Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are multifunctional, versatile allies of parents and caregivers. They are the co-pilots for your child's journey.
A pram for newborns is a must for newborns and babies and has the most solid, sturdy carrycot that has soft and secure walls.
A pram is typically equipped with a bassinet. However, it can be converted to a stroller seat when baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are incredibly fragile and should be protected as much as is possible. Buying a pram or stroller with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and secure while traveling. A stroller or pram should have a working break and a five-point harness (2 shoulder straps and two waist straps and the crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Check that your chosen pram meets these standards before purchasing.
Find a stroller that allows your baby to ride in the position recommended for lying flat. This position helps support the baby and prevents an unintentionally dangerous spinal curve that can lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the risk for SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). 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 is important because it affects how smooth the ride is. A pram with a lot of spring suspension will cost more however it is worth the extra expense when you intend to use your pram every for a while or more.
It is important to take the time to read the instruction manual and look over the warning labels on your pram or stroller. When not in use, keep your stroller away from dangers like bicycles, traffic or other people. It is also important to remove any bags or other items from the handles as they could cause your baby to get caught or choke.
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 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 hit your child in the head.
Comfort
Possibility of lying flat seating is a necessity for babies, because it helps improve back and lung development. Cocoons or carrycots are available on many prams. They create a nest-like space that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be removed easily from the frame. Other models, such as the egg2's bucket style seat don't recline to lie flat but still provide a comfy ride for your baby.
Some prams include a separate bassinet or seat for a newborn. This allows you to easily switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on what your baby needs. This is often called a "travel system" and is the initial option to try out with your baby.
Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally cushioned) and a five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body securely. Make sure there aren't any gaps or loose areas, where fingers could get caught. Also, make sure that the buckles are easy for older children to use. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a parent facing twin pram (More suggestions) or not. It's great to keep an eye on your little one and helps children feel secure with the familiarity of their parents.
Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me have a handy raise and lower function that brings your baby up to your face at the touch of the button, which our parent testers loved! This is an excellent method of keeping in touch with your baby, especially if they are sleeping. If you're looking to purchase an appropriate travel system, be sure to check the frame is compatible with the car capsule you've chosen to avoid you from having to wake them up when changing between car, pram and back.
Convenience
When you are shopping for a new baby's pram, it is important to consider your baby's transport needs. Some prams have an infant bassinet, carrycot or a seat that can recline to a flat position. This is crucial for your baby's spinal development and breathing. It is also important to know the other accessories included in the pram, like a footmuff and changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm in the event of cold.
It's also worth noting that some strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems which allows 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 wake them up. These are useful if you have a busy life or don't have a big enough boot for a pram capsule, although it is worth bearing in mind that your child must be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can change between the car capsule and pram.
Our parent tester discovered that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son who was 10 months old was a great feature. One good example is the Graco Near2Me, which can be lowered to allow your child to 'glide towards you at the press of a button and stay in constant eye contact.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you can fold it up easily, push chairs and prams check that the safety harness is functional, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You will also be able to put your shopping bags and changing bags inside the basket beneath (although remember that putting on too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you're not sure which model to pick, check out a variety of models at your local store.