Blog entry by Mirta Madden
Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are multi-functional, flexible companions of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots for your child's next adventure.
A pram newborn (yesbookmarks.com) is designed for newborns and babies. It has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot with soft and secure walls.
A pram typically comes with a bassinet but can be transformed into a stroller seat when baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns should be protected to the greatest extent possible. A stroller or pram that has safety features will keep your baby secure and comfortable while traveling. A stroller or pram must include a break that is working and a five-point harness (2 shoulder straps and two waist straps and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person pushing it. Verify that the stroller you select is in compliance with these requirements.
Find a pram bags which allows your baby to ride in the position recommended for lying flat. This position is supportive for the baby and helps prevent the risk of a dangerous curve in the spine which can cause spinal problems. It reduces the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation, by keeping the airways clear. Most prams that can be used from birth will include the seat unit, which will recline into a lie-flat pram mode for younger babies and then convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.
The suspension of prams is vital because it can affect the smoothness of the ride. A pram with many spring suspensions will be more expensive however it is worth the extra cost if you plan to use your pram each day for a couple of years or longer.
Always read the instructions and carefully read the warning labels on your pram or stroller. When not in use, place your stroller in a safe area away from any potential hazards like bicycles, traffic or other people. It is important to take any bags or other items from the handles since they could cause your baby to be trapped or even die.
A triple stroller or pram should not be left alone with a child in it even if they are asleep. They could wriggle into the stroller and become trapped, or be pushed away and cause injuries. Hanging bags or other objects on the handles isn't recommended since they could fall and strike your child on 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 cocoon or carrycot that creates a warm, nest-like environment for your newborn and can be easily detached from the frame. Some seats, such as the bucket-style seat on the egg2, don't recline completely flat, but offer a comfortable ride for your child.
Some prams come with an additional bassinet, infant inset or stroller seat so you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes based on your baby's requirements. It is often referred to as a "travel system" and is the first option to try out with your newborn.
Choose a stroller that has two shoulder straps that are ideally padded and a five-point security harness. It must fit your child's body snugly. Check that there are no gaps, or loose areas, where fingers could become trapped. Also, make sure that the buckles are simple for older children to use. It is also important to consider if you'd like a parent-facing pram. It is great to keep an eye on your child and helps them feel more secure being able to see their parents.
Some prams, such as the Graco Near2Me have an awesome raise and lower feature that can bring your baby up to your face at the touch of an button, which our parent testers absolutely loved! This is a fantastic method to keep eye contact with your baby, and stay in touch, particularly when they're sleepy. If you're looking for a travel system, make sure to check whether the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule to avoid the need to wake them up every time you're changing between pram, car and back.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is crucial to think about the needs of your baby's transportation. 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 into a flat position. It's important to check out the other accessories are included in the pram, such as the footmuff and changing bag which are essential to keep your baby warm in colder weather.
It's important to note that some strollers and prams can be transformed into travel systems, permitting you to connect a car capsule with the frame using adaptors to allow you to easily transfer your child between the car and the pushchair pram without having to awake them. 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 must be old enough and able to sit independently before you can switch between the car capsule and pram.
Our parent tester discovered that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son who was 10 months old was a fantastic feature. An excellent example is the Graco Near2Me that can be adjusted to lower the seat, allowing your baby to glide towards you at the press of a button and stay in constant eye contact.
Make sure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Also, make sure you can fold it up easily, and check that the safety harness is in good working order, fits comfortably and securely (five-point rather than three-point) and is able to be adjusted as your child grows. You should be able to store shopping bags and changing bags under the pram (but be aware that too much weight can cause it to tip over). If you're unsure what to choose, try various models at the local store.