Buying a Pram Newborn
Parents and caregivers can depend on pushchairs and prams to be versatile and multi-functional. They're the co-pilots in the new journey of your child.
A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies and has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot that has soft and secure walls.
A pram typically comes with a bassinet but can be converted to an infant stroller newborn seat once baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are extremely fragile and must be kept as safe as possible. A stroller or pram that has safety features will keep your baby secure and comfortable while traveling. The essential requirements for any stroller or pram include a functioning brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps, and an crotch strap) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person pushing the double pram. Be sure that the model you are considering meets these standards before purchasing.
Find a stroller that allows your baby to ride in the position recommended for lying flat. This position is supportive for your baby and helps prevent the development of a risky curve in their spine that can lead to spinal issues. It reduces the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by ensuring that the airways are clear. The majority of prams can be used from the moment of the moment of birth. They have an adjustable seat that reclines to lay flat for infants, and can be converted into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension on prams is vital because it affects how smooth the ride is. A pram with a lot of spring suspension will be more expensive however it is worth the extra cost when you intend to use your pram each day for a couple of years or longer.
Always read the directions and look at the warning labels on your pram or stroller. Also, ensure that your stroller is parked in a safe spot away from bicycles, traffic or other hazards when it's not being used. It is also important to remove any bags or other objects from the handles as they can cause your baby to get caught or suffocate.
A stroller or pram should not be left unattended with a child in it, even if they are asleep. They could get squirming into the stroller and become trapped, or slide away and cause injury. It's not recommended to hang bags or other things on the handles since they could fall and strike your baby's head.
Comfort
It is essential that newborns are able to lie flat as this 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. Others, like the egg2's bucket style seat do not recline to lay flat, but they still provide a comfy ride for your baby stroller.
Some prams come with an additional bassinet or seat for infants. This lets you effortlessly switch between sleeping and sitting positions depending on what your baby needs. It is often called a "travel system" and is the initial setup you should test out with your baby.
Find a pram with two straps for the shoulder, ideally padded and a five-point safety harness. It should fit your baby's body snugly. Be sure there aren't gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could get trapped, and that the buckles are easy to use, particularly for older children. It is also important to consider if you'd like an adult-facing pram. It is ideal to keep an eye on your child and helps them feel more secure by seeing their parents.
Our parents who tested the product loved the feature of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me which lets you raise your baby and lower it at the push of the button. This is a great method to keep eye contact with your baby, and stay in contact, particularly when they're asleep. If you are seeking an infant travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you choose, you will not have to wake your baby stroller to switch between the pram and the car.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about your baby's needs for transport. Some prams have an infant bassinet, carrycot or a seat that reclines to a flat position. This is essential for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. It is important to check out the other accessories the pram for newborn has, such as an infant changing bag and a footmuff which are essential to keep your baby warm in colder months.
It's worth noting that certain strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems, which allows you to connect a car capsule with the frame using adaptors, so that you can transfer your child between the car and the pushchair without needing to awake them. These are useful for those who have a hectic lifestyle or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate prams, however it is worth bearing in mind that your child must be old enough and able to sit up on their own before you can change between the car capsule and pram.
Another feature you may want to look out for is the possibility of raising and lowering the infant's seat from a low setting to a high setting, which helps 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, which lets your child 'glide towards you at the push of the button.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you are able to fold it down easily and ensure that the safety harness is in good working order and fits comfortably (five-point instead of three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You should also be able store shopping and changing bags inside the basket beneath (although be aware that putting on too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what model to pick, check some different models at your local retailer.