Essentials

Prams allow your baby to lie flat as they get some fresh air, indulge in a bit of shopping or are gently rocked to sleep. Many convert into strollers for when your little one gets older. Many are part of a "travel system", combining a pushchair with a car seat. Today's prams are oh-so-much-smaller than the ones we grew up in, and not a patch on the sweeping elegance of 1950's style ones - but you don't need a mansion to keep one in.