Buying a Pram Newborn

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

A pram newborn is designed for infants and newborns. It comes with a a deep, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.

A pram is equipped with a bassinet. However, it can be converted to a stroller when the baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns must be protected as much as possible. Buying a stroller or pram equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is secure and safe during their travels. The essential requirements for any pram or stroller are a functioning brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps and an Crotch strap) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person who is pushing the pram. Be sure that the model you are considering is up to the standards before you purchase.

Look for a pram that allows your newborn to ride in the recommended lying flat position. This position is supportive for the baby and prevents an unintentionally dangerous spinal curve that could cause spinal issues. It reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by keeping airways free. Most prams that are used from birth will include an infant seat that can recline into a lie-flat pram position for infants and transform into a pushchair unit for older children.

The suspension of the pram is crucial because it affects how smooth the ride is. A pram with lots of suspension is likely to be more expensive but it may be worth it to purchase this feature if you intend to use your pram daily for a few years or longer.

It is important to be sure to read the instruction manual and look over the warning labels on your pram or stroller. Also, ensure that your stroller is placed in a secure location free of bicycles, traffic or any other dangers when it isn't being used. It is recommended to take any bags or other items from the handles since they could cause your baby to be caught or suffocate.

Even if your baby is asleep, it's never a good idea to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They may squirm into the pram and become trapped, or it could slide away and cause injury. It's not recommended to hang bags or other things off the handles as they can fall and strike your baby's head.

Comfort

It is vital that newborns have the option of lying flat, as this promotes lung and back development. Carrycots or cocoons are available on many prams. They create a nest-like environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be removed easily from the frame. Others, like the egg2's bucket-style seat do not recline to lay flat but still offer a comfortable ride to your baby.

Some prams include a separate seat or bassinet for infants. This allows you to effortlessly switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on the needs of your baby. It is commonly referred to as a 'compact travel pram system' and is the first option you should test with your newborn.

Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally cushioned) and a five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body safely. Be sure there aren't gaps or areas that are loose in which fingers can get caught and that the buckles are comfortable to use, especially for older children. Also, consider if you'd like an adult-facing pram. It is ideal to keep an eye on your child, and makes them feel more secure seeing their parents.

Our parent facing pram testers loved the feature of some prams such as the Graco Near2Me, which lets you raise your baby and lower it at the push of a button. This is a great way to maintain eye contact with your baby and keep in touch, especially when they're sleepy. If you are searching for an infant travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you choose it is not necessary to wake your baby to switch between the car and pram.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider your baby's needs for transport. Some prams include a bassinet or carrycot, that allows your baby to lie flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with a seat that can recline into a flat position. You should also check what other accessories are included in the pram, like the footmuff and the changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm in the event of cold.

It's important to note that some prams and strollers can be transformed into travel systems, permitting you to connect a car capsule to the frame using adaptors, to allow you to easily move your baby between the car and the pushchair without needing to awake them. These are useful for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you do not have enough space in your car's boot to accommodate a pram. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to wait until your baby is old enough to sit on their own before you transform them from a car capsule into pushchair travel system.

Another feature to look out for is the ability to raise and lower your infant's seat from a low setting to a high setting, which keeps eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our parent tester found was really useful with her 10-month-old boy! An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me which can be lowered to allow your little one to 'glide' up to you with the push of the button, and remain in constant eye contact.

Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it up easily and ensure that the safety harness you use is safe, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able store shopping bags and changing bags beneath the pram (but remember that too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you are unsure of what to choose, try various models at your local store.