Buying a Pram Newborn

Prams and pushchairs are the multi-functional, multi-purpose companions of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots on the journey of your child.

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

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

Safety

Newborns should be protected as much as is possible. A pram or stroller equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is 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 a strap for the crotch) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person pushing the pram. Check that your chosen pram for newborn (how you can help) meets these standards before you buy.

Find a stroller that allows your baby to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position supports your baby and prevents a dangerous curve in their spine which could lead to spinal issues. It also reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by keeping airways clear. Most prams that are used from birth will have an infant seat that can recline into a lie-flat pram mode for babies younger than the age of one and transform into a running pushchair unit for older children.

The suspension on a pram is important because it can affect the smoothness of the ride. A pram with lots of spring suspension will cost more however it is worth the extra cost in the event that you plan to use your pram every day for a couple of years or longer.

It is important to make sure to read the instruction manual and examine the warning labels for your stroller or pram. When not in use, park your pram away from dangers like bicycles, traffic or other people. It is also a good idea to remove any bags or objects from the handles since they could cause your baby to be caught or suffocate.

A stroller or pram should not be left unattended with a baby inside even if they are 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 recommended because they could fall and strike your child on the head.

Comfort

It is crucial that babies have the option to lie flat as this aids in lung and back development. Many prams have a carrycot or cocoon that creates a cozy nest-like atmosphere for your baby and can be easily detached from the frame. Others, like the egg2's bucket-style seat, do not recline to lie flat, but provide a comfy ride for your baby.

Some prams come with a separate bassinet, newborn inset or compact stroller seat so you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes depending on your bub's needs. This is often called a 'travel system and is the very first option you should test with your newborn.

Choose a stroller with two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body securely. Check that there are no gaps or areas where fingers can become trapped. Also, make sure that the buckles are safe for older children to use. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not. It's perfect for keeping an eye on your child, and also helps them feel secure by the familiar sight of their parents.

Our parent testers enjoyed the features of some prams such as the Graco Near2Me that allows you to raise your baby and lower it at the touch of one button. This is a great method to keep eye contact with your baby and keep in touch, especially when they're sleepy. If you're in the market for an appropriate travel system, be sure the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule, as this will save you having to wake them up while changing between pram, car and back again.

Convenience

It is essential to consider your baby's needs for transportation when you purchase a new baby's pram. Some prams include carrycots, a bassinet or seat that reclines to an upright position. This is crucial for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. 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 when it is cold.

It's also worth noting that some strollers and prams can be converted into travel systems, allowing you to connect a car seat pram capsule to the frame via adaptors so that you can easily transfer your child between the car and the pushchair without needing to awake them. These can be useful if you have a busy schedule or don't have the large enough car boot to accommodate a triple pram capsule, although it is worth bearing in mind that your child will need to be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can change them from car capsule to pram.

Another feature you may want to consider is the possibility of raising and lowering the infant's seat from a low to a high setting, which keeps eye contact with them and keeps them close to you. This is something our parent tester found really useful with her 10-month-old boy! An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me, which can lower to allow your baby to glide into your arms by pressing a button and stay in constant eye contact.

You should be able to put bags for shopping and changing in the basket underneath. You should also be able to put your shopping bags and changing bags inside the basket beneath (although keep in mind that putting on too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what model to choose, try out a variety of models at your local retailer.