Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are multi-functional, flexible allies of parents and caregivers. They are the co-pilots for your child's next adventure.
A pram for newborns is a must for newborns and babies and has a deep, sturdy carrycot that has soft and secure walls.
A pram will typically come with a bassinet but can be transformed into a stroller seat once baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns should be protected as much as is possible. A stroller or pram equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable while traveling. A stroller or pram should have a break that works and a five-point harness (2 shoulder straps; 2 waist straps; and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Check that the pram you select is in compliance with these requirements.
Find a stroller that allows your infant to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position is supportive for the baby and prevents a potentially dangerous spinal curve that can lead to spinal problems. It also reduces the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation, by keeping the airways clear. Most prams that are used from birth will have a seat unit that will recline to a lay-flat pram mode for babies younger than the age of one and transform into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram for newborn will determine how smooth it runs. A pram with lots of suspension is likely to cost more but it may be worth it to purchase this feature if you intend to use your pram every day for a couple of years or more.
Always be sure to read the instruction manual and look over the warning labels on your stroller or pram. When not using it, keep your stroller compact 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, since they could cause your baby to get caught or suffocate.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's not recommended to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They could wriggle into the pram and become trapped, or it could roll away and cause injury. It is also not a good idea to hang bags or other items on the handles since they could fall and hit your baby in the head.
Comfort
It is vital that newborns are able to lie flat, as this promotes lung and back development. Carrycots or cocoons are available on many prams. They create a cozy environment that is comfortable for your baby and can be removed easily from the frame. Other models, such as the egg2's bucket style seat do not recline to lay flat, but they still offer a comfortable ride for your baby.
Some prams also feature an additional bassinet, infant stroller or inset seat so that you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes depending on your bub's requirements. This is sometimes referred to as a "travel system" and is the initial setup you should test out with your newborn.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body securely. Be sure there aren't gaps or areas that are loose in which fingers can get caught, and that the buckles are simple 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 great to keep an eye on your child and helping children feel secure with the familiar sight of their parents.
Our parents who tested the product enjoyed the features of some prams such as the Graco Near2Me which lets you raise your baby by pressing a button. This is an excellent way to stay in touch with your baby, especially if they are asleep. If you're looking for a travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you choose you won't have to wake your baby up to switch between the car and pram.
Convenience
When purchasing a newborn pram, it is important to consider your baby's transport needs. Some prams have a bassinet, carrycot or seat that reclines to an upright position. This is crucial for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. It's important to check out the other accessories are included in the pram, such as a changing bag and footmuff which are essential to keep your baby warm in the colder winter months.
It's worth noting that certain strollers strollers and prams can be transformed into best travel pushchair systems, permitting you to connect a car capsule to the frame via adaptors so that you can easily transfer your child between the car and the running pushchair without having to get them up. This is a great option if you have a busy life or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate pram capsules, but it's important to keep in mind that your child will need to be old enough and able to sit independently before you can change them from car capsule to pram set.
Another feature you may want to look out for is the ability to raise and lower the 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, which our parent tester found extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! A good example is the Graco Near2Me, that can be adjusted to lower the seat, allowing your baby to glide into your arms at the press of an button and maintain constant eye contact.
Also, ensure that your newborn pram has a solid base and wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it down with ease and ensure that the safety harness is functional that fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You should also be able put your shopping bags and changing bags inside the basket beneath (although keep in mind that putting on excessive weight can cause it to tip over). If you are unsure of which one to pick, check out some different models at the local store.