Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs prams are multi-functional, multi-purpose companions of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots for your child's journey.
A pram newborn is dedicated to newborns and babies. It has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram is equipped with a bassinet. However, it can be converted to a stroller when the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are incredibly fragile and should be kept as secure as possible. A stroller or pram equipped with safety features will keep your baby in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. A stroller or pram should include a break that is working and a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps with two waist straps and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Check that the pram you select meets these requirements.
Find a pram that allows your baby to ride in the recommended position of lying flat. This position supports your baby and avoids the risk of a dangerous curve in their spine which could lead to spinal issues. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the risk for SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). The majority of prams that can be used from birth will come with the seat unit, which will recline to a lay-flat pram mode for infants and transform into a pushchair with car seat unit for older children.
The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it rides. A pram that has many suspensions is likely to be more costly but it could be worth paying for this feature if you plan to use your pram every day for a few years or longer.
It is important to make sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly and look over the warning labels on your pram or stroller. When not using it, keep your stroller away from dangers like traffic, bicycles or other people. It is recommended to remove any bags or objects from the handles as they could cause your baby to be trapped or even suffocate.
Even if your baby is asleep, it's never an ideal idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They could wriggle into the pram and become trapped, or it could be pushed away and cause injuries. It's also not recommended to hang bags or other things off the handles as they could fall and strike your baby's head.
Comfort
It is vital that newborns have the option of lying flat, as this promotes lung and back development. Carrycots or cocoons are available on many prams. They create a nest-like environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Others, like the egg2's bucket style seat do not recline to lie flat but still offer a comfortable ride for your baby.
Some prams also have an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sleeping and sitting modes according to your baby's needs. It is often described as a "travel system" and is the first option to try out with your baby.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your baby's body safely. Be sure there aren't gaps or loose areas in which fingers can get caught, and that the buckles are simple to use - especially for older children. You should also consider if you'd like a parent-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 loved the feature of some prams like the Graco Near2Me which allows you to raise your baby and lower it by pressing a button. This is a fantastic way to maintain eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, especially when they're sleeping. If you're searching for a travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you pick, you will not have to wake your baby up to switch between the pram and the car.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams include the option of a carrycot or bassinet which allows your baby to be laid flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with seats that can recline to a lying-flat position. You should also check the other accessories included in the pram, for instance a footmuff and changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm when it is cold.
It's worth noting that certain strollers and prams 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 having to awake them. These are useful when you have a busy schedule or you don't have enough space your car's boot to accommodate the pram. But, you must be aware that you'll need to wait until your baby is old enough to sit up independently before you convert them from a car capsule to a twin pushchair.
Our tester's mother found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son's 10 months old was a great feature. One example is the Graco Near2Me, which lets your child 'glide towards you at the press of a button.
Make sure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it down easily and ensure that the safety harness is in good working order, fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You will also be able to put your shopping bags and changing bags in the basket underneath (although remember that putting on too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you're unsure which to choose, test out some different models at the local store.