Buying a Pram Newborn
Parents and caregivers can rely on prams and pushchairs that can be multi-functional and versatile. They are the co-pilots for your child's next adventure.
A pram newborn is a dedicated stroller for newborns and babies. It comes with a sturdy, deep carrycot and soft, safe walls.
A pram is equipped with a bassinet, but it can be converted to a stroller once the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are incredibly fragile and need to be kept as safe as is possible. A stroller or pram equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. The most essential requirements for any pram or
toddler stroller are a functioning brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and the Crotch strap) and a wrist tether strap for the person who is pushing the pram. Make sure that the pram you choose is in compliance with these requirements before purchasing.
Find a pram that allows your baby to travel 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. It reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation, by keeping the airways free. Most prams can be used as early as the moment of birth. They have a seat unit which reclines to lay flat for infants. It can also be converted into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it rides. A pram with a lot of spring suspension will cost more, but it is worth the extra expense in the event that you plan to use your pram every day for a couple of years or more.
It is important to be sure to read the instruction manual and examine the warning labels for your pram or stroller. Also, 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 also a good idea to remove any bags or items off the handles, as they could cause your baby to get trapped or even die.
Even if your baby is asleep, it's never a good idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They can wriggle and become trapped, or the pram may be thrown away and the child might be injured. It's also not recommended to hang bags or other things from the handles because they may fall and strike your baby's head.
Comfort
It is crucial that babies are able to lie flat, as this promotes lung and back development. Carrycots or cocoons are found on many prams. They create a nest-like space that is comfortable for your baby and can be removed easily from the frame. Others, such as the egg2's bucket-style seat, do not recline to lay flat, but they still provide a comfy ride for your baby.
Some prams come with a separate seat or bassinet for infants. This lets you easily switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on what your baby needs. This is often described as a "travel system" and is the first configuration that you should try out with your baby.
Choose a stroller that has two shoulder straps that are ideally padded and a five-point security harness. It should fit your baby's body snugly. Be sure to check for gaps, or loose places where fingers could become trapped. Also, ensure that the buckles are simple for older children to operate. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a
parent facing pram or not - it's perfect to keep an eye on your child and helping them feel reassured by the familiar sight of their parents.
Our parent testers enjoyed the features of some prams such as the Graco Near2Me which lets you raise your baby and lower it at the touch of a button. This is a great way to keep connected to your baby, especially if they're sleeping. If you're looking for an appropriate travel system, be sure the frame's compatibility with the car capsule you've chosen, as this will save you having to wake them up every time you're changing between car, pram and back.
Convenience
It is essential to consider your baby's needs for transportation when you purchase a new baby's pram. Some prams have an infant bassinet, carrycot or a seat that reclines to an upright position. This is crucial to ensure your baby's spinal development and breathing. It's important to look at what other accessories the pram comes with like an infant changing bag and a footmuff that are essential to keep your baby warm in colder months.
Some prams and strollers can be converted into
travel system prams systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors so that you can transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair without waking them up. These are useful when you have a busy schedule or you don't have enough space your car's boot to accommodate the pram. However, you should be aware that you will need to wait until your baby is old enough to sit up independently before you transform them from a car capsule to pushchair.
Our parent tester discovered that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son who was 10 months old was a wonderful feature. One good example is the Graco Near2Me which can lower to allow your child to 'glide into your arms at the press of the button, and remain in constant eye contact.
Finally, make sure your
pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that are able to handle bumps and potholes and that you are able to fold it down with ease, and check that the safety harness you use is safe that fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able store bags for shopping and changing underneath the pram (but remember that too much weight can cause it to topple over). If you're not sure what model to go with, try out a variety of models at the local retailer.