Buying a Pram Newborn

Prams and pushchairs are the multifunctional, versatile allies of parents and caregivers. They're the co-pilots of the new journey of your child.

A newborn pram is a must for newborns and babies. It has the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.

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

Safety

The newborns of today are extremely fragile and should be kept as secure as is possible. A pram or stroller with safety features will ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable during travel. The essential requirements for any pram or stroller are to have a working brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps and a strap for the crotch) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person pushing the foldable pram. Check that the pram you select is in compliance with these requirements.

Find a stroller that allows your infant to ride in the recommended lying flat position. This position helps support the baby and helps prevent an unintentionally dangerous spinal curve that can lead to 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 include a seat unit that will recline into a lie-flat pram mode for infants and transform into a pushchair pram unit for older children.

The suspension of prams is vital as it will affect how smooth the ride is. A pram with many spring suspensions will cost more however it is worth the extra cost when you intend to use your pram each for a while or more.

Always read the directions and carefully read the warning labels on your stroller or pram. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is parked in a safe spot away from traffic, bicycles or other hazards when it's not being used. Also, you should remove any bags or other objects from the handles, as they could cause your baby to become caught or choke.

Even if your baby is asleep, it's never a good idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They could wriggle into the pram and get stuck, or be pushed away and cause injuries. It is also not a good idea to hang bags or other items from the handles because they could fall and strike your baby's head.

Comfort

It is vital that newborns have the option of lying flat, as it aids in lung and back development. A lot of prams come with a cocoon or carrycot that creates a cozy nest-like atmosphere for your infant and can be easily removed from the frame. Some seats, like the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, aren't able to recline completely flat, but provide a comfortable ride for your child.

Some best prams also feature an additional bassinet, infant stroller or inset seat so that you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes based on your baby's requirements. It is commonly called a 'travel system and is the first option you should test with your baby.

Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your baby's body securely. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could become trapped, and that the buckles are comfortable to use, particularly for older children. Also, consider if you'd like a pram that is oriented towards parents. It is great for keeping an ear on your child, and makes them feel more secure having their parents around.

Our parent testers loved the feature of some prams like the Graco Near2Me which lets you raise your baby at the touch of one button. This is a great way to maintain eye contact with your baby and stay in contact, particularly when they're sleepy. If you're searching for a travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you select, you will not have to wake your baby to switch between the pram and car.

Convenience

It is crucial to consider the needs of your baby's transportation when you purchase a new baby's folding pram. Some prams include a carrycot or bassinet, which allows your baby to lay flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with seats that can recline into a flat position. You should also check the other accessories that are included in the pram, like the footmuff and the changing bag. These are essential for keeping your baby warm when it is cold.

Some strollers and prams can be converted to travel systems. You can connect a car pod to a frame using adaptors, so you can move your child from the car to the pram without disturbing them. These are useful for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you don't have enough space in your car boot to accommodate a pram. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to wait until your baby is old enough to sit independently before you change them from a car capsule into the pushchair.

Our tester's mother found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son who was 10 months old was a great feature. An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me, which can lower to allow your child to 'glide' up to you with the push of the button, and remain in constant eye contact.

You should be able to put bags for shopping and changing in the basket beneath. You should also be able to keep changing and shopping bags inside the basket beneath (although remember that putting on too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what model to go with, try out a variety of models at your local store.