Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs car seats are multi-functional, flexible allies of parents and caregivers. They are the co-pilots of your child's journey.
A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies and has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and secure walls.
A pram comes with a bassinet, however it can be converted into a stroller compact if the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are incredibly fragile and must be protected as much as you can. A stroller or pram with safety features will keep your baby in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. The essential requirements for any stroller or pram include a functioning brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps and a strap for the crotch) and a wrist tether strap for the person pushing the pram. Be sure that the model you are considering meets these standards before purchasing.
Find a pram that allows your baby to travel in the position recommended for lying flat. This position is supportive for the baby and prevents a potentially dangerous spinal curve that can cause spinal problems. It reduces the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by keeping airways open. Most prams that can be used from birth will come with an infant seat that can recline into a lie-flat pram position for babies younger than the age of one and convert into a pushchair newborn seat unit for older children.
The suspension on a pram is important as it will affect how smooth the ride is. A pram with many suspensions is likely to be more expensive but it might be worth the cost of this feature if you are planning to use your pram daily for a few years or more.
You should always be sure to read the instruction manual and look over the warning labels on your pram or triple stroller. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is parked in a secure location away from traffic, bicycles or any other potential hazards when it isn't being used. You should also remove any bags or other items from the handles, as they can cause your baby to become caught or suffocate.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's never recommended to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They can get wriggling and become stuck or the pram might slide away and the baby might be injured. It's not recommended to hang bags or other items from the handles because they can fall and hit your baby's head.
Comfort
Having the option of lie flat seating is an absolute necessity for babies, as it promotes better lung and back development. Cocoons or carriers are found on many prams. They create a nest-like space that is comfortable for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Other models, such as the egg2's bucket-style seat do not recline to lay flat but still provide a comfy ride for your baby.
Some prams come with a separate seat or bassinet for the newborn. This allows you to easily switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on the needs of your baby. This is often referred to as a 'travel system' and is the first configuration you should try with your newborn.
Find a pram that has two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a five-point safety harness that fits your child's body safely. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or loose areas in which fingers can get caught and that the buckles are simple to use, especially for older children. Also, consider if you'd like a parent-facing pram. It is ideal for keeping an ear on your child and makes them feel more secure by being able to see their parents.
Some prams pushchairs, such as the Graco Near2Me, come with a nifty raise and lower feature that brings your baby up to your face at the push of the button, which our parent testers loved! This is an excellent way to stay connected to your baby, especially when they are sleeping. If you're looking to purchase a travel system, be sure that whether the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule to avoid you from having to wake them up when changing between car, pram and back again.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about your baby's transport needs. Some prams include a bassinet, carrycot or seat that reclines to a flat position. This is essential for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. It is also important to know the other accessories that are included in the pram, for instance the footmuff and the changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm when it's cold.
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 transfer your child from the car to the pram without waking them up. These can be useful if you have a busy life or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate pram capsules, but it's worth keeping in mind that your baby must be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can switch them from car capsule to pram.
Our parent tester found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son's 10 months old was a wonderful feature. One good example is the Graco Near2Me which can lower to allow your baby to glide' up to you at the press of an button and maintain constant eye contact.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you are able to fold it down easily, and check that the safety harness is functional and fits comfortably (five-point rather than three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You will also be able to store shopping and changing bags inside the basket beneath (although keep in mind that putting on excessive weight can cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what model to pick, check out a variety of models at your local store.