Buying a Pram Newborn

Parents and caregivers can rely on prams and pushchairs that can be multi-functional and versatile. They are the co-pilots for your child's new journey.

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

A pram is typically equipped with a bassinet but can be converted to a stroller seat when baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns need to be secured to the greatest extent possible. A pram or stroller that has safety features will keep your baby safe and comfortable during travel. A stroller or pram should have a break that works and a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps; 2 waist straps; and a crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Check that your chosen pram is in compliance with these requirements before you buy.

Find a stroller that allows your baby to ride in the recommended lying-flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and prevents a dangerous curvature in their spine which could lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the risk for SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams are able to be used right from the time of birth. They come with a seat unit which reclines into a lay-flat position for infants, and can be converted to a pushchair for older children.

The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it runs. A pram with a lot of suspension is likely to cost more but it may be worth paying for this feature if you are planning to use your pram daily for a couple of years or longer.

Always read the instructions and read the warning labels on your stroller or pram. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is placed in a secure location away from bicycles, traffic or any other potential hazards when it isn't being used. Also, you should remove any bags or other items from the handles as they can cause your baby to get trapped or even suffocate.

A stroller or pram should not be left alone with a baby in it even if they're asleep. They could wiggle and get stuck or the pram might roll away and they could be injured. Hanging bags, or other items on the handles isn't an ideal idea since they could fall and hit your child in the head.

Comfort

Having the option of lie flat seating is an absolute essential for infants because it helps improve back and lung development. Cocoons or carriers are available on many prams. They create a cozy environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be removed easily from the frame. Other models, such as the egg2's bucket style seat do not recline to lie flat, but they still offer a comfortable ride to your baby.

Some prams have a separate seat or bassinet for the newborn. This lets you effortlessly switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on the requirements of your baby. It is often described as a "travel system" and is the first setup you should test out with your newborn.

Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally cushioned) and a five-point safety harness that fits your child's body safely. Be sure there aren't gaps or loose areas where fingers could become trapped, and that the buckles are easy to use - especially for older children. Also, consider whether you want an adult-facing pram. It is great for keeping an ear on your child, and makes them feel more secure by seeing their parents.

Our parent testers loved the feature of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, which allows you to raise your baby at the push of the button. This is a great way to stay in touch with your baby, especially when they are asleep. If you're looking for an appropriate travel system, be sure the frame's compatibility with your car capsule, as this will save you having to wake them up when changing between pram, car and back.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams have a carrycot or bassinet, which allows your baby to be laid flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others have seats that can recline to a lying-flat position. It is also important to know what other accessories are included in the pram, for instance a footmuff or a changing bag. These are essential for keeping your baby warm in the event of cold.

It's important to note that some strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems which allows you to connect a car capsule to the frame using adaptors to allow you to easily move your baby between the car and the twin pushchair without needing to awake them. These are great when you have a busy schedule or you don't have enough space in your car boot to accommodate a pram. However, you should keep in mind that you'll need wait until your baby is old enough to sit up independently before you change them from a car capsule to pushchair.

Another feature to consider is the possibility of raising and lowering your newborn's seat from a low setting to a high setting, which keeps eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, which our tester for parents found really useful with her 10-month-old boy! An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me which can be lowered to allow your little one to 'glide towards you at the press of an button and maintain constant eye contact.

Make sure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base and wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you can fold it up easily and ensure that the safety harness is functional and fits comfortably (five-point rather than three-point) and can be adjusted as your child grows. You will also be able to put your shopping bags and changing bags in the basket underneath (although keep in mind that loading the pram with too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're not sure which model to go with, try some different models at your local retailer.