Buying a Pram Newborn

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

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

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

Safety

Newborns should be protected as much as possible. A pram or stroller with safety features will keep your baby 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 an crotch strap) and a wrist tether strap for the person pushing the pram. Check that your chosen pram is in compliance with these requirements before purchasing.

Find a pram which allows your baby to travel in the recommended lying-flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and avoids a dangerous curvature in their spine that can lead to problems with their spine. 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 come with an infant seat that can recline into a lie-flat pram mode for babies younger than the age of one and transform into a pushchair unit for older children.

The suspension on prams is vital because it affects the smoothness of the ride. A pram that has lots of spring suspension will cost more however, it's worth the extra cost if you plan to use your pram every day for a few years or longer.

Always read the directions and look at the warning labels on your pram or stroller. You should also make sure that your stroller is parked in a safe location away from bicycles, traffic or any other potential hazards when it is not being used. You should also remove any bags or other items from the handles, since they can cause your baby to become trapped or even suffocate.

Even if your baby is asleep, it's never an ideal idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They could get squirming into the pram and get trapped, or roll away and cause injury. Hanging bags or other objects on the handles isn't recommended because they could fall and strike your child in the head.

Comfort

Having the option of lie flat seating is a necessity for babies, because it helps improve back and lung development. Many prams have a cocoon or carrycot that creates a cozy nest-like atmosphere for your baby and can be easily removed from the frame. Some seats, such as the bucket-style seat on the egg2, aren't able to recline completely flat, but they provide a comfortable ride for your child.

Some prams come with an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat so you can easily change between sitting and sleeping modes based on your baby's requirements. It is commonly referred to as a 'travel system and is the first option you should test with your baby.

Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally cushioned) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body securely. Make sure there aren't any gaps or areas, where fingers could be trapped. Also, ensure that the buckles are safe for older children to use. It's also worth considering whether you'd like a pram that faces the parent facing pushchair or not. It's perfect to keep an eye on your child and helping them feel reassured by the familiar sight of their parents.

Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, have a handy raise and lower function that brings your baby up to your face at the push of an button, which our parents testers absolutely loved! This is a fantastic method to keep eye contact with your baby and stay in touch, particularly when they're sleepy. If you're looking to purchase a travel system, be sure the frame is compatible with the car capsule you've chosen and this will prevent you having to wake them up while changing between car, pram and back.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider your baby's needs for transport. Some prams include the option of a carrycot or bassinet which allow your baby to lay flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with seats that can recline to a lie-flat position. It is important to check the other accessories that are included in the pram, such as the footmuff and the changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm when it is cold.

It's also worth noting that some strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems, which allows you to connect a car capsule with the frame using adaptors to allow you to easily move your baby between the car and the pushchair without having to awake them. These are great for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you do not have enough space in your car's boot to accommodate the pram. But, you must keep in mind that you will need to wait until your baby is old enough to sit by themselves before you can change them from a car capsule into the pushchair.

Another feature you may want to look out for is the ability to raise and lower your infant's seat from a low to a high setting, which helps 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! One example is the Graco Near2Me, which allows your child to glide up' to you with the push of the button.

Finally, make sure your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it up easily and make sure the safety harness is functional and fits comfortably (five-point instead of three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You should be able 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 which model to choose, try out a few different models at your local retailer.