Buying a Pram Newborn
Parents and caregivers can depend on prams and pushchairs to be multi-functional and versatile. They're the co-pilots of the new adventure of your child.
A pram newborn is a dedicated stroller for infants and newborns. It comes with a sturdy, deep carrycot and soft, safe walls.
A pram is equipped with a bassinet, however it can be converted to a stroller once the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns need to be secured as much as possible. A stroller or pram equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable during travel. A stroller travel or pram must have a break that works and a five-point harness (2 shoulder straps and two waist straps and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Make sure that the pram you choose is up to the standards before you buy.
Find a pram that allows your baby to travel in the recommended position of lying flat. This position is supportive for the baby and helps prevent a potentially dangerous spinal curve that can cause spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that are used from birth will have a seat unit that will recline into a lie-flat pram mode for infants and transform into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension of the pram will determine how smoothly it rides. A pram that has a lot of spring suspension will be more expensive however, it's worth the extra expense when you intend to use your pram every for a while or longer.
Always read the directions and look at the warning labels on your pram or stroller. You should also make sure that your stroller is parked in a safe spot free of bicycles, traffic or any other dangers when it isn't being used. It is important to remove any bags or items from the handles since they could cause your baby to be caught or suffocate.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's never a good idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They could wriggle into the pram and become stuck, or slide away and cause injury. Hanging bags or other items from the handles is not a good thing as they can fall and hit your child in the head.
Comfort
Having the option of lie flat seating is a necessity for babies, since it aids in better back and lung development. Many prams have a cocoon or carrycot that creates a cosy nest-like space for your newborn and can be easily removed from the frame. Some seats, like the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, don't recline completely flat, but they provide an enjoyable ride for your child.
Some prams have an additional bassinet or seat for the newborn. This lets you easily switch between sleeping and sitting positions depending on the requirements of your baby. This is often referred to as a 'travel system and is the very first thing you should do with your baby.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally cushioned) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your child's body securely. Make sure there aren't any gaps, or loose places where fingers could be trapped. Also, make sure that the buckles are safe for older children to operate. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not - it's great for keeping an eye on your child, and also helps them feel secure by the familiar sight of their parents.
Our testers with parents loved the feature of certain prams like the Graco Near2Me that allows you to raise your baby by pressing the button. This is a fantastic method of keeping eye contact with your baby and keep in touch, especially when they're sleepy. If you're looking for an appropriate travel system, be sure the frame's compatibility with the car capsule you've chosen, as this will save you having to wake them up every time you're changing between pram, car and back.
Convenience
When you are shopping for a new baby's pram, it is crucial to think about your baby's needs for transport. Some prams have a bassinet, carrycot or a seat that can recline to an upright position. This is essential for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. It is important to take a look at the other accessories are included in the pram, such as a changing bag and footmuff that are essential to keep your baby warm in the colder winter months.
Some prams and strollers can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors, meaning you can transfer your baby from the car to the pram without waking them. These are great when you have a busy schedule or you don't have enough space in your car boot to accommodate the pram. But, you must be aware that you will need to wait until your child is old enough to sit up by themselves before you can convert them from a car capsule to the foldable pushchair.
Another feature to consider 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 tester for parents found very 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 an button.
Finally, make sure your baby's pram has a sturdy base with wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you are able to fold it down easily and make sure the safety harness is functional, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You should be able store shopping bags and changing bags beneath the pram (but be aware that too much weight could cause it to topple over). If you're unsure which one to pick, check various models at your local retailer.