(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/773/graco-stadium-duo-tandem-double-pushchair-suitable-from-birth-to-approx-3-years-15kgs-car-seat-compatible-with-snugessentials-isize-infant-car-seat-black-grey-fashion-773.jpg)Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are the multi-functional, flexible allies of parents and caregivers. They're the co-pilots in the new adventure of your child.
A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies and has a deep, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.
A pram comes with a bassinet, but it can also be converted into a stroller when the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are extremely fragile and need to be kept as safe as is possible. Buying a stroller or pram with safety features will ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe during their travels. The essential requirements for any stroller or pram are a functioning brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps, and a strap for the crotch) and an adjustable wrist tether strap for the person pushing the pram. Make sure the pram you select meets these requirements.
Look for a pram that allows your newborn to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position helps your baby and avoids the development of a risky curve in their spine that can lead to spinal problems. It also reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by ensuring that the airways are clear. Most cheap prams can be used from the moment of birth. They have seats that recline to lay flat for infants. It can also be converted to a folding pushchair for older children.
The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it rides. A pram with many spring suspensions will be more expensive, but it is worth the extra cost when you intend to use your pram each for a while or more.
Always read the instructions and look at the warning labels on your stroller or pram. When not in use, you should park your pram away from any potential hazards like bicycles, traffic or other people. It is recommended to take any bags or other items off the handles, as they could cause your baby to be caught or suffocate.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's never recommended to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They may squirm into the pram and become stuck, or roll away and cause injury. Hanging bags, or other items from the handles isn't a good thing as they can fall and strike your child on the head.
Comfort
It is crucial that babies have the option of lying flat as this aids in lung and back development. A lot of prams come with a carrycot or cocoon that creates a cosy nest-like atmosphere for your infant and can be easily removed from the frame. Some seats, such as the bucket-style seat on egg2, don't recline completely flat, but offer the comfort of your child.
Some prams include a separate seat or bassinet for the newborn. This allows you to easily switch between sitting and sleeping positions based on the needs of your baby. This is sometimes called a ”travel system” and is the first option to try out with your newborn.
Look for a pram with two straps for the shoulder that are ideally padded and a five-point safety harness. It must fit your child's body snugly. Make sure there are no gaps or areas that are loose where fingers could become trapped and that the buckles are easy to use, particularly for older children. You should also consider if you'd like a parent facing pram-facing pram sets. It is ideal for keeping an ear on your child and helps them feel more secure by having their parents around.
Our parent testers enjoyed the features of some prams, like the Graco Near2Me that lets you raise your baby and lower it at the touch of one button. This is a great method of keeping in touch with your baby, especially if they are asleep. If you're looking for a travel system, be sure to check the frame's compatibility with your car capsule and this will prevent you having to wake them up while changing between car, pram and back again.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider your baby's needs for transport. Some prams come with carrycots, a bassinet or a seat that can recline to an upright position. This is important to ensure your baby's spinal development and breathing. It is also a good idea to take a look at the other accessories the pram has like the footmuff and changing bag that are essential to keep your baby warm during the colder winter months.
Some prams and strollers can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to a frame with adaptors so that you can transfer your child from the car to the double pushchair without waking them up. This is a great option when you live a busy life or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate 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 change between the car capsule and pram.
Another feature you may want to keep an eye on is the ability to raise and lower 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, which our parent tester found extremely useful for her 10-month-old boy! A good example is the Graco Near2Me, which can be lowered to allow your baby to glide into your arms by pressing an button and maintain constant eye contact.
Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can withstand bumps and potholes and that you are able to fold it down with ease and make sure the safety harness you use is safe, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should also be able keep changing and shopping bags in the basket underneath (although keep in mind that loading the pram with too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're not sure what model to go with, try out a few different models at your local store.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/55/graco-ezlite-ultimate-easy-to-use-lightweight-stroller-at-only-6-6kg-for-on-the-go-families-suitable-from-birth-to-approx-3-years-15kg-midnight-fashion-55.jpg)
