Buying a Pram Newborn

Prams and pushchairs car seats are the multifunctional, versatile partners of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots on the new journey of your child.

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

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

Safety

Newborns must be protected as much as possible. A pram or stroller equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable during travel. The basic requirements for any pram or lightweight stroller are to have a working brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, two waist straps, and the strap for the crotch) and an adjustable wrist tether strap for the person who is pushing the pram. Check that your chosen pram is in compliance with these requirements before you buy.

Find a pram which allows your baby to travel in the recommended position of lying flat. This position supports your baby and avoids the development of a risky curvature in their spine that could cause spinal problems. It also reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by keeping airways clear. The majority of prams can be used from the moment of birth. They have a seat unit which reclines to lay flat for infants, and can be converted into a pushchair unit for older children.

The suspension of a pram will determine how smooth it is. A pram with lots of spring suspension will cost more however, it’s worth the extra cost when you intend to use your pram each day for a few years or longer.

You should always make sure to go through the instruction manual and look over the warning labels on your pram or stroller. You should also make sure that your pram for newborn (more information) is parked in a safe location away from traffic, bicycles or any other potential hazards when it isn’t being used. You should also remove any bags or other items that are not removed from the handles as they can cause your baby to get caught or choke.

A pram or stroller should not be left alone with a baby inside even if they’re asleep. They can get wriggling and become trapped, or the pram may be thrown away and the child might be injured. It’s also not recommended to hang bags or other objects on the handles since they could fall and hit your baby in the head.

Comfort

It is essential that newborns have the option to lie flat, as this promotes lung and back development. Cocoons or carriers are found on many prams. They create a nest-like environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Some seats, like the bucket-style seat on egg2, don’t recline completely flat, but provide an enjoyable ride for your child.

Some prams come with an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sleeping and sitting modes depending on your bub’s needs. This is sometimes referred to as a «travel system» and is the first setup you should test out with your newborn.

Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a five-point safety harness that fits your baby’s body securely. Be sure that there aren’t any gaps or areas that are loose in which fingers can get caught and that the buckles are comfortable to use — especially for older children. It’s also worth considering whether you’d prefer a pram that faces the parent or not — it’s perfect to keep an eye on your child and helping them feel reassured by the familiarity of their parents.

Our parent testers loved the feature of some prams such as the Graco Near2Me which allows you to raise your baby by pressing the button. This is a fantastic method of keeping eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, especially when they’re asleep. If you are searching for a travel system compatible with the car capsule you pick, you will not have to wake your baby to switch between the pram and car.

Convenience

It is important to take into account the needs of your baby’s transportation when buying a newborn pram. Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot, that allows your baby to lie flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others have seats that recline into a flat position. It is also a good idea to check out the other accessories the pram comes with like the footmuff and changing bag which are essential for keeping your baby warm in colder months.

Some strollers and prams can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors, meaning you can transfer your child from the car to the pram without waking them up. This is a great option for those who have a hectic schedule or don’t have the big enough boot for a pram capsule, although it’s worth keeping in mind that your baby must be old enough and able to sit independently before you can switch between the car capsule and pram.

Another feature to consider is the possibility of raising and lowering the infant’s seat from a low setting to a high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our tester for parents found very useful for her 10-month old boy! An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me that can be adjusted to lower the seat, allowing your child to ‘glide’ up to you with the push of a button and stay in constant eye contact.

Make sure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you can fold it down with ease and make sure the safety harness you use is safe, fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able store shopping bags and changing bags underneath the pram (but be aware that too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you are unsure of which one to pick, check different models at your local retailer.