Buying a Pram Newborn
Parents and caregivers can depend on prams and pushchairs to be multi-functional and versatile. They are the co-pilots of your child's journey.
A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies. It has the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and secure walls.
A pram comes with a bassinet, but it can be converted to a stroller once the baby is ready.
Safety
The newborns of today are extremely fragile and must be kept as secure as you can. Buying a pram or stroller with safety features will ensure that your baby is safe and secure while traveling. The basic requirements for any stroller or pram are a functioning brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps and the strap for the crotch) and a wrist tether strap for the person who is pushing the pram. Check that the pram you select is in compliance with these requirements.
Find a stroller that allows your baby to ride in the position recommended for lying flat. This position is supportive for your baby and helps prevent the risk of a dangerous curve in their spine that can lead to spinal problems. It reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation, by keeping the airways free. The majority of prams that can be used from birth will come with a seat unit that will recline to a lay-flat pram mode for younger babies and then transform into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram will determine how smooth it runs. A pram with many suspensions is likely to cost more but it could be worth it to purchase this feature if you are planning on using your pram everyday for a few years or more.
Always read the directions and read the warning labels on your pram or stroller. When not using it, park your pram away from any potential hazards such as bicycles, traffic or other people. You should also remove any bags or other objects from the handles as they can cause your baby to become caught or suffocate.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's not an ideal idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They could wriggle into the pram and get trapped, or be pushed away and cause injuries. It's also not recommended to hang bags or other objects from the handles because they can fall and hit your baby's head.
Comfort
It is vital that newborns have the option of lying flat as this aids in lung and back development. A lot of prams come with a cocoon or carrycot that creates a cosy, nest-like environment for your baby and is able to be removed from the frame. Others, such as the egg2's bucket-style seat don't recline to lie flat, but offer a comfortable ride to your baby.
Some prams also feature a separate bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes based on your baby's needs. This is sometimes called a "travel pushchair system" and is the first option to try out with your newborn.
Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your baby's body safely. Check that there are no gaps or loose areas where fingers can become trapped. Also, make sure that the buckles are simple for older children to operate. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a pram with a parent-facing feature or not - it's great to watch your child and helping them feel reassured by the familiar sight of their parents.
Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, come with a handy raise and lower function that brings your baby up to your face at the push of an button, which our parents testers absolutely loved! This is a fantastic way to maintain eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, particularly when they're sleeping. If you're looking for a travel system, be sure to check the frame is compatible with the car capsule you've chosen to avoid the need to wake them up while changing between pram, car and back again.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is important to consider your baby's transport needs. Some prams have the option of a carrycot or bassinet which allows your baby to lie flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others come with a seat that can recline to a lie-flat position. It is also important to know the other accessories included in the pram, such as a footmuff and changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm when it is cold.
It's also worth noting that some prams and strollers can be transformed into travel systems which allows you to connect a car capsule with the frame using adaptors so that you can move your baby between the car and the pushchair with car seat without needing to wake them up. These can be useful for those who have a hectic lifestyle or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate pram bags capsules, but it is worth bearing in mind that your child must be old enough and able to sit independently 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 10-month-old son was a great feature. One good example is the Graco Near2Me, that can be adjusted to lower the seat, allowing your child to 'glide into your arms by pressing the button, and remain in constant eye contact.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that can handle bumps and potholes and that you are able to fold it up easily and ensure that the safety harness is in good working order that fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You should also be able to put your shopping bags and changing bags in the basket underneath (although be aware that loading the pram with too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're unsure which to choose, test various models at the local store.