’re in an apartment. But if you’ve got the storage and the budget, the Vista is as close to “set and forget” as it gets.
Nuna MIXX Next – Understated Luxury, Built for Every Day
Where the Vista is big and bold, the Nuna MIXX Next feels sleek, minimal, and refined. It’s a favourite among design-conscious parents who want quality without bulk — and those who don’t want to look like they’re pushing a baby tank around Westfield.
The MIXX feels incredibly stable for its size. It glides easily over kerbs, transitions well between indoor/outdoor, and handles playground mulch or cracked paving without jarring. Several parents said they used it from newborn to toddler without ever needing a second pram.
It also folds flatter than most in its class. The fold is smooth, and with the seat attached (in both directions), it saves a surprising amount of space. The brake is flip-flop friendly (bless), and the canopy is generous enough for hot Queensland days.
Parents consistently praised the padding, the lie-flat recline (great for naps), and the understated premium feel. The magnetic harness buckle is a small but genius touch — no more fumbling while your baby tries to wriggle away.
What to watch out for? Like the Vista, it’s not lightweight — just compact for a full-size. Also, it doesn’t convert to a double. So if you’re planning more than one child close together, you’ll need to factor that in. But for a first-time parent with moderate space and style sensibility? The MIXX hits a beautiful balance.
Bugaboo Fox 5 – Lightweight Feel, High-End Build
Bugaboo strollers have a reputation for being the Apple of the pram world — minimalist, beautiful, pricey. The Fox 5 is the latest in their flagship line, and it improves on earlier versions in all the right ways.
What surprised us most is how light it feels to push — even with a heavy toddler and a full basket underneath. The steering is excellent. You can guide it with one finger, which sounds silly until you’re trying to turn while holding a baby bottle or phone. It corners effortlessly and handles tight café layouts without bumping chairs.
Parents raved about the fabrics and finishes. Everything feels premium. The canopy extends nearly to the bumper bar (great for napping), the seat sits higher than most strollers (which kids love), and it folds smoothly in one piece. The newer footrest design and one-hand recline make it feel intuitive. Even grandparents found it easy to use.
Downsides? The fold is bulkier than you’d expect from something so elegant. And you’re paying top dollar — not just for the stroller, but for accessories like the cup holder, snack tray, or bassinet stand. Still, if you walk a lot and want something that feels effortless without being enormous, the Fox 5 delivers.
Cybex Priam – Bold Looks, Big Presence
The Cybex Priam is a showstopper. If the Fox is minimal and elegant, the Priam is all about presence. Chrome details, leather accents, and fashion-forward collabs (like Jeremy Scott’s wings or the DJ Khaled edition) make this stroller feel like a statement piece.
But there’s substance behind the style. The ride is smooth, the all-terrain wheels are surprisingly tough, and the seat reclines almost flat with one hand. One parent described it as “a Bugaboo in heels — high-performance, but dressed to impress.”
The fold is two-handed and slightly awkward at first, but it gets easier with practice. The basket is decent, the extendable handlebar works well for taller parents, and the build feels solid. Like the Vista, it’s heavier than it looks — not ideal for frequent lifting, but stable and durable.
Worth noting: The Priam turns heads, but it’s not the most compact option. It’s better suited to families with space to spare and a love of bold design. If aesthetics matter to you and you’re not worried about tight car boots, it’s a fun, functional, and surprisingly capable ride.
So… Which Full-Size Pram Wins?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s what we heard most often from real families:
- Vista V3: The best all-rounder for growing families who walk a lot and want to future-proof their setup
- MIXX Next: Perfect for style-conscious parents who need daily reliability without bulk
- Fox 5: A dream to push — ideal for city life and everyday errands, if budget allows
- Priam: Best for families who want function + fashion and don’t mind a few extra kilos
Bottom line? Think about your space, how often you’ll walk vs drive, and whether you’re planning baby #2 soon. A full-size pram is an investment — and picking the right one can make your entire parenting rhythm smoother.
Lightweight & Travel Strollers: When Portability is Everything
Not everyone needs a massive, full-featured pram — especially if you’re always on the move. Whether you’re flying interstate, catching trains through the city, or just need a second stroller for daycare drop-offs, a lightweight travel pram can be a lifesaver.
But here’s the catch: a lot of “travel” strollers are flimsy, awkward, and about as comfortable for your baby as a folding chair. So we narrowed it down to the models that actually work — the ones that balance compact size, durability, and comfort for real daily use.
Bugaboo Butterfly – Compact Luxury That’s Shockingly Practical
We expected the Butterfly to look good. What we didn’t expect? That it would become a daily-use pram for so many parents — not just a backup travel option.
The fold is a thing of beauty. One hand, one motion, and it collapses into a tiny, airplane-approved footprint. It also pops open just as easily — no wrestling, no awkward clicks. For city parents in and out of Uber rides or up apartment stairs, this alone makes it worth the price tag.
But the real win is the seat. Unlike many compact strollers, the Butterfly seat is padded, reclines generously, and is tall enough for a 4-year-old. Parents told us their kids actually nap in it. That’s rare in this category.
Storage is decent (you won’t do a full Woolies shop, but your nappy bag will fit), and the push is smooth — even over light gravel and footpath cracks. The suspension isn’t built for rough tracks, but it handles day-to-day bumps surprisingly well.
Any flaws? The price. It’s one of the more expensive lightweight options. But for families who travel often or just want a grab-and-go stroller that doesn’t feel “cheap,” the Butterfly punches above its weight.
Joolz Aer+ – The Sleeper Hit That Grows on You
The Joolz Aer+ might not turn heads at first — but once you use it, it’s hard to go back. It weighs under 7kg, folds in a snap, and feels way sturdier than its frame suggests.
Parents we spoke to raved about the seat height and recline. One mum in Melbourne told us, “My 3-year-old looks like she’s in a full-size pram. And she doesn’t fight naps in it, which is a miracle.”
The built-in carry strap is genius. If you’ve ever tried to wrangle a folded pram in one hand while holding a child in the other, you’ll appreciate it instantly. It also fits in most overhead airline compartments, which makes it a favourite among frequent flyers.
The canopy is solid, the fabrics feel premium, and the storage basket is roomy enough for a change kit and small shopping run. The push is light and nimble — not as plush as the Bugaboo, but still very usable for city life.
Drawbacks? The recline isn’t fully flat, so if you have a younger baby or a very fussy napper, it may not be your first choice for all-day use. Also, the Aer+ doesn’t have an adjustable footrest — a small detail, but something taller toddlers might notice.
Babyzen YOYO2 – The OG Travel King, Still Holding Its Crown
Before compact strollers were cool, there was the YOYO. And while others have caught up, the YOYO2 still holds its place for many parents who want a truly reliable, lightweight option that can go anywhere.
What people love most is the size. Folded, it’s practically handbag-sized. It slides into overhead compartments. It fits under restaurant tables. And it weighs just 6.2kg. For travel or quick trips, it’s hard to beat.
The handling is surprisingly good — it turns on a dime and feels stable even on rougher surfaces (within reason). It also offers modularity: you can buy a bassinet, newborn pack, or even a buggy board for siblings. And the colour combos are fun — it’s one of the few travel strollers that lets you express a bit of personality.
That said, it’s not the comfiest ride. The seat is smaller than the Aer+ or Butterfly, and the canopy doesn’t extend as far. The recline is only semi-flat, and taller kids outgrow it faster. It also feels a bit plasticky in places, especially compared to the price.
Still, for frequent travellers or minimalists, the YOYO2 is tried, tested, and beloved for a reason. It’s the stroller most airlines recognise instantly — and one you can reliably hand off at the gate without worry.
Colugo Compact – The Underdog You’ll Want to Root For
You won’t see Colugo strollers in every Aussie baby store — but parents who’ve discovered it tend to rave about it. It’s priced well, folds easily, and includes a rain cover, backpack-style carrying case, and snack bar — things other brands charge extra for.
The ride is smooth enough for daily errands, the seat recline is solid, and the storage basket is better than expected. The fabrics are machine washable (lifesaver), and the folding/unfolding process is intuitive and fast. One parent told us, “It’s our daycare run stroller. It lives in the car and never lets us down.”
Downsides? It’s not as high-end in feel as the Joolz or Bugaboo, and the branding isn’t well known — so resale might not be as strong. Also, it’s slightly wider than others in this category, so tight shops or narrow footpaths require more care.
Travel Pram Showdown: The Verdict
Choosing a lightweight stroller comes down to priorities. Do you want compactness above all? Kid comfort? Airline overhead compatibility? Here’s what we’d recommend based on your needs:
- Best for everyday travel: Bugaboo Butterfly – High comfort, great fold, premium feel
- Best for older toddlers: Joolz Aer+ – Tall seat, big weight limit, ultra portable
- Best for flights and minimalists: Babyzen YOYO2 – The gold standard for compact travel
- Best bang for buck: Colugo Compact – Full kit included, great for second stroller
Whichever one you choose, make sure to test the fold yourself — in your real car, hallway, or stairwell. A few centimetres can make or break whether a travel stroller stays in use or gathers dust in the boot.
All-Terrain & Jogging Strollers: Built for the Real Outdoors
If your daily walk includes more than a footpath — think bush trails, gravel, beach tracks, or uneven suburban kerbs — you’re going to want an all-terrain or jogging stroller. These are the SUVs of the stroller world. Big wheels, real suspension, high stability. But they’re not just for runners. In fact, most of the parents we spoke to don’t jog at all. They just wanted a pram that could handle the messiness of real Aussie life.
Whether you’re pushing across cricket ovals, navigating school drop-off on dirt shoulders, or walking the dog along bush tracks, these are the strollers that won’t shake your baby awake — or shake your wrists apart.
Thule Urban Glide 2 – “The One You’ll Still Be Using When They’re Four”
Every single parent we talked to who owned the Urban Glide 2 said the same thing: they kept using it long after their child technically outgrew a stroller. Why? Because this thing pushes like a dream.
Even with a big toddler and a nappy bag on the handlebar, it feels featherlight. The massive 16-inch rear wheels roll over everything — mulch, gravel, kerbs, beach sand (yes, really) — without jarring. The front wheel swivels for everyday use but can be locked for jogging. And the suspension actually works — the ride stays smooth even at faster speeds or over rough tracks.
But it’s not just a sport stroller. The canopy is huge and provides real sun protection. The recline goes almost flat. The seat is padded and deep — one dad called it “the comfiest stroller cockpit I’ve seen.” There’s even a zippered basket cover to keep out dust or rain. And the foot brake is flip-flop friendly (a rare luxury in joggers).
Folding does take two hands and a bit of boot space, but once folded, it’s flat and fits in most standard cars. For families who love being outside — or just need to survive broken footpaths — the Urban Glide is a beast.
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 – The Trail Tank
Compared to the Thule, the BOB Flex 3.0 is a little more rugged and a little less polished. But if you’re serious about running (or live somewhere with truly terrible paths), this thing is a tank.
It has mountain bike-style suspension. Big, air-filled tyres. Tons of legroom. And it handles fast jogging, hills, and off-road better than anything else we tested. The seat sits deep with a 5-point harness, and there’s a full recline for younger kids who nap on the go. The handlebars adjust to multiple heights, and the underseat storage is cavernous.
One dad from Brisbane told us he bought it “just for running,” but now uses it every day because the push is so smooth. The only real downsides? It’s huge when folded, and it’s not the most stylish unit on the market. But if performance matters more than looks, the BOB is a beast in all the right ways.
UPPAbaby Ridge – The Luxury Jogger That Can Still Handle Dirt
If you love the brand polish of UPPAbaby but need off-road chops, the Ridge is your pram. It sits somewhere between the Thule and BOB in terms of performance, but with that signature UPPAbaby finish — premium fabrics, intuitive recline, easy buckle, and smart design touches.
The wheels are foam-filled (so, no punctures), and the suspension system adjusts based on terrain. That means it smooths out the ride whether you’re on grass, cobbles, or concrete. It’s incredibly stable, even at a jog, and the tracking (how straight it rolls without veering) is excellent. It’s one of the few jogging prams that still feels high-end and family-friendly.
Parents loved the hand brake — especially those going downhill — and the wrist strap is built into the frame. The seat sits higher than most joggers, giving kids a good view. And despite being big, it folds flatter than the BOB and fits easily in mid-size SUVs.
The Ridge isn’t the lightest jogger, but it is one of the most well-rounded. You’ll pay a bit more for the UPPAbaby badge, but if you want an all-terrain stroller that still looks polished at the café, this one ticks a lot of boxes.
So, Are Jogging Strollers Only for Runners?
Not at all. In fact, most families using joggers weren’t runners at all. They were just over pushing cheap prams that rattle across gravel or bounce babies awake every time they hit a footpath lip. Here’s where these strollers shine — even if you never break a sweat:
- Rural living: If you don’t have footpaths, this is your only option.
- Dog walking: You can walk faster, push easier, and steer with one hand.
- Big kids: Most joggers have higher weight limits and deeper seats. Great for kids who are too old for most strollers but still get tired.
- Day trips & trails: If your weekends involve farms, parks, bush trails, or beaches, you’ll want wheels that can handle it all.
Quick Recap: Best All-Terrain Picks
- Thule Urban Glide 2: Lightweight, fast, smooth — our top pick for all-round performance
- BOB Revolution Flex 3.0: Built for serious trail use, big toddlers, and long-distance comfort
- UPPAbaby Ridge: Stylish jogger that still handles dirt, with premium features throughout
These aren’t strollers you casually toss in a hatchback or take on quick errands. But for outdoor families, active parents, or anyone sick of jolting over cracked footpaths, they’re 100% worth the boot space.
Double & Convertible Strollers: When One Kid Becomes Two
Going from one child to two (or more) can feel like you’re doubling your entire life — and that includes your gear. Suddenly, you need more space, more weight capacity, and a pram that can handle two sets of demands at once. But choosing a double stroller isn’t just about seating two kids — it’s about how you move through the world with them. Narrow shops, steep kerbs, uneven terrain, school drop-offs, elevators — it all changes when your stroller doubles in size.
We looked at tandem strollers, side-by-sides, and expandable single-to-double models. Here’s what real parents had to say after months of daily use, and what you need to know before choosing one.
UPPAbaby Vista V3 (as a Double) – Spacious but Stacked
We already praised the Vista V3 as a full-size single. But add the rumble seat and it becomes a capable double — if you’re okay with a bit of puzzle-solving.
Parents liked the flexibility: bassinet + toddler, toddler + toddler, toddler + capsule. The ability to mix and match configurations is a big deal for families with children close in age. One mum with a 2-year-old and newborn told us, “It was the only way I could get both kids around without a meltdown.”
But there are limitations. The second seat is smaller and has a lower weight limit (17kg). And when it’s fully stacked, the bottom child can feel a bit tucked under. Some toddlers protested the lower seat quickly — others loved it for shade and hiding.
The turning radius stays surprisingly manageable, and the push is smooth on flat ground. But once loaded with two kids, it’s heavy — especially uphill or on rough terrain. Also, folding with both seats attached isn’t practical, so plan for some daily Tetris in the boot.
If you already own a Vista, adding the double conversion makes sense. But if you’re shopping from scratch, and you know you’ll have two under three, a purpose-built double might serve you better.
Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo – Side-by-Side, Without the Bulk
This pram looks wide. But every parent we spoke to was shocked by how easy it was to use. The Donkey 5 in Duo mode (with two seats side-by-side) still fits through standard doors. And unlike tandem setups, both kids get the same size seat.
What parents loved most was the balance. It doesn’t feel top-heavy or tippy. One dad in Sydney said, “It’s the only stroller I’ve ever pushed that actually gets easier with more weight.”
The storage basket is split — one under-seat, one side pouch — and the seats pop off with a click for storage. It’s wide, no doubt. But not “can’t get through Coles checkout” wide. And the suspension and push are excellent, even fully loaded.
It’s also a great twin stroller, since both bassinets or seats can be mounted in matching orientation. The fold isn’t compact, but the build quality is premium. If you’re okay with a bit of boot space loss, the Donkey is a joy to use for two.
Joovy Qool – Modular & Budget-Friendly
The Joovy Qool is an underrated choice for parents who want room to grow without paying Bugaboo prices. It starts as a single stroller, but can convert to hold up to three kids (with seat adapters and a bench seat).
The footprint is long — you’ll feel the length in tight aisles — but it offers good under-basket storage, a solid recline, and generous canopies. The ride isn’t quite as smooth as a Vista or Donkey, but for the price, it’s solid. Several families told us they started with the Qool as a single and were grateful they didn’t need to upgrade when baby #2 arrived unexpectedly soon.
It does feel bulkier than other options, and the weight becomes noticeable once two kids are loaded. But if you want flexibility, especially with a bigger age gap, the Qool holds its own.
Double Stroller Lessons from the Trenches
After speaking to dozens of parents, here are the patterns that emerged:
- Close-in-age kids? You’ll want full seating for both — recline, canopy, and legroom.
- Toddler + newborn? A convertible pram (like Vista or Qool) with capsule and rumble seat may work better.
- Twins? Go side-by-side — equal seats, easy access, fewer fights.
- Big kid + little kid? Consider a ride-along board or a bench seat to avoid pushing unnecessary weight.
Final Recap: Which Double Stroller Is Right for You?
- Vista V3 (Double): Ideal if you already own it and have two under three — but less optimal for twins or big toddlers.
- Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo: Best for full-time double duty — smooth ride, equal comfort, and surprisingly nimble.
- Joovy Qool: Flexible and affordable option for families planning to grow.
Whatever you choose, remember this: pushing two kids isn’t just about seats. It’s about weight, bulk, kerbs, elevators, and whether it fits in your boot. Test it like it’s game day — loaded, folded, and rushed — because that’s how you’ll use it.
| Stroller | Weight | Fold Size | Comfort | Handling | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPPAbaby Vista V3 |
6 |
5.5 |
9.5 |
9 |
10 |
| Nuna MIXX Next |
7 |
8 |
9 |
8.5 |
8.5 |
| Bugaboo Fox 5 |
8 |
7.5 |
9.5 |
9.5 |
8 |
| Thule Urban Glide 2 |
6.5 |
7 |
8.5 |
10 |
9 |
| Bugaboo Butterfly |
9.5 |
9.5 |
8.5 |
8 |
6 |
| Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo |
5 |
4 |
9 |
8.5 |
9 |
