Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are multi-functional, multi-purpose companions of caregivers and parents. They're the co-pilots of the journey of your child.
A
pushchair pram for newborns is a special stroller designed for babies and newborns. It comes with a sturdy, deep carrycot and soft, safe walls.
A pram is typically equipped with a bassinet but can be converted into an infant stroller seat once baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns must be protected to the greatest extent possible. A pram or stroller that has safety features will ensure that your baby is in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. The basic requirements for any pram or stroller are a functioning brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps, and the Crotch strap) and a wrist tether strap for the person who is pushing the pram. Be sure that the model you are considering meets these standards before purchasing.
Find a pram that allows your baby to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and avoids the development of a risky curve in their spine which could lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it decreases the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that are used from birth will have a seat unit that will recline into a lie-flat pram mode for infants and convert into a
running pushchair seat unit for older children.
The suspension on the pram is crucial because it affects how smooth the ride is. A pram with lots of spring suspension will cost more, but it is worth the extra cost when you intend to use your pram each for a while or longer.
Always make sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly and examine the warning labels for your pram or stroller. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is placed in a safe location away from traffic, bicycles or any other potential hazards when it isn't being used. You should also remove any bags or other items from the handles as they can cause your baby to become caught or choke.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's not recommended to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They could wiggle and get trapped or the pram could roll away and they could be injured. It's not a good idea to hang bags or other items off the handles as they can fall and hit your baby in the head.
Comfort
It is essential that newborns have the option of lying flat as this aids in lung and back development. Carrycots or cocoons are available on a variety of prams. They create a nest-like space that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Others, like the egg2's bucket-style seat do not recline to lie flat, but offer a comfortable ride to your baby.
Some prams come with an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily change between sitting and sleeping modes according to your baby's needs. This is sometimes referred to as a "travel system" and is the initial configuration that you should try out with your baby.
Look for a pram with two straps for the shoulder, ideally padded and a five-point safety harness. It should fit your baby's body perfectly. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or areas that are loose in which fingers can get caught and that the buckles are easy to use, especially for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a
parent facing pram or not. It's great to keep an eye on your little one and helps them feel secure by the familiarity of their parents.
Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, have an awesome raise and lower feature that brings your baby up to your face at the push of a button, which our parent testers really loved! This is a great method of keeping eye contact with your baby and keep in contact, particularly when they're asleep. If you are searching for a travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you choose, you will not have to wake your baby to switch between the pram and the car.
Convenience
It is important to consider your baby's needs for transportation when you purchase a new baby's pram. Some prams have a bassinet, carrycot or a seat that reclines to an upright position. This is essential for your baby's spinal development and breathing. It's important to check out the other accessories the pram comes with, such as a changing bag and Sale Prams (
find out here) footmuff which are essential to keep your baby warm during colder weather.
Some strollers and prams can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors so that you can move your child from the car to the pram without waking them. These are useful if you have a busy lifestyle or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate pram capsules, but it's worth keeping in mind that your child will need to be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can switch between the car capsule and pram.
Our parent tester discovered that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her 10-month-old son was a wonderful feature. One example is the Graco Near2Me, which lets your child 'glide up' to you with the touch of an button.
You should also be able to keep shopping bags and changing bags in the basket underneath. You should be able store shopping bags and changing bags beneath the pram (but be aware that excessive weight could cause it to topple over). If you're not sure what model to pick, check out a few different models at the local retailer.