Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are the multifunctional, versatile partners of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots of your child's new journey.
A pram newborn is dedicated to infants and newborns. It comes with a a deep, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram typically comes with a bassinet, but it can be converted into a stroller seat when baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are extremely fragile and need to be protected as much as you can. A pram or stroller equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable during travel. A stroller or pram should include a break that is working, a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps and two waist straps and a crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Be sure that the model you are considering is up to the standards before you purchase.
Find a pram which allows your baby to ride in the recommended position of lying flat. This position is supportive for the baby and helps prevent a potentially dangerous curve in the spine which could cause spinal issues. It also reduces the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by ensuring that the airways are free. Most prams are able to be used from the moment of the time of birth. They come with seats that recline into a lay-flat position for infants. It can also be converted into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension on prams is vital as it will affect how smooth the ride is. A pram that has a lot of suspension is likely to be more expensive but it could be worth the cost of this feature if you plan to use your pram every day for a few years or more.
You should always take the time to go through the instruction manual and look over the warning labels on your pram or stroller. When not using it, place your stroller in a safe area away from potential dangers such as bicycles, traffic or other people. You should also remove any bags or other items that are not removed from the handles as they can cause your baby to get caught or choke.
A stroller travel or pram should not be left alone with a child in it even if they're asleep. They may squirm into the pram and become trapped, or slide away and cause injury. It's not recommended to hang bags or other objects from the handles because they can fall and hit your baby in the head.
Comfort
Possibility of lying flat seating is an absolute must for newborns, since it aids in better back and lung development. Cocoons or carrycots are available on a variety of prams. They create a cozy environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Others, such as the egg2's bucket style seat do not recline to lie flat but still offer a comfortable ride to your baby.
Some prams also feature an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat so you can easily switch between sleeping and sitting modes according to your baby's requirements. This is often called a "travel system" and is the first option to try out with your baby.
Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps, ideally padded, and a five-point safety harness. It should fit your baby's body snugly. Make sure there are no gaps or loose areas where fingers could become trapped, and that the buckles are simple to use - especially for older children. You should also think about if you would like an adult-facing double pram pushchair. It is great to keep an eye on your child and helps them feel more secure being able to see their parents.
Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, have an awesome raise and lower function that can bring your baby right up to your face at the push of the button, which our parent testers loved! This is a fantastic method to keep eye contact with your baby and stay in contact, particularly when they're sleeping. If you're looking for a travel system compatible with the car capsule you choose it is not necessary to wake your baby up to switch between the pram and car.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about your baby's transport needs. Some prams include a bassinet or carrycot, that allows your baby to be laid flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with a seat that can recline to a lie-flat position. It is important to check the other accessories that are included in the pram, like the footmuff and the changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm when it is cold.
Some prams and strollers can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors so that you can move your child from the car to the twin pushchair without waking them up. These are useful for those who have a hectic lifestyle or don't have a sufficient space for pram capsules, but it is worth bearing in mind that your baby will need to be old enough and able to sit up on their own before you can change them from car capsule to pram.
Our tester's mother found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son's 10 months old was a fantastic feature. An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me which can lower to allow your child to 'glide into your arms by pressing an button and maintain constant eye contact.
Finally, make sure your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it up easily and ensure that the safety harness you use is safe and fits comfortably (five-point instead of three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able to store bags for changing and shopping under the double pram and pushchair (but remember that too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're unsure which one to pick, check out some different models at the local store.