Buying a Pram Newborn

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

A pram newborn is designed for 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 transformed into a stroller seat once baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns should be protected as much as possible. Buying a stroller or pram equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is safe and secure while traveling. The most essential requirements for any stroller or pram are to have a working 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 pushing the pram. Check that the pram you select is in compliance with these requirements.

Find a pram that allows your baby to ride in the recommended position of lying flat. This position helps support the baby and prevents an unintentionally 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). Most prams that can be used from birth will include a seat unit that will recline into a lie-flat pram position for babies younger than the age of one and transform into a pushchair unit for older children.

The suspension on the pram is crucial because it affects how smooth the ride. A pram with lots of spring suspension will cost more however, pushchairs and prams it's worth the extra expense when you intend to use your pram each day for a couple of years or longer.

You should always take the time to read the instruction manual and check the warning labels for your pram or stroller. Also, ensure that your pram is parked in a safe location away from bicycles, traffic or any other potential hazards when it is not being used. It is also important to remove any bags or other objects from the handles, since they can cause your baby to become trapped or even suffocate.

A pram or stroller should never be left unattended with a baby inside even if they're asleep. They can get wriggling and become stuck or the pram might slide away and the baby might be injured. It is also not recommended to hang bags or other things from the handles because they could fall and hit your baby's head.

Comfort

Having the option of lie flat seating is a essential for infants as it promotes better lung and back development. A lot of prams come with cocoons or carrycots that creates a cosy nest-like atmosphere for your newborn and can be easily detached from the frame. Others, 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 also have an additional bassinet, infant stroller or inset seat so that you can easily change between sitting and sleeping modes depending on your bub's needs. It is commonly called a 'travel system and is the first configuration you should try with your newborn.

Look for a pram that has two shoulder straps that are ideally padded and a five-point security harness. It must fit your child's body comfortably. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or loose areas in which fingers can get caught and that the buckles are comfortable to use, especially for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a pram that faces the parent or not - it's perfect to keep an eye on your child and helping children feel secure with the familiarity of their parents.

Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, have an awesome raise and lower feature that allows your baby to come close to your face with the push of the button, which our parents testers really loved! This is a great method to keep eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, especially when they're asleep. If you're seeking a travel system compatible with the car capsule you select, you will not have to wake your baby to switch between the pram and car.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider your baby's transport needs. Some prams come with a carrycot or bassinet, that allows your baby to lie flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others have seats that can recline to a lie-flat position. It's also a good idea to take a look at the other accessories are included in the pram, such as a changing bag and footmuff which are essential to keep your baby warm during colder weather.

It's worth noting that certain strollers and prams can be converted into travel systems, allowing you to connect a car capsule with the frame via adaptors so that you can move your baby between the car and the pushchair without having to awake them. These are great for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you don't have enough space your car's boot to accommodate the pram. But, you must keep in mind that you will need to wait until your child is old enough to sit on their own before you convert them from a car capsule into a pushchair.

Our tester's mother found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son's 10 months old was a great feature. An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me which can be lowered to allow your little one to 'glide into your arms at the press of the button, and remain in constant eye contact.

Make sure that your baby's pram has a sturdy base with wheels that can handle bumps and potholes and that you are able to fold it up easily and make sure the safety harness is functional that fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You should be able store bags for shopping and changing beneath the pram (but remember that too much weight can cause it to topple over). If you're not sure what to choose, try different models at the local store.