Buying a Pram Newborn

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

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

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

Safety

The newborns of today are extremely fragile and need to be kept as secure as is possible. A stroller or pram with safety features will keep your baby in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. A stroller or pram should have a break that works, a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps; 2 waist straps; and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Be sure that the model you are considering is up to the standards before purchasing.

Look for a pram that allows your infant to be seated in the suggested lie-flat position. This position supports your baby and helps prevent a dangerous curvature in their spine that could cause problems with their spine. It also lowers the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by ensuring that the airways are free. The majority of prams can be used from the moment of birth. They have seats that recline into a lay-flat mode for infants. It can also be converted into a pushchair unit for older children.

The suspension on the pram is crucial as it will affect the smoothness of the ride. A pram that has many suspensions is likely to cost more but it may be worth it to purchase this feature if you plan to use your pram daily for a few years or more.

You should always make sure to read the instruction manual and examine the warning labels for your pram uk or stroller. When not in use, park your pram away from any potential hazards such as bicycles, traffic or other people. It is also a good idea to remove any bags or items from the handles as they could cause your baby to be trapped or even suffocate.

Even if your baby is asleep, it's not a good idea to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They could wiggle and get trapped or the pram could be thrown away and the child might be injured. It is also not recommended to hang bags or other things off the handles as they could fall and hit your baby in the head.

Comfort

It is vital that newborns have the option to lie flat, as this promotes lung and back development. Many prams have cocoons or carrycots that creates a warm nest-like atmosphere for your infant and can be easily removed from the frame. Others, like the egg2's bucket-style seat, don't recline to lie flat, but offer a comfortable ride to your baby.

Some top prams also have an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sleeping and sitting modes according to your baby's requirements. This is often referred to as a "travel system" and is the initial configuration that you should try out with your newborn.

Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your child's body safely. Make sure there aren't any gaps, or loose areas, where fingers could get caught. Also, ensure that the buckles are simple for older children to operate. Also, consider if you'd like an adult-facing pram. It is ideal to keep an eye on your child and makes them feel more secure by being able to see their parents.

Our parent facing pushchair testers loved the feature of some prams like the Graco Near2Me that lets you raise your baby and lower it at the push of the button. This is an excellent way to stay in touch with your baby, especially when they're sleeping. If you are looking for an infant travel system that is compatible with the car capsule you select it is not necessary to wake your baby up to switch between the car and pram.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about your baby's needs for transport. Some prams come with the option of a carrycot or bassinet that allows your baby to lie flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others come with seats that can recline into a flat position. It is also a good idea to take a look at the other accessories the pram has like an infant changing bag and a footmuff which are essential to keep your baby warm during the colder winter months.

It's also worth noting that some strollers and prams can be converted into travel systems, allowing you to connect a car capsule to the frame using adaptors so that you can transfer your baby between the car and the pushchair without having to get them up. These are great for those who live a hectic lifestyle or you do not have enough space in your car boot to accommodate the pram. However, you should be aware that you'll need to wait until your child is old enough to sit up by themselves before you can convert them from a car capsule into a pushchair.

Another feature to look out for 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 extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me which allows your child to glide up' to you with the touch of an button.

Make sure that your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you are able to fold it up easily and ensure that the safety harness is in good working order that fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You should be able store bags for changing and shopping underneath the pram (but keep in mind that excessive weight could cause it to topple over). If you're not sure what model to go with, try out a variety of models at your local store.