Buying a Pram Newborn

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

A pram newborn is dedicated to infants and newborns. It comes with a the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and secure walls.

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

Safety

Newborns are extremely fragile and must be kept as safe as is possible. A pram or stroller with safety features will ensure that your baby is in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. The basic 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 purchasing.

Look for a pram that allows your newborn to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position supports your baby and avoids the development of a risky curvature in their spine that could cause spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams can be used from the moment of the time of birth. They have an adjustable seat that reclines into a lay-flat position for younger infants and converts to a pushchair for older children.

The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it is. A pram with lots of spring suspension will cost more however, it's worth the extra expense when you intend to use your pram each day for a few years or longer.

Always read the instructions and look at the warning labels on your stroller or pram. When not in use, park your pram away from dangers such as bicycles, traffic or other people. You should also remove any bags or other items that are not removed from the handles, since they can cause your baby to get caught or suffocate.

A pram or stroller should not be left unattended with a child in it, even if they are asleep. They could wiggle and get stuck or the pram might slide away and the baby might be injured. It is also not recommended to hang bags or other items from the handles because they can fall and hit your baby in the head.

Comfort

It is crucial that babies are able to lie flat, as it aids in 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. Other models, such as the egg2's bucket-style seat, do not recline to lie flat but still offer a comfortable ride to your baby.

Some prams also feature an additional bassinet, infant stroller or inset seat so that you can easily switch between sleeping and sitting modes depending on your bub's needs. This is often referred to as a 'travel system and is the very first configuration you should try with your newborn.

Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your child's body safely. Make sure there are no gaps or areas that are loose in which fingers can get caught and that the buckles are simple to use, especially for older children. You should also consider whether you want an adult-facing pram. It is great to keep an eye on your child and makes them feel more secure by having their parents around.

Some prams, such as the Graco Near2Me, have a handy raise and lower feature that allows your baby to come up to your face at the push of the button, which our parent testers loved! This is a great method to keep eye contact with your baby, and stay in contact, particularly when they're sleeping. If you're looking for an appropriate travel system, be sure that whether the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule to avoid you having to wake them up every time you're changing between pram, car and back again.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is important to consider your baby's needs for transport. Some prams have a bassinet, carrycot or a seat that can recline to a flat position. This is important to ensure your baby's spinal development and breathing. It is important to check what other accessories are included in the pram, for instance a footmuff and changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm in the event of cold.

Some prams and strollers can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors so that you can move your child from the car to the pram without waking them up. These are useful if your lifestyle is busy or you don't have enough space your car boot to fit the pram. But, you must be aware that you'll need wait until your baby is old enough to sit up independently before you change them from a car capsule to the pushchair.

Another feature to consider is the ability to raise and lower your newborn's seat from a low setting to a high setting, which keeps eye contact with them and keeps them close to you. This is something our parent tester found was very useful for her 10-month old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me, which allows your child to 'glide closer to you at the push of the button.

Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that can withstand bumps and potholes and that you can fold it down with ease and make sure the safety harness is in good working order and fits comfortably (five-point instead of three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. It should be possible to 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 which to choose, test out some different models at the local store.