Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are multifunctional, versatile allies of parents and caregivers. They are the co-pilots on the new journey of your child.
A pram newborn is a must for newborns and babies and has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot that has soft and secure walls.
A pram is equipped with a bassinet, but it can be converted to a stroller if the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns should be protected as much as is possible. A pram or stroller with safety features will keep your baby secure and comfortable while traveling. A stroller or double pram must include a break that is working, a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps; 2 waist straps; and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Check that your chosen pram meets these standards before you buy.
Find a pram that allows your newborn to be seated in the suggested lie-flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and avoids the development of a risky spinal curve which could lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it decreases the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). The majority of prams that can be used from birth will come with a seat unit that will recline into a lie-flat pram position for babies younger than the age of one and convert into a running pushchair seat unit for older children.
The suspension of the pram will determine how smoothly it rides. A pram with lots of suspension is likely to be more costly but it may be worth paying for this feature if you intend to use your pram every day for a few years or more.
Always read the directions and look at the warning labels on your pram or stroller. When not in use, park your pram away from any potential hazards such as bicycles, traffic or other people. Also, you should remove any bags or other items that are not removed from the handles, as they can cause your baby to become caught or choke.
A stroller or pram should never be left unattended with a baby in it even if they're asleep. They could wriggle into the stroller and become stuck, or slide away and cause injury. Hanging bags, or other items on the handles isn't recommended because they could fall and strike your child on the head.
Comfort
Having the option of lie flat seating is an absolute essential for infants as it promotes better lung and back development. Many prams have a carrycot or cocoon that creates a cosy nest-like space for your newborn and is able to be removed from the frame. Some seats, such as the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, don't recline completely flat, but provide the comfort of your child.
Some prams also feature a separate bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes according to your baby's requirements. This is sometimes called a "travel system" and is the initial setup you should test out with your newborn.
Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body safely. Be sure to check for gaps or loose places where fingers could be trapped. Also, make sure that the buckles are safe for older children to operate. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a parent facing pram or not. It's ideal to watch your child and helping children feel secure with the familiarity of their parents.
Our parents who tested the product loved the feature of some prams like the Graco Near2Me, which lets you raise your baby and lower it by pressing one button. This is a fantastic way to maintain eye contact with your baby and keep in contact, particularly when they're sleeping. If you're in the market for an appropriate travel system, be sure the frame's compatibility with the car capsule you've chosen to avoid the need to wake them up while changing between car, pram and back.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn [to Reinwell] it is essential to consider your baby's transport needs. Some cheap prams have a carrycot or bassinet, which allow your baby to be laid flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others have seats that recline to a lie-flat position. It's also a good idea to check out the other accessories the pram has, such as the footmuff and changing bag which are essential to keep your baby warm during the colder winter months.
Some strollers and prams can be converted to travel systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors so that you can move your baby from the car to the pram without waking them. These are useful for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you don't have enough space in your car boot to fit a pram. However, you should keep in mind that you'll need to wait until your child is old enough to sit on their own before you change them from a car capsule to pushchair.
Another feature you may want to consider is the possibility of raising and lowering your infant's seat from a low to a high setting, which helps maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, which our tester for parents found very useful for her 10-month old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me, which allows your child to glide towards you at the press of an button.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you are able to fold it down easily and make sure the safety harness you use is safe and fits comfortably (five-point rather than three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should also be able put your shopping bags and changing bags inside the basket beneath (although remember that loading the pram with excessive weight can cause it to tip over). If you're not sure which model to choose, try out a few different models at your local retailer.