Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are the multifunctional, versatile allies of parents and caregivers. They are the co-pilots of your child's next adventure.
A pram newborn is designed for infants and newborns. It comes with a an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot that has soft and secure walls.
A pram will typically come with a bassinet but can be transformed into an infant stroller seat once baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns should be protected as much as is possible. A stroller or pram with safety features will keep your baby secure and comfortable while traveling. A stroller newborn or pram must have a break that works, a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps and two waist straps and the crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Make sure that the pram you choose is up to the standards before you purchase.
Find a stroller that allows your baby to be seated in the suggested lie-flat position. This position helps support the baby and helps prevent a potentially dangerous curve in the spine which can lead to spinal problems. It also lowers the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation, by keeping the airways free. The majority of prams can be used right from the moment of birth. They have seats that recline into a lay-flat mode for younger infants and converts into a folding pushchair for older children.
The suspension of the pram will determine how smoothly it is. A pram that has many suspensions is likely to be more expensive but it may be worth it to purchase this feature if you are planning on using your pram everyday for a few years or more.
Always read the instructions and carefully read the warning labels on your pram or stroller. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is placed in a safe location away from bicycles, traffic or other hazards when it is not being used. You should also remove any bags or other items from the handles as they can cause your baby to become caught or suffocate.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's never an ideal idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They can get wriggling and become trapped or the pram could slide away and the baby could be injured. It is also not recommended to hang bags or other items from the handles because they can fall and hit your baby's head.
Comfort
It is essential that newborns have the option to lie flat, as it aids in lung and back development. A lot of prams come with a cocoon or carrycot that creates a cozy, nest-like environment for your infant and is able to be removed from the frame. Some seats, such as the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, can't be reclined completely flat, but provide an enjoyable ride for your child.
Some prams come with a separate bassinet, newborn stroller or inset seat so that you can easily switch between sleeping and sitting modes depending on your bub's requirements. It is often referred to as a "travel system" and is the first setup you should test out with your newborn.
Look for a pram that has two shoulder straps, ideally padded and a five-point security harness. It must fit your child's body comfortably. Be sure to check for gaps, or loose areas, where fingers could get caught. Also make sure the buckles are easy for older children to operate. It is also important to consider if you'd like a pram that is oriented towards parents. It is ideal to keep an eye on your child, and makes them feel more secure having their parents around.
Our testers with parents enjoyed the features of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, which lets you raise your baby and lower it at the push of one button. This is an excellent way to stay connected to your baby, particularly if they are asleep. If you're searching for a travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you select, you will not have to wake your baby up to switch between the pram and car.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams have an infant bassinet, carrycot or a seat that reclines to a flat position. This is essential to ensure your baby's spinal development and breathing. It is also a good idea to check out the other accessories the pram comes with like an infant changing bag and a footmuff which are essential for keeping your baby warm in colder months.
It's also worth noting that some strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems, permitting you to connect a car capsule with the frame via adaptors so that you can easily move your baby between the car and the triple pushchair without having to wake them up. These can be useful when you live a busy life or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate prams, however it's worth keeping in mind that your child will need to be old enough and able to sit independently before you can change between the car capsule and pram.
Another feature you may want to consider is the possibility of raising and lowering the infant's seat from a low to a high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you. This is something our parent tester found was extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me which allows your child to 'glide towards you at the push of the button.
Finally, make sure your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it down with ease, and check that the safety harness is in good working order that fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You should be able store bags for shopping and changing underneath the pram (but remember that excessive weight could cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what model to pick, check out a variety of models at your local retailer.