Expectant parents pushing for prams amid fear of delays

PARENTS-TO-BE are buying prams before the 20-week scan amid fears that online deliveries could be delayed.

Expectant mothers usually wait until their third trimester before beginning to consider buying essential items such as buggies and cots, but the pandemic lockdown has forced many into a rethink.

They are also having to contend with the prospect of buying a pushchair or cot without being able to physically view it in store, although a series of virtual advice sessions put on by John Lewis were fully booked within days.

Justine Roberts, the founder of Mumsnet, said many expectant parents were looking to make purchases sooner, in anticipation of possible delays. “A quick scan of our online antenatal clubs shows that those due in June and July are thinking about purchases now,” she said.

Several retailers specialising in baby goods have warned that delays are to be expected in the current climate with the nation locked down at home. One expectant mother from Norwich told The Daily Telegraph that, while her baby was not due until August, she and her husband had already ordered her nursery furniture and pushchair directly from the manufacturer. It will not be delivered until July.

Ms Roberts said: “Delivery times are understandably extended right now, which is fine if you’re an organised type who’s still got a few months to go but is causing anxiety among those whose due date is rapidly approaching.

“Timing purchases is tricky when you’re pregnant; lots of parents are reluctant to start buying equipment before they’ve had their 20-week scan, which means, realistically, most leave it until the third trimester.”

On Tuesday, John Lewis launched virtual nursery advice sessions which allow customers to get one-on-one time with a specialist adviser. The firm said that the first week was fully booked with 253 slots secured by soonto-be parents.

Sales of baby items have soared as parents prepare their homes, the firm said. Sales of muslins are up threefold, while bibs, cots and changing mats are “in high demand” online.