Buying a Pram Newborn

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

A pram for newborns is designed for newborns and babies. It has the most solid, sturdy carrycot that has soft and secure walls.

A pram typically comes with a bassinet, but it can be converted to a stroller seat when baby is ready.

Safety

The newborns of today are extremely fragile and need to be kept as safe as you can. Buying a pram or stroller equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is safe and secure while traveling. The basic requirements for any stroller or pram include a functioning brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and a crotch strap) and an adjustable wrist tether strap for the person who is pushing the pram. Make sure the pram you select meets these requirements.

Find a pram that allows your infant to ride in the recommended lying flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and avoids the risk of a dangerous spinal curve which could lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it decreases the risk for SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that can be used from birth will come with an infant seat that can 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 of the pram will determine how smoothly it is. A pram that has lots of spring suspension will cost more however, it's worth the extra expense if you plan to use your pram each for a while or more.

It is important to be sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly and examine the warning labels for your stroller or pram. You should also make sure that your stroller is parked in a safe spot away from traffic, bicycles or any other potential hazards when it's not being used. It is important to take any bags or other items from the handles since they could cause your baby to become trapped or even suffocate.

A folding stroller or pram should never be left unattended with a baby inside even if they are asleep. They could wiggle and get trapped or the pram could roll away and they might be injured. Hanging bags or other items from the handles is not recommended because they could fall and strike your child in the head.

Comfort

Possibility of lying flat seating is a necessity for babies, because it helps improve lung and back development. A lot of prams come with a cocoon or carrycot that creates a cosy, nest-like environment for your infant and is able to be removed from the frame. Some seats, such as the bucket-style seat on the egg2, aren't able to recline completely flat, but provide an enjoyable ride for your child.

Some prams include a separate bassinet or seat for a newborn. This lets you easily switch between sleeping and sitting positions depending on the requirements of your baby. It is often referred to as a "compact travel pram system" and is the first setup you should test out with your newborn.

Find a pram that has two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a five-point safety harness that fits your baby's body securely. Check that there are no gaps or loose areas where fingers can become trapped. Also, ensure that the buckles are safe for older children to use. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a parent facing pram or not - it's ideal to watch your child, and also helps children feel secure with the familiarity of their parents.

Our parent testers enjoyed the features of some prams such as the Graco Near2Me, which lets you raise your baby and lower it by pressing a button. This is a fantastic way to maintain eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, particularly when they're sleepy. If you're looking for an infant travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you select you won't have to wake your baby up to switch between the pram and car.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is important to consider your baby's needs for transport. Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot, which allows your baby to lay flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others come with seats that can recline into a flat position. It is important to check what other accessories are included in the pram, for instance a footmuff and changing bag. These are essential for keeping your baby warm in the event of cold.

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

Another feature to keep an eye on is the possibility of raising and lowering your infant's seat from a low setting to a high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our parent tester found very useful for her 10-month old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me, which lets your child 'glide closer to you at the push of the button.

Also, ensure that your baby's pram has a sturdy base and wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you are able to 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 adjustable as your child grows. You should be able store shopping bags and changing bags under the pram (but be aware that too much weight can cause it to topple over). If you're unsure of which model to choose, try out a variety of models at the local retailer.