Buying a Pram Newborn

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

A pram for newborns is dedicated to infants and newborns. It comes with a an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and secure walls.

A pram is equipped with a bassinet. However, it can be converted into a stroller once the baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns are incredibly fragile and should be kept as safe as is possible. Buying a stroller or pram equipped with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and secure while traveling. The basic requirements for any pram or stroller include a functioning brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps and a strap for the crotch) and the wrist tether strap that is for the person who is pushing the pram. Check that the pram you choose meets these standards.

Look for a pram that allows your infant to ride in the recommended lying flat position. This position is supportive for the baby and prevents a potentially dangerous curve in the spine which can lead to spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams are able to be used right from the moment of birth. They have an adjustable seat that reclines into a lay-flat mode for infants, and can be converted into a pushchair for older children.

The suspension on the twin pram is crucial because it affects how smooth the ride. A pram with lots of suspension is likely to be more expensive but it could be worth it to purchase this feature if you plan to use your pram daily for a couple of years or longer.

You should always make sure to go through the instruction manual and examine the warning labels for your stroller or pram. You should also make sure that your pram is parked in a secure location away from bicycles, traffic or any other potential hazards when it isn't being used. It is also a good idea to remove any bags or objects from the handles since they could cause your baby to be trapped or even suffocate.

A stroller or pram should not be left unattended with a child in it even if they are asleep. They could get squirming into the stroller and become trapped, or be pushed away and cause injuries. Hanging bags or other objects from the handles isn't an ideal idea because they could fall and hit your child in the head.

Comfort

It is essential that newborns have the option to lie flat, as it aids in lung and back development. A lot of prams come with a carrycot or cocoon that creates a warm, nest-like environment for your infant and can be easily detached from the frame. Certain seats, like the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, aren't able to recline completely flat, but they provide an enjoyable ride for your child.

Some prams come with a separate seat or bassinet for the newborn. This lets you easily switch between the sleeping and sitting positions depending on the requirements of your baby. This is often referred to as a 'travel system' and is the first option you should test with your baby.

Choose a stroller with two straps for the shoulder, ideally padded and a five-point security harness. It should fit your baby's body snugly. Check that there are no gaps, or loose areas, where fingers could become trapped. Also make sure the buckles are easy for older children to use. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram or not. It's great for keeping an eye on your child, and also helps them feel secure by the familiar sight of their parents.

Our testers with parents enjoyed the features of some prams like the Graco Near2Me that lets you raise your baby at the push of one button. This is a great method to keep eye contact with your baby and stay in contact, particularly when they're asleep. If you're in the market for a travel system, be sure the frame is compatible with the car capsule you've chosen to avoid the need to wake them up while changing between pram, car and back.

Convenience

When you are shopping for a new baby's pram, it is important to consider the needs of your baby's transportation. Some prams come with a carrycot or bassinet, which allow your baby to be laid flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others have a seat that can recline into a flat position. It's also a good idea to check out the other accessories the pram has like the footmuff and changing bag which are essential to keep your baby warm in colder months.

It's important to note that some strollers and prams can be transformed into compact travel pram systems permitting you to connect a car capsule to the frame using adaptors to allow you to easily transfer your child between the car and the pushchair without needing to wake them up. These are useful for those who have a hectic life or don't have a big enough boot for prams, however it's worth keeping in mind that your child will need to be old enough and able to sit up on their own before you can switch them from car capsule to pram.

Another feature you may want to keep an eye on is the possibility of raising and lowering the infant's seat from a low to a high setting, which helps maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you, which our parent tester found was really useful with her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me that allows your child to glide closer to you at the press of an button.

Also, ensure that your newborn pram stores near me has a solid base and wheels that can handle bumps and potholes and that you can fold it down easily, and check that the safety harness is functional that fits comfortably and securely (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 be aware that putting on too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you're unsure of which model to pick, check some different models at your local retailer.