Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are multi-functional, multi-purpose allies of parents and caregivers. They are the co-pilots for your child's journey.
A pram newborn is a must for newborns and babies and has the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram is equipped with a bassinet. However, it can be converted into a stroller if the baby is ready.
Safety
The newborns of today are extremely fragile and should be kept as secure as possible. Purchasing a stroller or pram equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is secure and safe during their travels. The essential requirements for any pram with car seat or stroller are to have a working brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps and an crotch strap) and an adjustable wrist tether strap for the person pushing the pram. Make sure the pram you choose meets these standards.
Find a stroller that allows your baby to travel in the position recommended for lying flat. This position helps support the baby and helps prevent an unintentionally dangerous curve in the spine which can cause spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it decreases the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). The majority of prams that can be used from birth will include an infant seat that can recline into a lie-flat pram position for babies younger than the age of one and convert into a running pushchair seat unit for older children.
The suspension on a pram is important because it affects how smooth the ride is. A pram with many spring suspensions will cost more however, it's worth the extra expense if you plan to use your pram every day for a couple of years or longer.
It is important to be sure to read the instruction manual and check the warning labels for your pram or stroller. Also, ensure that your pram is parked in a secure location free of bicycles, traffic or any other dangers when it isn't being used. Also, you should remove any bags or other items from the handles as they can cause your baby to get trapped or even suffocate.
A pram or stroller should not be left unattended with a baby in it even if they are asleep. They can wriggle and become trapped or the pram could be thrown away and the child could be injured. Hanging bags or other items from the handles isn't an ideal idea as they can fall and strike your child in the head.
Comfort
It is vital that newborns have the option to lie flat, as it aids in lung and back development. Many prams have cocoons or carrycots that creates a cozy, nest-like environment for your newborn and can be easily detached from the frame. Other models, such as the egg2's bucket-style seat, don't recline to lie flat, but they still provide a comfy ride for your baby.
Some prams have a separate bassinet or seat for a newborn. This lets you easily switch between the sleeping and sitting positions depending on the needs of your baby. This is sometimes described as a "travel system" and is the first option to try out with your newborn.
Choose a stroller that has two shoulder straps, ideally padded and a five-point safety harness. It must fit your child's body snugly. Make sure there are no gaps or loose areas where fingers could get trapped and that the buckles are comfortable to use, particularly for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a pram with a parent-facing feature or not - it's perfect to keep an eye on your child and helping children feel secure with the familiarity of their parents.
Our parents who tested the product loved the feature of certain prams, like the Graco Near2Me that allows you to raise your baby and lower it at the touch of a button. This is an excellent way to stay in touch with your baby, especially when they are sleeping. If you are seeking a travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you pick you won't have to wake your baby up to switch between the car and pram.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams come with carrycots, a bassinet or a seat that can recline to a flat position. This is essential for your baby's spinal development and breathing. You should also check what other accessories are included in the pram, like a footmuff and changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm when it is cold.
It's worth noting that certain prams and strollers can be transformed into travel systems, allowing you to connect a car capsule with the frame using adaptors to allow you to easily transfer your baby between the car and the folding pushchair without needing to awake them. These are useful when you have a busy schedule or you do not have enough space in your car's boot to accommodate a pram. However, you should be aware that you'll need to wait until your baby is old enough to sit by themselves before you can transform them from a car capsule to the pushchair.
Another feature you may want to consider is the possibility of raising and lowering your infant's seat from a low to high setting, which keeps eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our parent tester found extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me, which allows your child to 'glide towards you at the press of the button.
Finally, make sure your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it down with ease and make sure the safety harness is in good working order that fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You will also be able to keep changing and shopping bags in the basket underneath (although be aware that loading the pram with too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what model to go with, try some different models at the local retailer.