Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are the multifunctional, versatile allies of parents and caregivers. They are the co-pilots for your child's next adventure.
A newborn pram is a must for newborns and babies and has the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram is typically equipped with a bassinet but can be converted to an infant stroller seat once baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are extremely fragile and need to be kept as safe as possible. A pram or stroller with safety features will keep your baby in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. The most essential requirements for any pram or stroller are to have a working brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps, and an crotch strap) and a wrist tether strap for the person who is pushing the pram. Verify that the stroller you select meets these requirements.
Find a pram that allows your baby to travel in the position recommended for lying flat. This position supports the baby and helps prevent the risk of a dangerous spinal curve that can lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that can be used from birth will have the seat unit, which will recline into a lie-flat pram position for babies younger than the age of one and transform into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram will determine how smooth it runs. A pram with a lot of suspension is likely to be more costly but it might be worth it to purchase this feature if you plan on using your pram everyday for a couple of years or more.
Always read the instructions and read the warning labels on your pram or stroller. When not in use, you should place your stroller in a safe area away from any potential hazards like traffic, bicycles or other people. It is important to remove any bags or items off the handles, as they could cause your baby to become caught or suffocate.
Even if your baby is asleep, it's not recommended to leave a stroller or pram unattended. pushchairsandprams may squirm into the pram and get trapped, or it could be pushed away and cause injuries. Hanging bags, or other items on the handles isn't an ideal idea since they could fall and strike your child on the head.
Comfort
Possibility of lying flat seating is a must for newborns, since it aids in better back and lung development. Cocoons or carrycots are available on a variety of prams. They create a nest-like environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Certain seats, like the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, aren't able to recline completely flat, but provide the comfort of your child.
Some prams have an additional bassinet or seat for the newborn. This lets you easily switch between the sleeping and sitting positions depending on the requirements of your baby. It is often described as a "travel system" and is the first configuration that you should try out with your newborn.
Look for a pram that has two shoulder straps, ideally padded and a five-point security harness. It should fit your baby's body snugly. Be sure there aren't gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could become trapped and that the buckles are comfortable to use, especially for older children. Also, think about if you would like a pram that is oriented towards parents. It is ideal to keep an eye on your child and makes them feel more secure by seeing their parents.
Our testers with parents enjoyed the features of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, which allows you to raise your baby at the push of a button. This is a great way to stay in touch with your baby, especially when they are asleep. If you're looking for a travel system, be sure that the frame is compatible with the car capsule you've chosen, as this will save the need to wake them up while changing between car, pram and back again.
Convenience
It is important to take into account your baby's transportation needs when you purchase a new baby's pram. Some prams have the option of a carrycot or bassinet which allow your baby to be laid flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others have seats that recline to a lie-flat position. It is also a good idea to look at what other accessories the pram has, such as an infant changing bag and a footmuff which are essential to keep your baby warm during colder months.
Some strollers and prams can be converted to travel systems. You can connect an auto pod to the frame using adaptors, so you can move your child from the car to the pushchair without waking them up. These can be useful if you have a busy schedule or don't have the sufficient space for a pram capsule, although it's worth keeping in mind that your child will need to be old enough and able to sit up on their own before you can switch them from car capsule to pram.
Another feature you may want to keep an eye on is the ability to raise and lower your infant's seat from a low to a high setting, which helps maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our parent tester found really useful with her 10-month-old boy! An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me, which can lower to allow your baby to glide towards you by pressing an button and maintain constant eye contact.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that are able to handle bumps and potholes and that you can fold it down with ease, and check that the safety harness is functional and fits comfortably (five-point rather than three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able to store bags for changing and shopping beneath the pram (but be aware that excessive weight could cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what to choose, try various models at the local store.