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 infants and newborns. It comes with a the most solid, sturdy carrycot that has soft and secure walls.

A pram is typically equipped with a bassinet, but it can be transformed into a stroller seat when baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns must be protected as much as is possible. Buying a pram or stroller equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and secure while traveling. The most essential requirements for any stroller or pram are a functioning brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and an strap for the crotch) and an adjustable wrist tether strap for the person pushing the pram. Make sure the pram you select meets these requirements.

Find a stroller that allows your baby to travel in the recommended position of lying flat. This position helps your baby and avoids the risk of a dangerous spinal curve which could lead to spinal issues. It also reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation, by keeping the airways clear. Most prams that are used from birth will include the seat unit, which will recline into a lie-flat pram position for younger babies and then convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.

The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it is. A pram with lots of suspension is likely to be more costly but it could be worth it to purchase this feature if you intend to use your pram daily for a couple of years or more.

Always read the instructions and look at the warning labels on your lightweight stroller or pram. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is parked in a safe location away from bicycles, traffic or any other dangers when it isn't being used. It is important to take any bags or other items from the handles as they could cause your baby to be trapped or even suffocate.

Even if the baby is asleep, it's never an ideal idea to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They may squirm into the pram and become stuck, or roll away and cause injury. Hanging bags or other objects from the handles is not recommended because they could fall and strike your child in the head.

Comfort

It is essential that newborns have the option to lie flat, as it aids in lung and back development. Many prams have a carrycot or cocoon that creates a cozy, nest-like environment for your baby and can be easily removed from the frame. Others, like the egg2's bucket style seat don't recline to lie flat but still offer a comfortable ride for your baby.

Some prams include an additional bassinet or seat for a newborn. This allows you to effortlessly switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on the requirements of your baby. It is often called a "travel system" and is the first configuration that you should try out with your newborn.

Find a pram that has two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body safely. Be sure there aren't gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could become trapped, and that the buckles are easy to use, especially for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a pram with a parent-facing feature or not. It's perfect for keeping an eye on your child and helping them feel reassured by the familiarity of their parents.

Some prams, such as the Graco Near2Me, come with a handy raise and lower function that allows your baby to come close to your face with the touch of an button, which our parents testers loved! This is a great method to keep eye contact with your baby and keep in touch, particularly when they're sleepy. If you're looking for a travel system, be sure to check the frame is compatible with your car capsule to avoid you from having to wake them up when changing between pram, car and back again.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is important to consider the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams have a bassinet, carrycot or a seat that can recline to a flat position. This is important for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. You should also check the other accessories that are included in the pram, such as a footmuff or a changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm in the event of cold.

It's important to note that some prams travel system and strollers can be transformed into travel systems allowing you to connect a car capsule with the frame using adaptors, to allow you to easily transfer your child between the car and the pushchair without having to wake them up. These can be useful when you live a busy lifestyle or don't have a sufficient space for pram capsules, but it is worth bearing in mind that your baby must be old enough and able to sit up on their own 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 10-month-old son was a great feature. A good example is the Graco Near2Me, which can be lowered to allow your baby to glide into your arms by pressing an button and maintain constant eye contact.

Make sure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you are able to fold it up easily and ensure that the safety harness is in good working order 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 store bags for changing and shopping beneath the pram (but keep in mind that too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're unsure what to choose, try various models at your local store.