Buying a Pram Newborn

Parents and caregivers can depend on prams and pushchairs to be versatile and multi-functional. They are the co-pilots on the journey of your child.

A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies and has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and safe walls.

A pram will typically come with a bassinet but can be converted to a stroller seat when baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns should be protected as much as is possible. Buying a pram or stroller equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and secure during travel. A stroller or pram must include a break that is working and a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps and two waist straps and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Make sure the pram you select meets these requirements.

Find a twin stroller that allows your infant to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position is supportive for the baby and helps prevent the risk of a dangerous spinal curve that can lead to spinal problems. It also lowers the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation, by keeping the airways clear. Most prams are able to be used as early as the moment of birth. They have an adjustable seat that reclines into a lay-flat position for infants, and can be converted into a pushchair travel system unit for older children.

The suspension on prams is vital because it can affect how smooth the ride is. A pram that has a lot of spring suspension will be more expensive however it is worth the extra cost if you plan to use your pram each day for a few years or more.

Always be sure to read the instruction manual and look over the warning labels on your stroller or pram. Also, ensure that your stroller is parked in a safe location free of bicycles, traffic or any other dangers when it isn't being used. It is important to take any bags or other items off the handles, as they could cause your baby to get caught or suffocate.

Even if your baby is asleep, it's not recommended to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They could get squirming into the pram and become stuck, or slide away and cause injury. Hanging bags, or other items from the handles is not recommended since they could fall and strike your child in the head.

Comfort

Having the option of lie flat seating is a essential for infants because it helps improve lung and back development. Cocoons or carrycots are available on a variety of prams. They create a nest-like environment that is comfortable for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Certain seats, like the bucket-style seat on the egg2, aren't able to recline completely flat, but offer a comfortable ride for your child.

Some prams come with an extra bassinet, newborn stroller or inset seat so that you can easily switch between sleeping and sitting modes depending on your bub's needs. This is often called a 'travel system and is the first configuration you should try with your newborn.

Find a pram and car seat with two straps for the shoulder that are ideally padded, and a five-point safety harness. It should fit your baby's body comfortably. Make sure there are no gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could get trapped, and that the buckles are simple to use, particularly for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not. It's great for keeping an eye on your child, and also helps them feel secure by the familiarity of their parents.

Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me have a handy raise and lower feature that can bring your baby right up to your face at the touch of the button, which our parents testers absolutely loved! This is an excellent method of keeping connected to your baby, especially if they're sleeping. If you're looking to purchase a travel system, make sure to check whether the frame is compatible with your car capsule, as this will save you having to wake them up when changing between car, pram and back.

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 lie flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others have seats that can recline to a lying-flat position. It is important to check what other accessories are included in the pram, such as a footmuff and changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm in the event of cold.

Some compact strollers and prams can be converted to travel systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors so that you can transfer your child from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them. These are great when you have a busy schedule or you do not have enough space in your car's boot to accommodate 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 independently before you convert them from a car capsule to the pushchair.

Another feature you may want to consider is the possibility of raising and lowering your newborn'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 extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me that can be adjusted to lower the seat, allowing your little one to 'glide into your arms at the press of the button, and remain in constant eye contact.

Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that can handle bumps and potholes and that you can fold it up easily, and check that the safety harness you use is safe, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able store shopping bags and changing bags underneath the pram (but be aware that too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you are unsure of which to choose, test out some different models at the local store.