Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and
pushchairs car seats are multi-functional, flexible allies of parents and caregivers. They're the co-pilots of the journey of your child.
A pram newborn is dedicated to newborns and babies. It has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot that has soft and secure walls.
A pram is equipped with a bassinet, however it can be converted into a stroller if the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns need to be secured as much as is possible. A stroller or pram with safety features will keep your baby secure and comfortable while traveling. A pram or stroller must include a break that is working, a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps; 2 waist straps; and the crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Check that the pram you select meets these requirements.
Find a pram that allows your baby to ride in the recommended lying-flat position. This position helps support the baby and helps prevent the risk of a dangerous spinal curve that can lead to spinal problems. It also lowers the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by ensuring that the airways are open. Most prams that are used from birth will come with the seat unit, which will recline into a lie-flat pram position for babies younger than the age of one and convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram will determine how smooth it runs. A pram with a lot of spring suspension will be more expensive however it is worth the extra expense if you plan to use your pram each day for a couple of years or more.
Always read the instructions and look at the warning labels on your pram or stroller. Also, ensure that your pram is parked in a safe location free of bicycles, traffic or other hazards when it is not being used. It is also important to remove any bags or other items that are not removed from the handles, since they can cause your baby to get caught or suffocate.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's never recommended to leave a
babiie pram or stroller unattended. They could get squirming into the pram and get stuck, or roll away and cause injury. Hanging bags or other objects from the handles is not recommended as they can fall and strike your child in the head.
Comfort
Having the option of lie flat seating is an absolute essential for infants because it helps improve lung and back development. A lot of prams come with cocoons or carrycots that creates a warm nest-like atmosphere for your baby and can be easily removed from the frame. Other models, such as the egg2's bucket style seat don't recline to lie flat, but provide a comfy ride for your baby.
Some prams also have an additional bassinet, infant stroller or inset seat so that you can easily change between sitting and sleeping modes depending on your bub's requirements. This is often referred to as a 'travel system' and is the first thing you should do with your baby.
Find a pram that has two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a five-point safety harness that fits your baby's body securely. Make sure there are no gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could get trapped, and that the buckles are easy to use, particularly for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a pram with a parent-facing feature or not. It's perfect to keep an eye on your little one and helps them feel secure by the familiar sight of their parents.
Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, come with a handy raise and lower function that allows your baby to come up to your face at the push of a button, which our parents testers loved! This is an excellent way to stay connected to your baby, especially when they are sleeping. If you're looking for an appropriate travel system, be sure that whether the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule and this will prevent you having to wake them up while changing between pram, car and back.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is important to consider your baby's transport needs. Some prams include an infant 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 a good idea to take a look at the other accessories are included in the pram, such as a changing bag and footmuff which are essential for keeping your baby warm during the colder winter months.
Some strollers and prams can be converted into
travel system prams systems. You can connect an auto pod to the frame with adaptors so that you can move your child from the car to the
pushchair newborn without waking them. These are great if your lifestyle is busy or you do not have enough space in your car boot to accommodate the pram. However, you should keep in mind that you will need to wait until your child is old enough to sit on their own before you convert them from a car capsule to
triple pushchair.
Another feature you may want to look out for is the possibility of raising and lowering the infant's seat from a low to a high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our tester for parents found really useful with her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me which allows your child to glide closer to you at the push of a 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 check that the safety harness you use is safe that fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You will also be able to keep changing and shopping bags inside the basket beneath (although be aware that loading the pram with excessive weight can cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what to choose, try different models at your local retailer.