Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs travel systems are the multi-functional, multi-purpose companions of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots for your child’s new journey.
A pram newborn is dedicated to newborns and babies and has a deep, sturdy carrycot with soft and secure walls.
A pram will typically come with a bassinet but can be converted into a stroller seat when baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are incredibly fragile and must be protected as much as is possible. Buying a pram or stroller equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is secure and safe during their travels. The essential requirements for any pram or stroller are a functioning brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps, and an strap for the crotch) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person who is pushing the pram. Make sure the pram you choose meets these standards.
Find a pram which allows your baby to travel in the position recommended for lying flat. This position is supportive for your baby and prevents the development of a risky curve in their spine which could lead to spinal issues. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that are used from birth will come with the seat unit, which will recline into a lie-flat pram position for infants and transform into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it is. A pram that has many spring suspensions will be more expensive, but it is worth the extra cost when you intend to use your pram every day for a few years or longer.
It is important to take the time to read the instruction manual and examine the warning labels for your stroller or pram. When not using it, park your pram away from any potential hazards such as bicycles, traffic or other people. It is also a good idea to remove any bags or objects from the handles as they could cause your baby to get caught or suffocate.
A pram or stroller should not be left alone with a baby in it even if they are asleep. They can get wriggling and become stuck or the pram might roll away and they might be injured. Hanging bags, or other items on the handles isn’t an ideal idea as they can fall and hit your child in the head.
Comfort
It is essential that newborns have the option to lie flat, as it aids in lung and back development. Cocoons or carriers are available on many prams. They create a nest-like space that is comfortable for your baby and can be removed easily from the frame. Others, like the egg2’s bucket style seat do not recline to lay flat, but offer a comfortable ride for your baby.
Some prams have a separate seat or bassinet for the newborn. This allows you to easily switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on what your baby needs. This is sometimes described as a “travel system prams system” and is the first option to try out with your newborn.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally cushioned) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your baby’s body safely. Make sure there are no gaps or areas that are loose in which fingers can get caught and that the buckles are easy to use, particularly for older children. It is also important to consider whether you want an adult-facing pram. It is great to keep an eye on your child and makes them feel more secure by being able to see their parents.
Our testers with parents loved the feature of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me which allows you to raise your baby and lower it at the push of a button. This is a great method to keep eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, particularly when they’re sleepy. If you are looking for a travel system compatible with the car capsule you pick it is not necessary to wake your baby to switch between the car and pram.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about the needs of your baby’s transportation. Some prams come with a bassinet, carrycot or a seat that reclines to a flat position. This is important to ensure your baby’s spinal development and breathing. You should also check the other accessories included in the pram, for instance a footmuff and changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm in the event of cold.
Some strollers and prams can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to a frame using adaptors, so you can transfer your baby from the car to the pram without waking them up. These are great when you have a busy schedule or you don’t have enough space your car boot to accommodate the pram. But, you must be aware that you will need to wait until your child is old enough to sit on their own before you change them from a car capsule to pushchair.
Another feature to keep an eye on is the possibility of raising and lowering your infant’s seat from a low to a high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you. This is something our parent tester found was really useful with her 10-month-old boy! A good example is the Graco Near2Me which can be lowered to allow your child to ‘glide’ up to you with the push of a button and stay in constant eye contact.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn – additional hints, has a sturdy base with wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you are able to fold it down with ease, and check that the safety harness is in good working order, fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able to store bags for shopping and changing underneath the pram (but remember that too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you’re not sure which one to pick, check various models at your local retailer.