Redsbaby - Jive²

I bought a Redsbaby Jive in market place for $100 and have been using the bassinet for 6 months now... Baby likes sleeping there. Soon we'll change to a travel pram as Redsbaby takes so much room in the car and I don't like that it has 2 parts - I just want single fold. This can be an option for you - as first time mum you'll see what you like and don't like and have better understanding what's important to you when you purchase your travel pram (ie basket size..).

I recommend going for second hand pram instead of an Amazon one! There are some amazing pram brands and models out there and it’s absolutely a buyer’s market. Plus… I’ve personally had five different prams (3 years of parenting and two kids later) so I learned the folly of buying new. You just don’t know what you will love until you try it for your particular needs, and you may find that you need a different pram in a different season. So here’s what I would recommend based on my lessons learned! #1. Decide what you NEED, and the order of priority. Do you need a small pram because of the size of your boot? Will you need a double pram? Are you set on having a bassinet? Do you need a light pram because you have an injury and can’t lift anything more than the weight of a baby? My top recommendation would be Redsbaby Jive 2, 3 or 5. I am two kids deep and was recently considering pivoting to a second hand Jive! The Jive is retired but it was (as far as I know!) the redsbaby flagship pram. It’s a pretty compact but standard pram with the option of a second seat! You’re looking at about $250-$400 for these second hand, with a second seat and bassinet. They are also capsule compatible. So even if I wasn’t looking specifically for something under $300, I would go for this pram! Especially if this is your first kid or you already have two, I would advocate for the flexibility of a pram that can seat two kids. Are you in QLD? There is a lady in Brisbane who refurbishes Jive prams and resells them repaired and deep cleaned for a really reasonable price. Second recommendation would be a Joie versatrax or similar. This was my first pram and I bought it new for about $550, but you can find these much cheaper second hand. It’s not a well-loved or known brand here BUT - it’s the best pram I’ve had out of a bugaboo chameleon, a baby jogger city select, a yoyo and a redsbaby skip 3. It’s a cost effective european brand. Here’s what I like about the versatrax: the price is great compared to other prams with comparable features; comes with capsule adapters and a cup holder; awesome basket size and very easy to reach into (the best of any pram I’ve had, it’s actually strong enough for my 14kg toddler to sit in comfortably - none of my other prams can do this!); an easy, one handed fold with seat on; it’s very compact and pretty light for a standard pram; it feels solid and pushes well. The biggest downside is that it is a single pram and cannot become a double; it also doesn’t have a bassinet. #3. If you need a really light pram you might want to consider the (relatively new to market) travel prams with bassinets. A lot of people are opting for these instead of standard prams, as many now come suitable from birth and are honestly SO much easier to lift and fold and handle when your body hurts and you are tired. The Redsbaby Skip3 can lie nearly flat and could work from newborn as is, or you can buy it with a bassinet that also folds with the pram. It’s extremely light (6kg) and has a great basket (for a travel pram), and folds like a dream. It is not capsule compatible. These retail new for $499 but you might find some second hand, or you could look at the Skip2 and see if that’s newborn suitable (not sure off the top of my head). An alternative is the JoolzAer+ which has a bassinet too and is capsule compatible; though these are pricier. However, Australia has JUST launched the JoolzAer2 so the Aer+ will be cheaper now, and some people will sell their Aer+ to upgrade… And an honorable mention for the Steelcraft Strider one2 which is a compact, mid-level standard pram that has a second seat and these are very affordable second hand!

Maxi cosi pria is what we have and I love it! It is expensive but totally worth it. It’s also really easy to take out and reinstall. It may be an idea to go to a baby bunting or other baby store and see if you can try a few out in your car. For prams I’d suggest trying a few out and seeing what features you like or want then checking the second hand market. I like the redsbaby jive and metro which are easy to find second hand. The cot in my room is a compact cot from big w. I really like it and would recommend it if space is an issue. I was looking at the Tasman eco ones too but went with big w one for cost. It’s super light and fits through doorways so I can have him in the lounge room and easily move it back with no problem.

We got the Redsbaby Jive (nuvo hadn't come out when we bought our pram) because we wanted the option of adding a second seat if needed. I'm now pregnant with our second so I'm glad we went with our gut. The uppababy vista wouldn't fit in the boot of my hatchback lol. We also got the Skip 2 which lives in my car. We love it, and have taken it on several flights.

I had a redsbaby pram that was able to be converted into a double but it was so heavy to me (even though it was lighter than the vista) and clunky. I ended up selling it on marketplace and buying a redsbaby skip2 which is their travel pram and haven’t looked back. If I had to do it again, I’d go straight to the skip. Even if I had another baby soon (my first is 17 months) I wouldn’t upgrade to a double pram, they’re so big and clunky to haul around