Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are multi-functional, multi-purpose allies of parents and caregivers. They are the co-pilots of your child's new journey.
A pram newborn is a dedicated stroller designed for babies and newborns. It has a solid, deep carrycot that is soft, safe walls.
A pram typically comes with a bassinet, but it can be transformed into a stroller seat when baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are extremely fragile and need to be kept as safe as possible. Purchasing a stroller or pram with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and secure during travel. A stroller or running pram must have a break that works, a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps with two waist straps and the crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Make sure the pram you select meets these requirements.
Look for a pram that allows your newborn to ride in the recommended lying flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and avoids a dangerous curvature in their spine which could lead to problems with their spine. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that can be used from birth will have an infant seat that can recline into a lie-flat pram position for infants and transform into a pushchair sale unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram will determine how smooth it rides. A pram that has lots of spring suspension will cost more however it is worth the extra cost when you intend to use your pram each day for a few years or more.
Always read the directions and look at the warning labels on your pram set or stroller. When not in use, park your pram away from potential dangers like bicycles, traffic or other people. You should also remove any bags or other items that are not removed from the handles as they could cause your baby to become caught or suffocate.
A pram or stroller should not be left alone with a child in it even if they're asleep. They could wiggle and get stuck or the pram might slide away and the baby could be injured. It is also not recommended to hang bags or other items on the handles since they may fall and strike your baby's head.
Comfort
It is crucial that babies have the option of lying flat, as it aids 3 in one pushchair lung and back development. Carrycots or cocoons 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, like the egg2's bucket-style seat, do not recline to lie flat, but they still offer a comfortable ride for your baby.
Some prams come with a separate bassinet or seat for a newborn. This allows you to effortlessly switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on the needs of your baby. It is often referred to as a "travel system" and is the initial setup you should test out with your baby.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body securely. Make sure there aren't any gaps or loose areas where fingers can get caught. Also, ensure that the buckles are simple for older children to use. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a pram that faces the parent or not. It's perfect to keep an eye on your little one and helps them feel secure by the familiarity of their parents.
Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me have a handy raise and lower function that can bring your baby up to your face at the push of a button, which our parents testers loved! This is a great way to stay in touch with your baby, particularly if they are asleep. If you're looking for a travel pram system, be sure whether the frame is compatible with your car capsule and this will prevent the need to wake them up while changing between car, pram and back.
Convenience
It is essential to take into account the needs of your baby's transportation when buying a newborn pram. Some prams include carrycots, a bassinet or a seat that can recline to a flat position. This is essential to ensure your baby's spinal development and breathing. You should also check what other accessories are included in the pram, like the footmuff and the changing bag. These are essential for keeping your baby warm when it is cold.
Some strollers and prams can be converted to travel systems. You can connect an auto pod to the frame with adaptors so that you can move your baby from the car to the pram without waking them. These are useful for those who have a hectic lifestyle or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate a pram capsule, although it's worth keeping in mind that your child must be old enough and able to sit independently 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 to a high setting, which helps maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our parent tester found was extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! A good example is the Graco Near2Me which can lower to allow your baby to glide towards you by pressing an button and maintain constant eye contact.
You should also be able to store shopping bags and changing bags in the basket underneath. You will also be able to keep changing and shopping bags inside the basket beneath (although be aware that putting on too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you're unsure what to choose, try different models at your local store.