Buying a Pram Newborn

Parents and caregivers can count on pushchairs and prams to be multi-functional and versatile. They are the co-pilots for your child's new journey.

A pram newborn is a must for newborns and babies and has the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.

A pram typically comes with a bassinet but can be converted into a stroller seat once baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns are extremely fragile and should be protected as much as possible. A stroller or pram that has safety features will keep your baby in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. A stroller or pram must have a working break and a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps; 2 waist straps; and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Be sure that the model you are considering is up to the standards before purchasing.

Find a stroller that allows your baby to ride in the recommended position of lying flat. This position supports the baby and prevents an unintentionally dangerous curve in the spine which can lead to spinal problems. It also reduces the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation, by keeping the airways clear. Most prams are able to be used right from the time of birth. They come with seats that recline into a lay-flat mode for younger infants and converts into a pushchair unit for older children.

The suspension of prams is vital because it affects how smooth the ride. A pram and car seat that has many suspensions is likely to be more costly but it may be worth it to purchase this feature if you plan to use your pram daily for a couple of years or more.

You should always take the time to read the instruction manual thoroughly and look over the warning labels on your stroller or pram. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is placed in a secure location away from traffic, bicycles or any other dangers when it is not being used. It is important to take any bags or other items from the handles as they could cause your baby to become caught or suffocate.

Even if your baby is asleep, it's never recommended to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They can wriggle and become trapped, or the pram may be thrown away and the child could be injured. It is also not a good idea to hang bags or other objects off the handles as they can fall and hit your baby in the head.

Comfort

It is vital that newborns are able to lie flat, as it aids in lung and back development. Cocoons or carriers are found on many prams. They create a cozy environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Some seats, like the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, don't recline completely flat, but they provide an enjoyable ride for your child.

Some prams come with a separate bassinet or seat for the newborn. This lets you effortlessly switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on the needs of your baby. This is sometimes described as a "travel system" and is the first configuration that you should try out with your newborn.

Choose a stroller that has two shoulder straps that are ideally padded and a five-point safety harness. It must fit your child's body snugly. Be sure there aren't gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could become trapped, and that the buckles are easy to use, especially for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a parent facing pram or not. It's ideal to keep an eye on your child and helping them feel secure by the familiarity of their parents.

Some prams, such as the Graco Near2Me, come with an awesome raise and lower feature that brings your baby up to your face at the touch of the button, which our parents testers loved! This is a great way to maintain eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, especially when they're sleepy. If you're looking to purchase a travel system, make sure to check whether the frame is compatible with the car capsule you've chosen to avoid you from having to wake them up every time you're changing between car, pram and back.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams travel system have a bassinet or carrycot, which allow your baby to lie flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others have seats that can recline to a lying-flat position. It is important to check what other accessories are included in the pram, like a footmuff or a changing bag. These are essential for keeping your baby warm when it is cold.

Some prams and strollers can be converted to travel systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors, meaning you can transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair without waking them up. These are great for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you do not have enough space in your car boot to fit the pram. However, it is important to keep in mind that you'll need wait until your baby is old enough to sit by themselves before you can change them from a car capsule to the pushchair newborn.

Another feature you may want to look out for is the possibility of raising and lowering your infant's seat from a low to high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, which our parent tester found really useful with her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me that allows your child to 'glide closer to you at the press of a button.

Make sure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it down with ease, and check that the safety harness is functional and fits comfortably (five-point rather than three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able store shopping bags and changing bags under the pram (but be aware that excessive weight could cause it to topple over). If you're not sure what model to pick, check some different models at your local store.