Buying a Pram Newborn

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

A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies. It has a deep, sturdy carrycot with soft and secure walls.

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

Safety

Newborns must be protected as much as possible. A pram or toddler stroller that has safety features will ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable while traveling. The essential requirements for any pram or stroller include a functioning brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and the strap for the crotch) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person pushing the pram. Verify that the stroller you choose meets these standards.

Look for a pram that allows your newborn to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and avoids the risk of a dangerous curve in their spine that can lead to spinal problems. It also reduces the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation, by keeping the airways open. Most prams that are used from birth will have the seat unit, which will recline into a lie-flat pram mode for babies younger than the age of one and convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.

The suspension on a pram is important because it affects how smooth the ride is. A pram that has lots of spring suspension will cost more however, it's worth the extra expense in the event that you plan to use your pram every day for a couple of years or more.

You should always be sure to go through the instruction manual and examine the warning labels for your pram or stroller. When not in use, keep your stroller away from any potential hazards like traffic, bicycles or other people. It is also a good idea to remove any bags or objects from the handles since they could cause your baby to be trapped or even suffocate.

A stroller or pram should not be left unattended with a child in it even if they're asleep. They could get squirming into the pram and get trapped, or be pushed away and cause injuries. It is also not recommended to hang bags or other objects on the handles since they can fall and strike your baby's head.

Comfort

It is vital that newborns have the option to lie flat as this aids in lung and back development. Cocoons or carriers are found on many prams. They create a cozy 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 lie flat, but they still provide a comfy ride for your baby.

Some prams have a separate bassinet or seat for the newborn. This allows you to effortlessly switch between sleeping and sitting positions depending on what your baby needs. This is sometimes called a "travel system" and is the first option to try out with your newborn.

Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body safely. Be sure there aren't gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could become trapped, and that the buckles are easy to use, especially for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a pram with a parent-facing feature or not - it's great to keep an eye on your little one and helps them feel reassured by the familiarity of their parents.

Some best prams, like the Graco Near2Me have a nifty raise and lower feature that brings your baby close to your face with the touch of an button, which our parent testers loved! This is a great method to keep eye contact with your baby and stay in touch, particularly when they're sleeping. If you're searching for an infant travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you choose it is not necessary to wake your baby up to switch between the pram and car.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams include an infant bassinet, carrycot or seat that reclines to an upright position. This is essential to ensure your baby's spinal development and breathing. You should also check what other accessories are included in the pram, such as a footmuff or a changing bag. These are essential for keeping your baby warm when it is cold.

Some strollers and prams can be converted to travel systems. You can connect an auto pod to the frame with adaptors so that you can transfer your child from the car to the pram without waking them. These are useful when you live a busy schedule or don't have the big enough boot for prams, however it's worth keeping in mind that your baby must be old enough and able to sit up on their own before you can switch them from car capsule to pram.

Another feature to consider is the ability to raise and lower your newborn's seat from a low to high setting, which helps maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, which our parent facing pushchair tester found really useful with her 10-month-old boy! A good example is the Graco Near2Me, which can lower to allow your child to 'glide towards you by pressing a button and stay in constant eye contact.

Make sure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you can fold it down easily, and check that the safety harness is functional, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able store bags for changing and shopping underneath the pram (but remember that too much weight could cause it to topple over). If you are unsure of which to choose, test various models at the local store.