Buying a Pram Newborn

Prams and pushchairs are the multi-functional, flexible partners of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots for your child’s journey.

A pram newborn is a must for infants and newborns. It comes with a an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot that has soft and secure walls.

A pram is typically equipped with a bassinet but can be converted into an infant stroller seat once baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns need to be secured to the greatest extent possible. Purchasing a stroller or pram with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe during their travels. The basic requirements for any double stroller or pram include a functioning brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps and the crotch strap) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person who is pushing the pram. Verify that the stroller you select is in compliance with these requirements.

Find a stroller that allows your baby to ride in the recommended lying-flat position. This position supports the baby and helps prevent a potentially dangerous spinal curve that can cause 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 include an infant seat that can 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 of a pram will determine how smooth it is. A pram that has lots of spring suspension will cost more however it is worth the extra cost if you plan to use your pram each day for a couple of years or more.

Always read the directions and read the warning labels on your triple stroller or folding pram. When not in use, you should park your pram away from any potential hazards like bicycles, traffic or other people. It is important to remove any bags or objects from the handles as they could cause your baby to be trapped or even suffocate.

A stroller or pram should never be left unattended with a child in it even if they’re asleep. They could wriggle into the pram and become trapped, or it could slide away and cause injury. It is also not recommended to hang bags or other objects on the handles since they may fall and hit your baby in the head.

Comfort

Having the option of lie flat seating is an absolute necessity for babies, because it helps improve back and lung 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. Some seats, like the bucket-style seat on egg2, aren’t able to recline completely flat, but offer the comfort of your child.

Some prams come with a separate bassinet or seat for a newborn. This allows you to effortlessly switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on the requirements of your baby. It is commonly referred to as a ‘travel system and is the first option you should test with your newborn.

Find a pram with two shoulder straps, ideally padded and a five-point safety harness. It should fit your baby’s body perfectly. Make sure there are no gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could get trapped and that the buckles are comfortable to use – especially for older children. It’s also worth considering whether you’d prefer a parent facing pram (homanndesigns.com) or not. It’s perfect to watch your child and helping them feel reassured by the familiarity of their parents.

Our parent testers loved the feature of certain prams such as the Graco Near2Me that allows you to raise your baby stroller and lower it at the push of one button. This is a great way to maintain eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, particularly when they’re sleepy. If you’re looking for an infant travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you choose, you will not have to wake your baby to switch between the car and pram.

Convenience

When purchasing a newborn pram, it is essential to consider your baby’s transport needs. Some prams come with an infant bassinet, carrycot or seat that reclines to a flat position. This is crucial for your baby’s spinal development and breathing. It’s also a good idea to check out the other accessories are included in the pram like the footmuff and changing bag that are essential to keep your baby warm during colder weather.

Some prams and strollers can be converted to travel systems. You can connect a car pod to a frame with adaptors, meaning you can transfer your child from the car to the pram without waking them. These are great if your lifestyle is busy or you do not have enough space in your car’s boot to accommodate the pram. However, you should be aware that you will need to wait until your baby is old enough to sit up by themselves before you can convert them from a car capsule into the pushchair.

Our parent tester discovered that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son’s 10 months old was a fantastic feature. An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me, which can lower to allow your baby to glide towards you by pressing an button and maintain constant eye contact.

Make sure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it down with ease, and check that the safety harness is in good working order and fits comfortably (five-point rather than three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able to store shopping bags and changing bags beneath the pram (but remember that excessive weight could cause it to tip over). If you’re unsure of which model to pick, check out a few different models at your local retailer.