Buying a Pram Newborn
Parents and caregivers can rely on prams and pushchairs to be versatile and multi-functional. They are the co-pilots for your child's new journey.
A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies and has the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and secure walls.
A pram is equipped with a bassinet, but it can be converted to a stroller if the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns need to be secured as much as possible. A stroller or childs pram equipped with safety features will keep your baby secure and comfortable while traveling. The basic requirements for any pram or stroller are a functioning brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and the Crotch strap) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person pushing the pram. Make sure that the pram you choose is up to the standards before you purchase.
Find a pram that allows your baby to travel in the recommended lying-flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and helps prevent the risk of a dangerous curvature in their spine which could lead to spinal issues. It also lowers the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by ensuring that the airways are open. 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 infants. It can also be converted to a pushchair travel system for older children.
The suspension of the pram will determine how smoothly it is. A pram that has a lot of suspension is likely to be more costly but it might be worth the cost of this feature if you are planning to use your pram every day for a couple of years or more.
Always read the instructions and look at the warning labels on your stroller or pram. Also, ensure that your stroller is placed in a safe location away from bicycles, traffic or other hazards when it's not being used. It is also a good idea to remove any bags or objects from the handles since they could cause your baby to get trapped or even die.
A stroller or pram should not be left alone with a baby in it even if they are asleep. They may squirm into the stroller and become trapped, or it could roll away and cause injury. It is also not a good idea to hang bags or other items on the handles since they could fall and hit your baby's head.
Comfort
It is essential that newborns have the option to lie flat, as this promotes lung and back development. Cocoons or carriers are available on a variety of prams. They create a cozy environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be removed easily from the frame. Certain seats, like the bucket-style seat on the egg2, can't be reclined completely flat, but provide the comfort of your child.
Some prams have a separate seat or bassinet for the newborn. This lets you effortlessly switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on what your baby needs. It is commonly called a 'travel system and is the very first thing you should do with your newborn.
Look for a pram with two straps for the shoulder which are cushioned and a five-point safety harness. It should fit your baby's body comfortably. Be sure to check for gaps, or loose areas where fingers can become trapped. Also make sure the buckles are safe for older children to operate. You should also consider if you'd like a parent-facing pram. It is ideal to keep an eye on your child, and makes them feel more secure by having their parents around.
Our parents who tested the product loved the feature of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me which allows you to raise your baby and lower it at the push of the button. This is a great way to stay in touch with your baby, especially when they are sleeping. If you're looking to purchase a compact travel stroller system, make sure the frame's compatibility with your car capsule to avoid you from having to wake them up when changing between car, pram and back again.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams have the option of a carrycot or bassinet that allows your baby to be laid flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with a seat that can recline into a flat position. It's important to check out the other accessories are included in the pram like the footmuff and changing bag which are essential for keeping your baby warm in colder months.
Some strollers and top prams can be converted into travel system prams systems. You can connect an auto pod to the frame with adaptors, meaning you can transfer your baby from the car to the pram without waking them up. This is a great option when you live a busy lifestyle or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate pram capsules, but it's worth keeping in mind that your baby will need to be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can switch between the car capsule and pram.
Another feature to keep an eye on is the possibility of raising and lowering your newborn's seat from a low setting to a high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our parent tester found was very useful for her 10-month old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me that lets your child 'glide up' to you with the push of the button.
Make sure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that can handle bumps and potholes and that you are able to 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 can be adjusted as your child grows. You should also be able to put your shopping bags and changing bags inside the basket beneath (although be aware that loading the pram with too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you are unsure of which to choose, test different models at your local retailer.