Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are the multifunctional, versatile partners of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots for your child's new journey.
A pram newborn is a must for newborns and babies and has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram is equipped with a bassinet, but it can also be converted into a stroller if the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns need to be secured as much as is possible. Buying a pram or stroller with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and secure during travel. A stroller or pram should have a working break and a five-point harness (2 shoulder straps with two waist straps and the crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Check that your chosen pram is up to the standards before you buy.
Look for a pram that allows your infant to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position supports your baby and helps prevent 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). Most prams that are used from birth will have the seat unit, which will recline to a lay-flat pram mode for younger babies and then convert into a twin pushchair seat unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram is important as it will affect how smooth the ride is. A pram that has many spring suspensions will be more expensive, but it is worth the extra expense when you intend to use your pram each for a while or more.
It is important to make sure to go through the instruction manual and examine the warning labels for your stroller or pram. 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. It is also a good idea to remove any bags or objects from the handles as they could cause your baby to get trapped or even suffocate.
A pram or stroller should not be left alone with a child in it, even if they are asleep. They could wiggle and get stuck or the pram might roll away and they might be injured. It's not a good prams idea to hang bags or other items off the handles as they can fall and strike your baby's head.
Comfort
Possibility of lying flat seating is an absolute must for newborns, since it aids in better back and lung development. Cocoons or carriers are available on a variety of prams for sale. They create a nest-like space that is comfortable for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Certain seats, like the bucket-style seat on egg2, don't recline completely flat, but they provide a comfortable ride for your child.
Some prams have a separate bassinet or seat for the newborn. This lets you easily switch between the sitting and sleeping positions based on the requirements of your baby. This is sometimes referred to as a "travel system" and is the first option to try out with your newborn.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) 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 could be trapped. Also make sure the buckles are easy for older children to use. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not - it's great to watch your little one and helps them feel secure by the familiar sight of their parents.
Our parent testers loved the feature of some prams such as the Graco Near2Me that allows you to raise your baby and lower it by pressing a button. This is an excellent way to keep connected to your baby, particularly if they are asleep. If you're seeking an infant travel system that is compatible with the car seat pram capsule you pick it is not necessary to wake your baby to switch between the car and pram.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is important to consider your baby's needs for transport. Some prams include a bassinet, carrycot or a seat that can recline to a flat position. This is essential for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. It is also important to know the other accessories that are included in the pram, like the footmuff and the changing bag. These are essential for keeping your baby warm in the event of cold.
It's important to note that some strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems permitting you to connect a car capsule with the frame via adaptors to allow you to easily transfer your child between the car and the pushchair without needing to awake them. These can be useful when you live a busy life or don't have a big enough boot for pram capsules, but it is worth bearing in mind that your child must be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can switch between the car capsule and pram.
Another feature you may want to keep an eye on is the ability to raise and lower your newborn's seat from a low to high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, which our tester for parents found extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me which lets your child 'glide closer to you at the push of the button.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you can fold it down with ease and make sure 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 be able to store bags for shopping and changing under the pram (but keep in mind that too much weight can cause it to topple over). If you're not sure what to choose, try out some different models at the local store.