When to buy your pram

Purchasing big-ticket items for your first baby can be both an exhilarating and daunting experience. Among these items, the pram or pushchair stands out as a significant investment and a decision that requires careful consideration. There's a lot of research to be done and many options to weigh up. But amidst all the planning, one question often arises: when is the right time to buy a pram? The truth is, there's no definitive answer. Let's delve into the stories of various parents who bought their prams at different stages of pregnancy to understand the diverse approaches and what worked best for them.  

"We bought our pushchair at 12 weeks" 

Ashleigh and Liam, Sussex, iCandy Peach 7 Pushchair in Ivy

“We decided to buy our pushchair quite early, at 12 weeks.” says Liam. “We chose the iCandy Peach 7 pushchair and iCandy Cocoon car seat bundle. We’re both planners and wanted to get a head start on our baby preparations. The shopping process was quite enjoyable for us. We took our time visiting different stockists, trying out various models, and comparing features. It felt great to tick off such a major item from our list early on. Plus, it gave us plenty of time to spread out the rest of our purchases over the coming months.” 

"We bought our pushchair at 16 weeks" 

Rosie and Rose, Manchester, iCandy Core in Light Moss

“At 16 weeks, we bought our iCandy Core.” shares Rosie. “We had just found out the gender of our baby, and it made the whole experience feel more real. We started thinking about what kind of life we wanted to build for our little one, and a good pushchair suitable for both urban and countryside living was part of that vision. We enjoyed researching the best options, reading reviews, and watching YouTube videos. When we finally made the purchase, it felt like a milestone in our pregnancy journey.” 

"We bought our pushchair at 20 weeks" 

Saffron and Alex, Birmingham, iCandy Peach 7 in Black Edition 

“We bought our pushchair at 20 weeks.” Saffron recalls. “We chose the iCandy Peach 7 because it was highly recommended by friends. This timing felt right for us as we were well into the second trimester and had more energy to go shopping. The process was a bit overwhelming at first, but we’re happy with our choice and feel well-prepared for when the baby arrives.”  

"We bought our pushchair at 22 weeks" 

Emma and Jack, Leeds, iCandy Orange 4 in Latte 

“We waited until 22 weeks to buy our iCandy Orange 4.” says Emma. “We had been browsing online and visiting stores since about 16 weeks, but we took our time to make a decision. By 22 weeks, we felt more confident in knowing what we needed. It was great to have that period to think things over and discuss our options. The Orange 4 ticked all our boxes, as it’s ideal for a growing family being double-ready and we’re excited to start using it.” 

"We bought our pushchair at 24 weeks" 

Chloe, Edinburgh, iCandy Peach 7 All-Terrain 

“I bought my iCandy pushchair at 24 weeks.” shares Chloe. “I am quite indecisive, and as I was making this decision on my own, I wanted to take my time. I wanted to be sure I was making the right choice. By this point, I had a clear idea of my budget and what features were most important. The process was a bit nerve-wracking because I felt the pressure to make the right choice, but I am thrilled with my decision.”  

"We bought our pushchair at 30 weeks" 

Sarah and Tom, Bristol, iCandy Peach 7 in Cookie 

“We didn’t get our iCandy Peach 7 in Cookie until 30 weeks.” says Sarah. “After seeing iCandy launch this beautiful new colourway, I was set on this one however wanted to wait for hopefully a promotion. We got a great deal, and we didn’t feel rushed. It gave us something to look forward to in the third trimester and helped break up the waiting game. Buying later in the pregnancy worked well for us.”  

The Expert View 

iCandy Head of Sales, Cath Needham advises “There’s no perfect time to buy your pram, but we recommend starting to shop around the second trimester. This allows you ample time to research, test out different models, and place your order without feeling rushed. Many parents find that buying between 20 and 30 weeks strikes a good balance between having enough time to prepare and not having the pram take up space for too long before the baby arrives. We also strongly advise popping into your local iCandy stockist to test out the pushchair in-person or visiting one of The Baby Shows across the country!”  

A Word on 'Luck' 

Many parents wonder if it’s bad luck to have the pram in the house before the baby is born. While this is a common superstition, there’s no evidence to suggest that the timing of your purchase has any impact on luck.  

It’s essential to focus on practical considerations like preparation and ensuring you have everything you need when the baby arrives. Superstitions can add unnecessary stress, so it’s best to approach the purchase with a rational mindset, much like any other essential baby item. 

Ultimately, when you decide to buy your pram depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and comfort level. Whether you’re an early planner or prefer to wait, what matters most is that you find a pushchair that meets your needs and makes your life with your new baby as smooth as possible.