Buying a Pram Newborn

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

A pram newborn is a stroller for newborns and babies. It comes with a sturdy, deep carrycot with soft, safe walls.

A pram will typically come with a bassinet, but it can be converted to a stroller seat when baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns need to be secured to the greatest extent possible. A stroller or pram that has safety features will ensure that your baby is in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. The essential requirements for any toddler stroller or pram include a functioning brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and the crotch strap) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person pushing the pram. Make sure that the pram you choose is in compliance with these requirements before purchasing.

Find a pram that allows your baby to ride in the recommended position of lying flat. This position is supportive for your baby and helps prevent the development of a risky spinal curve 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 can be used from birth will have the seat unit, which will recline into a lie-flat pram position for infants and transform into a pushchair with car seat unit for older children.

The suspension of a pram is important because it affects the smoothness of the ride. A pram that has lots of suspension is likely to be more expensive but it may be worth it to purchase this feature if you plan to use your pram daily for a couple of years or longer.

You should always take the time to read the instruction manual thoroughly and examine the warning labels for your stroller or pram. When not in use, park your pram away from potential dangers like bicycles, traffic or other people. You should also remove any bags or other items that are not removed from the handles as they could cause your baby to become caught or suffocate.

A stroller or pram should not be left unattended with a child in it, even if they are asleep. They may squirm into the pram and become stuck, or roll away and cause injury. It's not recommended to hang bags or other things from the handles because they may fall and hit your baby in the head.

Comfort

Possibility of lying flat seating is an absolute must for newborns, since it aids in better back and lung development. Carrycots or cocoons are found on many prams. They create a cozy environment that is comfortable for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Others, like the egg2's bucket style seat do not recline to lay flat, but offer a comfortable ride for your baby.

Some prams come with an extra bassinet, newborn 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 initial option to try out with your baby.

Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your child's body safely. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or loose areas where fingers could become trapped, and that the buckles are simple to use, particularly for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not - it's perfect to keep an eye on your child, and also helps children feel secure with the familiar sight of their parents.

Our testers with parents enjoyed the features of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me which allows you to raise your baby and lower it by pressing one button. This is a great way to stay in touch with your baby, especially if they are sleeping. If you're in the market for an appropriate travel pram system, be sure that the frame's compatibility with your car capsule and this will prevent the need to wake them up while changing between car, pram and back again.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about your baby's transport needs. Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot, which allows your baby to be laid flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with seats that can recline to a lie-flat position. It's important to take a look at the other accessories the pram has, such as an infant changing bag and a footmuff which are essential to keep your baby warm in the colder winter months.

It's important to note that some prams and strollers can be transformed into travel systems permitting you to connect a car capsule with the frame via adaptors so that you can transfer your baby between the car and the pushchair without having to get them up. These are great if your lifestyle is busy or you don't have enough space your car boot to accommodate a pram. However, you should be aware that you will need to wait until your child is old enough to sit by themselves before you can convert them from a car capsule into pushchair.

Our parent tester discovered that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her 10-month-old son was a great feature. An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me, that can be adjusted to lower the seat, allowing your child to 'glide' up to you at the press of the button, and remain in constant eye contact.

You should also be able to store shopping bags and changing bags in the basket underneath. It should be possible to store bags for changing and shopping underneath the pram (but remember that too much weight could cause it to topple over). If you're not sure what to choose, try various models at your local store.