Buying a Pram Newborn

Parents and caregivers can count on prams and pushchairs that can be multi-functional and versatile. They're the co-pilots of the new journey of your child.

A pram for newborns is dedicated to infants and newborns. It comes with a a deep, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.

A pram is equipped with a bassinet, but it can also be converted into a stroller if the baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns should be protected to the greatest extent possible. Buying a pram or stroller with safety features will ensure that your baby is secure and safe during their travels. The most essential requirements for any stroller or pram 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. Check that the pram you choose meets these standards.

Look for a pram that allows your newborn to ride in the recommended lying flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and avoids the development of a risky spinal curve that can lead to spinal issues. It reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by ensuring that the airways are free. The majority of prams that can be used from birth will have a seat unit that will recline into a lie-flat pram mode for infants and convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.

The suspension of a pram for newborn will determine how smoothly it runs. A pram with a lot of spring suspension will cost more however, it's worth the extra expense if you plan to use your pram each day for a couple of years or longer.

Always make sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly and look over the warning labels on your pram or stroller. When not in use, you should park your pram away from potential dangers like traffic, bicycles or other people. It is important to remove any bags or items from the handles since they could cause your baby to get trapped or even die.

Even if the baby is asleep, it's never a good idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They may squirm into the pram and become stuck, or roll away and cause injury. It's also not recommended to hang bags or other objects on the handles since they could fall and strike your baby's 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 cozy 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 provide a comfortable ride for your child.

Some prams come with 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 often referred to as a "travel system" and is the first setup you should test out with your newborn.

Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your child's body securely. Be sure there aren't gaps or loose areas where fingers could get trapped, and that the buckles are comfortable to use, particularly for older children. Also, think about if you would like a pram that is oriented towards parents. It is great to keep an eye on your child and makes them feel more secure by being able to see their parents.

Our testers with parents loved the feature of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me which lets you raise your baby by pressing a button. This is a great way to stay connected to your baby, especially when they are asleep. If you're in the market for a travel system, be sure to check whether the frame is compatible with your car capsule to avoid the need to wake them up when changing between car, pram and back.

Convenience

When purchasing a newborn pram, it is crucial to think about the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams have a carrycot or bassinet, that allows your baby to be laid 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, like a footmuff or a changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm in the event of cold.

Some prams and strollers can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to a frame with adaptors, meaning you can transfer your baby from the car to the twin pushchair without waking them. These are useful when you live a busy schedule or don't have the large enough car boot to accommodate prams, however it's worth keeping in mind that your child must be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can change between the car capsule and pram.

Our tester's mother found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son who was 10 months old was a fantastic feature. One example is the Graco Near2Me that lets your child 'glide towards you at the press of a button.

Finally, make sure your baby's pram has a sturdy base and wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you can fold it up easily, and check that the safety harness is functional, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You should be able store bags for changing and shopping underneath the pram (but keep in mind that excessive weight could cause it to topple over). If you're unsure which one to pick, check different models at your local retailer.