Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are the multifunctional, versatile companions of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots for your child’s new journey.
A pram newborn is designed for infants and newborns. It comes with a the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram typically comes with a bassinet. However, it can be transformed into an infant stroller seat once baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns should be protected as much as is possible. A pram or stroller equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. A stroller or pram should have a working break 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 choose meets these standards.
Find a pram which allows your baby to travel in the recommended position of lying flat. This position supports the baby and helps prevent the risk of a dangerous curve in the spine which can cause spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it lowers the risk for SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). The majority of prams can be used right from birth. They have a seat unit which reclines to lay flat for infants, and can be converted into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram will determine how smoothly it runs. A pram that has a lot of spring suspension will be more expensive however, it’s worth the extra cost if you plan to use your pram each for a while or more.
You should always be sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly and check the warning labels for your stroller or pram. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is placed in a safe location free of bicycles, traffic or other hazards when it’s not being used. Also, you should remove any bags or other items from the handles, as they can cause your baby to get trapped or even suffocate.
Even if your baby is asleep, it’s never an ideal idea to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They may squirm into the pram and become trapped, or slide away and cause injury. Hanging bags, or other items on the handles isn’t an ideal idea because they could fall and hit your child in the head.
Comfort
It is vital that newborns have the option to lie flat, as this promotes lung and back development. Carrycots or cocoons 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. Other models, such as the egg2’s bucket-style seat, don’t recline to lie flat but still provide a comfy ride for your baby.
Some prams have a separate seat or bassinet for a newborn. This allows you to effortlessly switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on what your baby needs. It is often referred to as a “travel system” and is the initial option to try out with your newborn.
Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your child’s body securely. Make sure there are no gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could become trapped and that the buckles are simple to use, especially for older children. It is also important to consider if you’d like a pram that is oriented towards parents. It is great for keeping an ear on your child, and Pram newborn makes them feel more secure seeing their parents.
Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me have a nifty raise and lower feature that allows your baby to come close to your face with the touch of a button, which our parents testers absolutely loved! This is a great way to keep connected to your baby, especially when they’re sleeping. If you’re searching for a travel system compatible with the car capsule you pick you won’t have to wake your baby 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 come with the option of a carrycot or bassinet 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. You should also check the other accessories that are included in the pram, such as the footmuff and the 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. These are useful when you live a busy lifestyle or don’t have a big enough boot for prams, however it’s worth keeping in mind that your baby will need to be old enough and able to sit independently before you can switch between the car capsule and pram.
Another feature you may want to consider is the ability to raise and lower the infant’s seat from a low to high setting, which helps maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, which our parent tester found really useful with her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me that allows your child to ‘glide up’ to you with the press of the button.
Make sure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you are able to fold it up easily and make sure the safety harness is functional and fits comfortably (five-point instead of three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able store bags for shopping and changing underneath the pram (but remember that too much weight can cause it to topple over). If you are unsure of which to choose, test various models at your local store.