Buying a Pram Newborn

Parents and caregivers can count on prams and pushchairs to be multi-functional and versatile. They are the co-pilots on the new adventure of your child.

A newborn pram is designed for newborns and babies. It has a deep, sturdy carrycot that has soft and secure walls.

A pram is equipped with a bassinet, but it can be converted into a stroller once the baby is ready.

Safety

The newborns of today are extremely fragile and need to be kept as safe as possible. Purchasing a stroller or pram equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and secure during travel. The basic requirements for any stroller or pram include a functioning brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps and an Crotch strap) and a wrist tether strap for the person pushing the pram. Check that the pram you select meets these requirements.

Look for a pram that allows your infant to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position is supportive for the baby and helps prevent a potentially dangerous curve in the spine which can lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the risk for SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that can be used from birth will come with an infant seat that can recline to a lay-flat pram mode for younger babies and then convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.

The suspension of a pram will determine how smooth it is. A pram that has a lot of suspension is likely to be more costly but it may be worth the cost of this feature if you intend to use your pram daily for a few years or more.

You should always be sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly and look over the warning labels on your pram or stroller. You should also make sure that your stroller is parked in a secure location away from bicycles, traffic or any other dangers when it is not being used. You should also remove any bags or other items from the handles as they could cause your baby to become trapped or even suffocate.

Even if the baby seems asleep, it's never a good idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They could wriggle into the pram and become trapped, or roll away and cause injury. It's not a good idea to hang bags or other things from the handles because they can fall and hit your baby in the head.

Comfort

It is vital that newborns have the option of lying flat as this aids in lung and back development. Many prams have cocoons or carrycots that creates a warm nest-like space for your infant and can be easily detached from the frame. Some seats, such as the bucket-style seat on the egg2, don't recline completely flat, but offer the comfort of your child.

Some prams come with a separate bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily change between sitting and sleeping modes according to your baby's requirements. This is often referred to as a "travel system" and is the first configuration that you should try out with your baby.

Look for a pram with two straps for the shoulder, ideally padded and a five-point safety harness. It must fit your child's body snugly. Check that there are no gaps or loose places where fingers could get caught. Also make sure the buckles are safe for older children to operate. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not. It's great to keep an eye on your little one and helps them feel secure by the familiar sight of their parents.

Some prams, such as the Graco Near2Me, come with a nifty raise and lower feature that brings your baby close to your face with the push of the button, which our parents testers loved! This is a fantastic method to keep eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, especially when they're sleepy. If you're looking to purchase a travel system, be sure that whether the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule and this will prevent you from having to wake them up when changing between car, pram and back.

Convenience

It is important to take into account your baby's transportation needs when purchasing a baby pram. Some prams include a bassinet or carrycot, which allow your baby to lie flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with seats that recline to a lie-flat position. You should also check the other accessories included in the pram, such as the footmuff and the changing bag. These are essential for keeping your baby warm when it is cold.

Some strollers and prams can be converted to travel systems. You can connect an auto pod to the frame with adaptors, meaning you can move your baby from the car to the pram and travel system without waking them up. This is a great option for those who have a hectic schedule or don't have the big enough boot for prams, however it's important to keep in mind that your child must be old enough and able to sit up independently before you can change them from car capsule to pram.

Another feature you may want to keep an eye on is the possibility of raising and lowering your newborn's seat from a low to high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our parent tester found really useful with her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me which allows your child to 'glide towards you at the push of an button.

Make sure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it down with ease and ensure that the safety harness is functional that fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able to store bags for changing and shopping beneath the pram (but be aware that too much weight can cause it to topple over). If you're unsure which one to pick, check different models at the local store.