Buying a Pram Newborn
Parents and caregivers can rely on pushchairs and prams to be multi-functional and versatile. They are the co-pilots of your child's next adventure.
A pram newborn is a must for newborns and babies. It has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram comes with a bassinet, but it can be converted to a stroller if the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are incredibly fragile and must be kept as safe as you can. A pram or stroller that has safety features will keep your baby in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. A pram or stroller must include a break that is working and a five-point harness (2 shoulder straps and two waist straps and a crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Verify that the stroller you select is in compliance with these requirements.
Find a pram which allows your baby to travel in the position recommended for lying flat. This position supports your baby and helps prevent the development of a risky curvature in their spine which could lead to problems with their spine. By keeping the airways open, it decreases the risk for SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that are used from birth will come with the seat unit, which 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 many spring suspensions will cost more however it is worth the extra expense when you intend to use your pram every day for a couple of years or longer.
You should always be sure to go through the instruction manual and check the warning labels for your pram or stroller. When not in use, park your pram away from any potential hazards such as bicycles, traffic or other people. It is recommended to remove any bags or items from the handles since they could cause your baby to become caught or suffocate.
A pram or folding stroller should never be left unattended with a child in it even if they are asleep. They can wriggle and become trapped or the pram could roll away and they could be injured. It's also not a good idea to hang bags or other things from the handles because they may fall and hit your baby's head.
Comfort
Having the option of lie flat seating is an absolute must for newborns, as it promotes better lung and back development. Carrycots or cocoons are available on many prams. They create a cozy environment that is comfortable for your baby and can be detached easily 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 include a separate seat or bassinet for infants. This allows you to easily switch between sleeping and sitting positions depending on the needs of your baby. It is commonly referred to as a 'travel system and is the first option you should test with your baby.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps, ideally padded, and a five-point safety harness. It should fit your baby's body perfectly. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could become trapped, and that the buckles are simple to use - especially for older children. You should also consider whether you want an adult-facing pram. It is ideal to keep an eye on your child and helps them feel more secure seeing their parents.
Our parent facing pushchair testers enjoyed the features of some prams like the Graco Near2Me that allows you to raise your baby and lower it at the touch of one button. This is a great method of keeping eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, especially when they're sleeping. If you're in the market for an appropriate travel system, be sure the frame's compatibility with your car capsule and this will prevent you from having to wake them up every time you're changing between pram, car and back again.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about your baby's transport needs. Some prams have a bassinet or carrycot, that allows your baby to be laid 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's important to look at what other accessories the pram has, such as the footmuff and changing bag which are essential for keeping your baby warm in the colder winter months.
It's also worth noting that some prams and strollers can be transformed into travel systems permitting you to connect a car capsule with the frame via adaptors so that you can easily move your baby between the car and the pushchair twin without needing to wake them up. These are useful when you live a busy lifestyle or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate pram capsules, but it is worth bearing in mind that your child will need to be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can switch them from car capsule to pram.
Our parent tester discovered that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son's 10 months old was a great feature. One good example is the Graco Near2Me, which can be lowered to allow your little one to 'glide towards you at the press of an button and maintain constant eye contact.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you are able to fold it down with ease, and check that the safety harness is functional, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You should also be able to keep changing and shopping bags in the basket underneath (although be aware that loading the pram with too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you are unsure of which one to pick, check different models at the local store.