Buying a Pram Newborn
Parents and caregivers can rely on prams and pushchairs that can be versatile and multi-functional. They're the co-pilots in the journey of your child.
A pram newborn is dedicated to newborns and babies. It has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram comes with a bassinet. However, it can also be converted into a stroller if the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns must be protected as much as possible. A pram or stroller that has safety features will keep your baby secure and comfortable while traveling. The basic requirements for any pram or double stroller are to have a working brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps and the strap for the crotch) and an adjustable wrist tether strap for the person pushing the pram. Make sure the pram you select is in compliance with these requirements.
Find a pram that allows your baby to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position helps support the baby and prevents an unintentionally dangerous curve in the spine which can lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it decreases the risk for SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams are able to be used right from the moment of birth. They have seats that recline to lay flat for younger infants and converts into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension on a pram is important as it will affect how smooth the ride is. A pram with a lot of suspension is likely to cost more but it might be worth paying for this feature if you plan to use your pram every day for a couple of years or longer.
Always read the instructions and look at the warning labels on your stroller or pram. When not using it, keep your stroller away from potential dangers like bicycles, traffic or other people. It is recommended to remove any bags or objects from the handles as they could cause your baby to get caught or suffocate.
A stroller or pram should never be left unattended with a child in it even if they're asleep. They can wriggle and become trapped or the pram could be thrown away and the child might be injured. Hanging bags, or other items from the handles isn't recommended as they can fall and strike your child on the head.
Comfort
Possibility of lying flat seating is an absolute necessity for babies, because it helps improve lung and back development. Cocoons or carrycots are found on many prams pushchairs. They create a nest-like space 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 still offer a comfortable ride for your baby.
Some prams come with an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily change between sitting and sleeping modes according to your baby's needs. This is often described as a "travel system and is the first thing you should do with your newborn.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your child's body safely. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could get trapped and that the buckles are easy to use, particularly for older children. Also, think about if you would like an adult-facing pram. It is great for keeping an ear on your child, and makes them feel more secure having their parents around.
Our testers with parents enjoyed the features of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me that allows you to raise your baby and lower it at the push of the button. This is a fantastic way to maintain eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, particularly when they're sleepy. If you're in the market for a travel system, be sure the frame's compatibility with the car capsule you've chosen to avoid the need to wake them up when changing between pram, car and back again.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider your baby's needs for transport. Some prams have the option of a carrycot or bassinet which allow your baby to lie flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with seats that recline into a flat position. It is also a good idea to look at what other accessories the pram bag has like the footmuff and changing bag which are essential for keeping your baby warm during the colder winter months.
It's also worth noting that some strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems allowing you to connect a car capsule to the frame using adaptors, so that you can easily transfer your child between the car and the pushchair without needing to wake them up. These can be useful if you have a busy schedule or don't have the big enough boot for a pram capsule, although it is worth bearing in mind that your child will need to be old enough and able to sit independently before you can change them from car capsule to pram.
Our parent tester found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son who was 10 months old was a fantastic feature. One example is the Graco Near2Me, which lets your child 'glide towards you at the push of an button.
Make sure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can withstand bumps and potholes and that you are able to fold it up easily and ensure that the safety harness is in good working order, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able store shopping bags and changing bags under the pram (but keep in mind that too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you're unsure what to choose, try various models at your local retailer.