An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Pram Newborn
Buying a Pram Newborn
Parents and caregivers can count on prams and pushchairs that can be versatile and multi-functional. They are the co-pilots for your child's next adventure.
A pram for newborns is designed for newborns and babies. It has the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and secure walls.
A pram is typically equipped with a bassinet. However, it can be converted into an infant stroller seat once baby is ready.
Safety
The newborns of today are extremely fragile and must be kept as safe as you can. A stroller or pram that has safety features will ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable while traveling. A pram or stroller must have a working break and a five-point harness (2 shoulder straps with two waist straps and the crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Check that the pram you select is in compliance with these requirements.
Find a pram that allows your newborn to be seated in the suggested lie-flat position. This position is supportive for the baby and helps prevent an unintentionally dangerous spinal curve that can lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). The majority of prams that can be used from birth will come with an infant seat that can recline to a lay-flat pram mode for infants and transform into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram is important as it will affect how smooth the ride. A pram that has a lot of spring suspension will cost more however it is worth the extra expense if you plan to use your pram every for a while or more.
Always read the instructions and carefully read the warning labels on your pram or stroller. You should also make sure that your stroller is parked in a safe spot away from bicycles, traffic or any other dangers when it's not being used. It is important to remove any bags or items from the handles as they could cause your baby to be trapped or even suffocate.
A stroller or pram should never be left unattended with a baby inside, even if they are asleep. They can wriggle and become stuck or the pram might be thrown away and the child could be injured. It's not a good idea to hang bags or other objects from the handles because they can fall and hit your baby in the head.
Comfort
It is vital that newborns are able to lie flat, as this promotes lung and back development. A lot of prams come with a cocoon or carrycot that creates a warm nest-like atmosphere for your baby and is able to be removed from the frame. Certain seats, like the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, can't be reclined completely flat, but provide the comfort of your child.
Some prams also have an additional bassinet, infant inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes depending on your bub's requirements. This is sometimes 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 padded) and a sturdy five-point safety harness that fits your child's body securely. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or loose areas where fingers could become trapped and that the buckles are comfortable to use - especially for older children. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not. It's great to watch your little one and helps them feel secure by the familiar sight of their parents.
Some prams, such as the Graco Near2Me, have a handy raise and lower feature that brings your baby pram right up to your face at the push of the button, which our parent testers loved! This is a great way to maintain eye contact with your baby pram and keep in touch, especially when they're asleep. If you're looking for a travel system, be sure to check whether the frame is compatible with the car capsule you've chosen to avoid you having to wake them up when changing between pram sale, car and back.
Convenience
It is essential to consider the needs of your baby's transportation when buying a newborn pram. Some prams include an infant bassinet, carrycot or seat that reclines to an upright position. This is crucial for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. It's important to check out the other accessories the pram comes with like the footmuff and changing bag which are essential for keeping your baby warm during the colder winter months.
Some strollers and prams can be converted to travel systems. You can connect an auto pod to the frame with adaptors, meaning you can transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair newborn without disturbing them. These can be useful if you have a busy life or don't have a sufficient space for prams, however it's important to keep 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 keep an eye on is the possibility of raising and lowering your infant's seat from a low to a high setting, which allows you to maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, something that our parent tester found was really useful with her 10-month-old boy! An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me, which can lower to allow your child to 'glide' up to you at the press of an button and maintain constant eye contact.
You should also be able to keep bags for shopping and changing in the basket underneath. You should also be able to put your shopping bags and changing bags in the basket underneath (although be aware that loading the pram with too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what model to choose, try some different models at your local retailer.