Buying a Pram Newborn

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

A pram for newborns is designed for newborns and babies and has a deep, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.

A pram is equipped with a bassinet. However, it can be converted to a stroller once the baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns are incredibly fragile and should be kept as safe as is possible. A stroller or pram with safety features will keep your baby in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. The basic requirements for any pram or stroller include a functioning brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and an Crotch strap) and a wrist tether strap for the person pushing the pram. Check that the pram you choose meets these standards.

Find a pram that allows your baby to ride in the recommended lying-flat position. This position helps support the baby and helps prevent a potentially dangerous curve in the spine which can cause spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that can be used from birth will have the seat unit, which will recline into a lie-flat pram mode for younger babies and then convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.

The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it runs. A pram that has many suspensions is likely to cost more but it could be worth it to purchase this feature if you intend on using your pram everyday for a few years or more.

Always read the directions and carefully read the warning labels on your pram for Newborn or folding stroller. When not using it, place your stroller in a safe area away from any potential hazards like traffic, bicycles or other people. Also, you should remove any bags or other items that are not removed from the handles, as they can cause your baby to get caught or choke.

Even if the baby seems asleep, it's not an ideal idea to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They could get squirming into the pram and get stuck, or be pushed away and cause injuries. Hanging bags or other items on the handles isn't a good thing as they can fall and hit your child in the head.

Comfort

Possibility of lying flat seating is a necessity for babies, because it helps improve lung and back development. Cocoons or carriers 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 found on the egg2, can't be reclined completely flat, but they provide the comfort of your child.

Some prams also feature a separate bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat so you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes according to your baby's needs. This is often referred to as a 'travel system and is the first option you should test with your baby.

Choose a stroller that has 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 loose areas in which fingers can get caught, and that the buckles are comfortable to use, particularly for older children. It is also important to consider whether you want a pram that is oriented towards parents. It is ideal for keeping an ear on your child and makes them feel more secure by having their parents around.

Our testers with parents loved the feature of certain prams, like the Graco Near2Me, which lets you raise your baby at the touch of the button. This is an excellent way to keep in touch with your baby, especially if they are sleeping. If you're in the market for a travel system, make sure to check whether the frame is compatible with your car capsule, as this will save you having to wake them up while changing between pram, car and back again.

Convenience

It is crucial to take into account your baby's needs for transportation when purchasing a baby pram. Some prams come with an infant bassinet, carrycot or a seat that reclines to an upright position. This is important for your baby's spinal development and breathing. It's important to look at what other accessories are included in the pram, such as a changing bag and footmuff which are essential to keep your baby warm in colder weather.

It's also worth noting that some strollers and prams can be converted into travel strollers systems, which allows you to connect a car capsule to the frame using adaptors, so that you can transfer your baby between the car and the pushchair without needing to awake them. These are useful for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you don't have enough space your car boot to fit a pram. But, you must be aware that you will need to wait until your baby is old enough to sit by themselves before you can change them from a car capsule to a pushchair.

Another feature to keep an eye on is the possibility of raising and lowering your infant's seat from a low to high setting, which keeps eye contact with them and keeps them close to you. This is something our tester for parents found extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! A good example is the Graco Near2Me, that can be adjusted to lower the seat, allowing your little one to 'glide into your arms by pressing a button and stay in constant eye contact.

You should be able to put shopping bags and changing bags in the basket underneath. You should be able to store bags for shopping and changing underneath the pram (but be aware that excessive weight could cause it to tip over). If you're unsure of which model to choose, try out a variety of models at your local store.