Buying a Pram Newborn

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

A pram for newborns is a must for newborns and babies and has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot that has soft and secure walls.

A pram comes with a bassinet, but it can be converted to a stroller if the baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns should be protected as much as possible. Buying a pram or stroller equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe during their travels. A pram or stroller must have a working break, a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps with two waist straps and a crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Make sure the pram you select meets these requirements.

Find a pram which allows your baby to travel in the recommended lying-flat position. This position is supportive for the baby and prevents a potentially dangerous spinal curve that could cause spinal issues. By keeping the airways open, it lowers the risk for SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams Pushchairs prams pushchairs that are used from birth will come with an infant seat that can recline into a lie-flat pram position for younger babies and then transform into a pushchair unit for older children.

The suspension of the pram with car seat will determine how smooth it rides. A pram that has a lot of spring suspension will be more expensive however, it's worth the extra cost if you plan to use your pram each for a while or more.

It is important to take the time to read the instruction manual thoroughly and check the warning labels for your stroller or pram. Also, ensure that your stroller is placed in a safe spot away from bicycles, traffic or any other potential hazards when it's not being used. It is important to take any bags or other items off the handles, as they could cause your baby to be trapped or even suffocate.

Even if the baby is asleep, it's not a good idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They could wiggle and get stuck or the pram might slide away and the baby might be injured. It's also not recommended to hang bags or other items off the handles as they can fall and hit your baby in the head.

Comfort

Having the option of lie flat seating is a must for newborns, as it promotes better back and lung development. Carrycots or cocoons are available on many prams. They create a cozy environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Other models, such as the egg2's bucket style seat do not recline to lie flat, but offer a comfortable ride for your baby.

Some prams have an additional bassinet or seat for the newborn. This allows you to easily switch between the sitting and sleeping positions based on the needs of your baby. This is often referred to as a "travel system" and is the first option to try out with your newborn.

Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally cushioned) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your baby's body securely. Make sure there aren't any gaps, or loose places where fingers could get caught. Also, ensure that the buckles are easy for older children to operate. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not - it's ideal for keeping an eye on your child, and also helps them feel secure by the familiar sight of their parents.

Our testers with parents loved the feature of some prams like the Graco Near2Me that lets you raise your baby and lower it at the touch of the button. This is an excellent way to keep connected to your baby, especially when they're sleeping. If you are looking for a travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you select it is not necessary to wake your baby up to switch between the car and pram.

Convenience

It is important to consider the needs of your baby's transportation when buying a newborn pram. Some prams include a carrycot or bassinet, 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 check out the other accessories are included in the pram like a changing bag and footmuff which are essential for keeping your baby warm during colder months.

Some prams and strollers can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to a frame with adaptors, meaning you can move your child from the car to the pushchair newborn without waking them up. These are useful if you have a busy lifestyle or don't have a big enough boot for a pram capsule, although it's worth keeping in mind that your baby will need to be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can switch between the car capsule and pram.

Another feature you may want to look out for is the possibility of raising and lowering the infant's seat from a low to high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, which our parent tester found was extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me that lets your child 'glide closer to you at the push of the button.

Also, ensure that your newborn pram has a sturdy base with wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it down easily, and check that the safety harness you use is safe, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You should be able to store bags for shopping and changing beneath the pram (but keep in mind that too much weight can cause it to topple over). If you're not sure what model to pick, check out a variety of models at your local store.