Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are the multifunctional, versatile partners of caregivers and parents. They're the co-pilots in the new journey of your child.
A pram newborn is a stroller designed for babies and newborns. It comes with a solid, deep carrycot that is soft, safe walls.
A pram is typically equipped with a bassinet. However, it can be converted to a stroller seat once baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns need to be secured to the greatest extent possible. A pram or stroller with safety features will ensure that your baby is in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. The most essential requirements for any pram and travel system or stroller are to have a working brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and the strap for the crotch) and an adjustable wrist tether strap for the person who is pushing the pram. Check that your chosen pram meets these standards before you buy.
Find a pram which allows your baby to travel in the recommended position of lying flat. This position helps support the baby and helps prevent a potentially dangerous curve in the spine which could cause spinal issues. By keeping the airways open, it lowers the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams pushchairs can be used as early as birth. They have an adjustable seat that reclines into a lay-flat mode for younger infants and converts into a pushchair for older children.
The suspension of a pram will determine how smooth it is. A pram that has many spring suspensions will be more expensive however, it's worth the extra expense in the event that you plan to use your pram every day for a couple of years or longer.
It is important to take the time to go through the instruction manual and check the warning labels for your pram or stroller. When not in use, you should place your stroller in a safe area away from dangers like traffic, bicycles or other people. It is recommended to remove any bags or items from the handles as they could cause your baby to get trapped or even die.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's not a good idea to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They could wiggle and get trapped, or the pram may be thrown away and the child could be injured. Hanging bags or other items from the handles is not recommended since they could fall and strike your child in the head.
Comfort
It is vital that newborns are able to lie flat, as it aids in lung and back development. Carrycots or cocoons are found on many prams. They create a nest-like environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be removed easily from the frame. Others, such as the egg2's bucket-style seat don't recline to lie flat, but they still offer a comfortable ride to your baby.
Some prams come with an additional bassinet or seat for infants. This allows you to easily switch between the sitting and sleeping positions based on what your baby needs. This is often called a 'travel system' and is the first thing you should do with your newborn.
Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps which are cushioned, and a five-point safety harness. It should fit your baby's body snugly. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or areas that are loose in which fingers can get caught and that the buckles are easy to use, particularly for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not. It's ideal for keeping an eye on your child, and also helps them feel reassured by the familiarity of their parents.
Our parent testers loved the feature of certain prams, like the Graco Near2Me, which allows you to raise your baby at the push of a button. This is an excellent method of keeping connected to your baby, especially when they're sleeping. If you're in the market for a travel system, be sure whether the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule and this will prevent you from having to wake them up while changing between car seat pram, pram and back again.
Convenience
When you are shopping for a new baby's pram, it is important to consider the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams have an infant bassinet, carrycot or a seat that can recline to an upright position. This is essential for your baby's spinal development and breathing. It is important to look at what other accessories are included in the pram like an infant changing bag and a footmuff which are essential for keeping your baby warm in colder months.
Some prams and strollers strollers can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors, meaning you can move your baby from the car to the pram without disturbing them. This is a great option if you have a busy life or don't have a big enough boot for prams, however it's important to keep in mind that your child must be old enough and able to sit up independently before you can change them from car capsule to pram.
Our tester's mother found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son who was 10 months old was a wonderful feature. One example is the Graco Near2Me which lets your child 'glide towards you at the push of a button.
Make sure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you can fold it up easily, and check that the safety harness is functional, fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and is adjustable 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 too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're unsure which to choose, test various models at the local store.