The Advanced Guide To Pram Newborn
Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs prams are the multi-functional, multi-purpose partners of caregivers and parents. They're the co-pilots of the new journey of your child.
A pram for newborns is dedicated to newborns and babies. It has the most solid, sturdy carrycot that has soft and secure walls.
A pram will typically come with a bassinet, but it can be converted to an infant stroller seat once baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns are incredibly fragile and need to be kept as secure as is possible. A pram or stroller with safety features will ensure that your baby is in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. A stroller or pram should have a working break and a five-point harness (2 shoulder straps; 2 waist straps; and the crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Check that the pram you choose meets these standards.
Find a stroller that allows your baby to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position is supportive for your baby and helps prevent a dangerous curvature in their spine that can lead to spinal issues. It also reduces the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by ensuring that the airways are clear. The majority of prams can be used from the moment of the time of birth. They come with seats that recline into a lay-flat position for infants, and can be converted into a pushchair unit for older children.
The suspension of a pram will determine how smooth it runs. A pram that has lots of spring suspension will be more expensive however it is worth the extra cost in the event that you plan to use your pram each day for a few years or more.
Always read the instructions and look at the warning labels on your pram or stroller. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is placed in a safe spot away from bicycles, traffic or any other potential hazards when it isn't being used. It is recommended to take any bags or other items from the handles since 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 trapped or the pram could slide away and the baby could be injured. It's also not a good idea to hang bags or other things off the handles as they may fall and hit your baby's head.
Comfort
Having the option of lie flat seating is an absolute necessity for babies, as it promotes better back and lung development. Cocoons or carriers are available on a variety of prams. They create a nest-like environment that is a comfortable place for your baby and can be detached easily from the frame. Some seats, such as the bucket-style seat found on the egg2, can't be reclined completely flat, but provide an enjoyable ride for your child.
Some prams also have an extra bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes depending on your bub's needs. This is sometimes described as a "travel system" and is the initial option to try out with your newborn.
Look for a pram with two shoulder straps (ideally padded) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body safely. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or areas that are loose in which fingers can get caught and that the buckles are simple 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 keep an eye on your child, and also helps them feel reassured by the familiar sight of their parents.
Some prams, like the Graco Near2Me have an awesome raise and lower feature that brings your baby up to your face at the touch of the button, which our parent testers really loved! This is a great method of keeping connected to your baby, especially if they are sleeping. If you're in the market for a travel system, make sure that whether the frame is compatible with your car capsule, as this will save you from having to wake them up while changing between pram, car and back.
Convenience
When you are shopping for a new baby's pram, it is crucial to think about your baby's transport needs. Some prams include an infant bassinet, carrycot or a seat that can recline to a flat position. This is essential for your baby's development of the spine and breathing. It is important to check the other accessories that are included in the pram, such as a footmuff or a changing bag. These are essential for keeping your baby warm when it's cold.
It's also worth noting that some strollers and prams can be converted into travel systems, permitting you to connect a car capsule to the frame via adaptors to allow you to easily transfer your baby between the car and the pushchair newborn without needing to wake them up. These are useful if you have a busy schedule or don't have the sufficient space for a pram pushchair capsule, although it's important to keep 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 to consider is the ability to raise and lower your newborn's seat from a low to high setting, which helps maintain eye contact with them and keeps them close to you. This is something our parent tester found was really useful with her 10-month-old boy! One example is the Graco Near2Me, which lets your child 'glide towards you at the press of the button.
Also, ensure that your baby's pram has a sturdy base and wheels that are able to handle bumps and potholes and that you can fold it down with ease, and check that the safety harness you use is safe, fits comfortably and securely (five-point instead of three-point) and is adjustable as your child grows. You should also be able 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 which to choose, test different models at the local store.