Buying a Pram Newborn

Parents and caregivers can depend on prams and pushchairs that can be multi-functional and versatile. They are the co-pilots of your child's next adventure.

A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies. It has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and safe walls.

A pram typically comes with a bassinet, but it can be converted to an infant stroller seat once baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns are incredibly fragile and must be kept as safe as is possible. A pram or babiie stroller with safety features will keep your baby safe and comfortable during travel. The basic requirements for any pram or stroller are to have a working brake, a 5-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps, and the strap for the crotch) and an adjustable wrist tether strap for the person who is pushing the pram. Verify that the babiie stroller you select is in compliance with these requirements.

Find a pram which allows your baby to travel in the position recommended for lying flat. This position supports the baby and helps prevent a potentially dangerous spinal curve that can lead to spinal problems. It also lowers the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by ensuring that the airways are clear. Most prams that are used from birth will have the seat unit, which will recline into a lie-flat pram position for younger babies and then convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.

The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it rides. A pram with lots of spring suspension will be more expensive however, it's worth the extra expense if you plan to use your pram every for a while or more.

Always read the instructions and look at the warning labels on your stroller or pram. When not in use, keep your stroller away from potential dangers such as bicycles, traffic or other people. It is important to remove any bags or objects from the handles as they could cause your baby to become trapped or even die.

A stroller or pram should not be left unattended with a baby inside, even if they are asleep. They could wiggle and get trapped or the pram could roll away and they could be injured. Hanging bags or other items from the handles is not an ideal idea as they can fall and strike your child in the head.

Comfort

It is vital that newborns are able to lie flat as this 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 baby and is able to be removed from the frame. Others, like the egg2's bucket style seat do not recline to lay flat, but they still offer a comfortable ride for your baby.

Some prams also have an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes depending on your bub's needs. It is often called a "travel system" and is the first option to try out with your baby.

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 that there aren't any gaps or loose areas where fingers could get trapped and that the buckles are easy to use, particularly for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pushchair facing pram or not. It's perfect for keeping an eye on your child, and also helps children feel secure with the familiar sight of their parents.

Our parent testers enjoyed the features 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 keep in touch with your baby, especially when they're sleeping. If you're looking for an appropriate travel system, be sure that whether the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule and this will prevent you having to wake them up every time you're changing between car, pram and back.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is important to consider the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams have an infant bassinet, carrycot or a seat that reclines to an upright position. This is essential to ensure your baby's spinal development and breathing. It is important to check the other accessories included in the pram, for instance a footmuff or a changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm when it's cold.

Some strollers and prams can be converted into travel system prams systems. You can connect a car pod to the frame with adaptors, meaning you can transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair travel system without disturbing them. These are useful if you have a busy lifestyle or don't have a sufficient space for a pram capsule, although it's important to keep in mind that your child will need to be old enough and able to sit up independently before you can switch them from car capsule to pram.

Our parent tester found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her 10-month-old son was a great feature. An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me, which can lower to allow your baby to glide' up to you at the press of an button and maintain constant eye contact.

Finally, make sure your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can withstand potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you can fold it down with ease and ensure that the safety harness you use is safe and fits comfortably (five-point rather than 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 remember that too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what model to pick, check out a variety of models at the local retailer.