Buying a Pram Newborn
Parents and caregivers can rely on prams and pushchairs to be multi-functional and versatile. They are the co-pilots of your child's new journey.
A
pram newborn is designed 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 transformed into a stroller seat once baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns must be protected as much as possible. A stroller or pram equipped with safety features will keep your baby in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. The essential requirements for any stroller or pram include a functioning brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and a crotch strap) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person who is pushing the pram. Make sure the pram you select is in compliance with these requirements.
Find a stroller that allows your baby to travel in the recommended lying-flat position. This position is supportive for the baby and helps prevent the risk of a dangerous spinal curve that can cause 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 can be used as early as the time of birth. They come with an adjustable seat that reclines into a lay-flat position for younger infants and converts to a
pushchair travel system for older children.
The suspension on a pram is important as it will affect how smooth the ride. A pram that has a lot of suspension is likely to cost more but it might be worth paying for 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 check the warning labels for your pram or
compact stroller. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is parked in a safe spot away from bicycles, traffic or other hazards when it's not being used. It is also important to remove any bags or other items from the handles, since they can cause your baby to get trapped or even suffocate.
A pram or stroller should not be left alone with a baby inside even if they are asleep. They may squirm into the pram and become trapped, or roll away and cause injury. It is also not a good idea to hang bags or other things from the handles because they can fall and strike your baby's head.
Comfort
Possibility of lying flat seating is a necessity for babies, since it aids in better lung and back development. A lot of prams come with a carrycot or cocoon that creates a cozy nest-like atmosphere for your newborn and can be easily detached from the frame. Some seats, like the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, can't be reclined completely flat, but they provide a comfortable ride for your child.
Some prams also feature an additional bassinet, infant inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sleeping and sitting modes depending on your bub's requirements. It is often called a "travel system" and is the initial option to try out with your newborn.
Find a pram that has two shoulder straps (ideally cushioned) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your baby's body securely. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or loose areas where fingers could get trapped, and that the buckles are easy to use - especially for older children. It is also important to think about if you would like an adult-facing pram. It is great for keeping an ear on your child and helps them feel more secure by seeing their parents.
Some prams, such as the Graco Near2Me have a handy raise and lower function that brings your baby close to your face with the touch of the button, which our parents testers really loved! This is a fantastic way to maintain eye contact with your baby and keep in touch, particularly when they're sleeping. If you're searching for a travel system compatible with the car capsule you pick, you will not have to wake your baby up to switch between the pram and car.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about your baby's transport needs. Some prams have a bassinet or carrycot, which allow your baby to lay flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others have a seat that can recline to a lying-flat position. It's important to look at what other accessories the pram comes with, such as an infant changing bag and a footmuff which are essential to keep your baby warm during colder weather.
It's worth noting that certain strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems allowing 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 having to wake them up. These are useful for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you don't have enough space your car boot to fit the pram. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to wait until your child is old enough to sit up by themselves before you can convert them from a car capsule into a pushchair.
Another feature you may want to consider is the possibility of raising and lowering the infant's seat from a low to a high setting, which keeps eye contact with them and keeps them close to you. This is something our
parent facing pushchair tester found extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! One good example is the Graco Near2Me that can be adjusted to lower the seat, allowing your baby to glide towards you with the push of an button and maintain constant eye contact.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that can withstand bumps and potholes and that you can fold it up easily, and check that 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. You will also be able to keep changing and shopping bags in the basket underneath (although remember that loading the
foldable pram with too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you're not sure which to choose, test different models at the local store.
