Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are the multi-functional, flexible partners of caregivers and parents. They're the co-pilots in the new adventure of your child.
A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies. It has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram comes with a bassinet. However, it can be converted to a stroller once the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns must be protected as much as possible. A pram or stroller with safety features will ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable during travel. A pram or stroller must have a working break and a five-point harness (2 shoulder straps; 2 waist straps; and a crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Make sure that the pram you choose is in compliance with these requirements before purchasing.
Find a pram that allows your newborn to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position supports your baby and prevents the risk of a dangerous spinal curve that could cause problems with their spine. By keeping the airways open, it lowers the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). The majority of prams that can be used from birth will have an infant seat that can recline into a lie-flat pram mode for younger babies and then convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram will determine how smooth it runs. A pram with many spring suspensions will cost more however, it's worth the extra expense in the event that you plan to use your pram each for a while or longer.
Always read the instructions and carefully read the warning labels on your pram or stroller. Also, ensure that your pram is parked in a safe spot away from bicycles, traffic or other hazards when it's not being used. Also, you should remove any bags or other items from the handles, since they could cause your baby to become caught or choke.
A pram or stroller should never be left unattended 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's not a good idea to hang bags or other items from the handles because they may fall and hit your baby in the head.
Comfort
Possibility of lying flat seating is an absolute necessity for babies, because it helps improve back and lung development. A lot of prams come with a cocoon or carrycot that creates a cozy nest-like space for your newborn and can be easily detached from the frame. Others, such as the egg2's bucket style seat do not recline to lay flat, but provide a comfy ride for your baby.
Some prams also feature an additional bassinet, infant inset or stroller seat so you can easily change between sitting and sleeping modes according to your baby's requirements. It is commonly described as a "travel system and is the first thing you should do with your baby.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your child's body securely. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or areas that are loose in which fingers can get caught, and that the buckles are comfortable to use, particularly for older children. You should also think about if you would 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 parent testers loved the feature of some prams such as the Graco Near2Me that allows you to raise your baby and lower it at the push of a button. This is an excellent method of keeping in touch with your baby, especially if they are asleep. If you're looking to purchase an appropriate travel system, be sure whether the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule and this will prevent you from having to wake them up when changing between pram, car and back again.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams have a bassinet, carrycot or a seat that reclines to an upright position. This is crucial for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. You should also check what other accessories are included in the pram, such as a footmuff or a changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm in the event of cold.
It's important to note that some prams and strollers can be transformed into travel systems, permitting you to connect a car capsule to the frame using adaptors to allow you to easily transfer your child between the car and the pushchair without having to get them up. These are useful for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you don't have enough space in your car boot to accommodate a pram. However, you should keep in mind that you'll need to wait until your child is old enough to sit independently before you convert them from a car capsule to twin pushchair.
Another feature to look out for is the ability to raise and lower your 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, something that our parent tester found was very useful for her 10-month old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me which allows your child to 'glide up' to you with the touch of an button.
Make sure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that can handle bumps and potholes and that you can fold it down easily, and check that the safety harness is functional, fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You will also be able to keep changing and shopping bags inside the basket beneath (although remember that loading the pram with too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're unsure which one to pick, check various models at your local retailer.