14 Questions You Shouldn t Be Afraid To Ask About Pram Newborn
Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are the multi-functional, flexible partners of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots for your child's next adventure.
A pram for newborns is a special stroller designed for babies and newborns. It has a sturdy, deep carrycot and soft walls that are safe and secure.
A pram comes with a bassinet, however it can be converted to a stroller if the baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are incredibly fragile and must be protected as much as possible. A stroller or pram equipped with safety features will keep your baby secure and comfortable while traveling. The essential requirements for any stroller or pram are to have a working brake, a five-point safety harness (2 shoulder straps, 2 waist straps and an Crotch strap) and a wrist tether strap for the person who is pushing the pram. Be sure that the model you are considering meets these standards before purchasing.
Find a childs pram which allows your baby to ride in the recommended position of lying flat. This position supports your baby and prevents a dangerous curve in their spine that could cause spinal problems. It also lowers the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by keeping airways clear. Most prams are able to be used right from birth. They come with a seat unit which reclines into a lay-flat position for infants, and can be converted to a pushchair newborn for older children.
The suspension of a pram will determine how smoothly it runs. A pram with many suspensions is likely to be more expensive but it could be worth it to purchase this feature if you are planning to use your pram every day for a few years or more.
Always read the directions and read the warning labels on your pram or triple stroller. When not in use, park your pram away from dangers such as bicycles, traffic or other people. It is also a good idea to take any bags or other items from the handles as they could cause your baby to be trapped or even suffocate.
A stroller or pram should not be left alone with a child in it even if they are asleep. They can get wriggling and become trapped, or the pram may be thrown away and the child could be injured. Hanging bags, or other items on the handles isn't recommended because they could fall and strike your child in the head.
Comfort
Having the option of lie flat seating is an absolute must for newborns, because it helps improve lung and back development. Many prams have a carrycot or cocoon that creates a cosy nest-like atmosphere for your newborn and can be easily detached from the frame. Others, such as the egg2's bucket-style seat do not recline to lie flat but still offer a comfortable ride for your baby.
Some prams also feature an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat so you can easily change between sitting and sleeping modes according to your baby's requirements. It is often referred to as a "travel system" and is the first setup you should test out with your baby.
Find a pram with two shoulder straps which are cushioned and a five-point security harness. It should fit your baby's body snugly. Be sure to check for gaps, or loose areas, where fingers could get caught. Also make sure the buckles are simple for older children to use. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram (whitebookmarks.com) or not - it's ideal to watch your child and helping them feel reassured by the familiar sight of their parents.
Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me, come with a nifty raise and lower function that can bring your baby close to your face with the touch of an button, which our parent testers really loved! This is a fantastic method to keep eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, especially when they're sleepy. If you're looking for an appropriate travel system, be sure to check whether the frame is compatible with the car capsule you've chosen to avoid you from having to wake them up every time you're changing between pram, car and back.
Convenience
It is essential to take into account the needs of your baby's transportation when buying a newborn pram. Some prams include a carrycot or bassinet, that allows your baby to be laid flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others come with seats that can recline to a lying-flat position. 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 to keep your baby warm when it's cold.
It's worth noting that certain strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems, allowing you to connect a car capsule with the frame using adaptors so that you can easily move your baby between the car and the pushchair without needing to get them up. This is a great option for those who have a hectic lifestyle or don't have a large enough car boot to accommodate a pram capsule, although it is worth bearing in mind that your child must be old enough and able to sit independently before you can change between the car capsule and pram.
Our parent tester found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son who was 10 months old was a great feature. One example is the Graco Near2Me which lets your child 'glide closer to you at the press of an button.
Make sure that your baby's pram has a solid base and wheels that are able to handle potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you are able to fold it down easily and ensure that the safety harness is in good working order and fits comfortably (five-point instead of three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should also be able to keep changing and shopping bags in the basket underneath (although remember that putting on too much weight can 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.