Blog entry by Dedra Kulikowski
Buying a Pram Newborn
Prams and pushchairs are multi-functional, flexible partners of caregivers and parents. They are the co-pilots on the new adventure of your child.
A pram newborn is designed for newborns and babies. It has an incredibly sturdy, deep carrycot that has soft and secure walls.
A pram is typically equipped with a bassinet but can be converted to a stroller seat when baby is ready.
Safety
Newborns should be protected as much as is possible. A stroller or pram with safety features will keep your baby in a safe and comfortable environment during travel. A pram or stroller must have a break that works, a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps and two waist straps and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Verify that the stroller you select meets these requirements.
Find a stroller that allows your infant to be seated in the suggested lie-flat position. This position helps your baby and prevents the development of a risky spinal curve which could lead to problems with their spine. It reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) or asphyxiation by keeping airways clear. Most prams that can be used from birth will have an infant seat that can recline to a lay-flat pram mode for younger babies and then convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.
The suspension of the pram is crucial because it affects how smooth the ride. A babiie pram with a lot of suspension is likely to be more costly but it may be worth the cost of this feature if you are planning to use your pram every day for a couple of years or longer.
Always read the directions and carefully read the warning labels on your pram or my babiie stroller. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is placed in a secure location away from bicycles, traffic or other hazards when it's not being used. You should also remove any bags or other items that are not removed from the handles, as they can cause your baby to become caught or choke.
Even if the baby is asleep, it's never an ideal idea to leave a pram or stroller unattended. They could wiggle and get stuck or the pram might be thrown away and the child might be injured. It's not a good idea to hang bags or other objects on the handles since they could fall and hit your baby in the head.
Comfort
It is essential that newborns have the option of lying flat, as it aids in lung and back development. A lot of prams come with a carrycot or cocoon that creates a cosy, nest-like environment for your baby and can be easily detached from the frame. Some seats, such as the bucket-style seat on the egg2, can't be reclined completely flat, but they provide the comfort of your child.
Some prams also feature an additional bassinet, infant inset or stroller seat, so you can easily switch between sleeping and sitting modes based on your baby's needs. It is commonly described as a "compact travel stroller system and is the first configuration you should try with your newborn.
Find a pram that has two shoulder straps (ideally with padding) and a five-point safety harness that fits your child's body securely. Check that there are no gaps, or loose places where fingers could become trapped. Also, make sure that the buckles are simple for older children to use. It's also worth considering whether you'd prefer a parent facing pram set or not. It's perfect to watch your little one and helps them feel reassured by the familiarity of their parents.
Some prams, such as the Graco Near2Me have a nifty raise and lower feature that can bring your baby up to your face at the push of the button, which our parent testers really loved! This is a great method to keep eye contact with your baby and stay in touch, particularly when they're sleepy. If you're looking to purchase a travel system, make sure that the frame is compatible with the car capsule you've chosen to avoid you having to wake them up while changing between pram, car and back again.
Convenience
When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider your baby's needs for transport. Some prams have a carrycot or bassinet, that allows your baby to lie flat (essential for their development of their spine and breathing) while others come with a seat that can recline to a lying-flat position. You should also check what other accessories are included in the pram, for instance a footmuff and changing bag. These are essential to keep your baby warm when it is cold.
Some strollers and prams can be converted to best travel stroller systems. You can connect an auto pod to the frame using adaptors, so you can transfer your child from the car to the pram without waking them. These can be useful when you live a busy lifestyle or don't have a sufficient space for pram capsules, but it's important to keep in mind that your baby will need to be old enough and able to sit on their own before you can change them from car capsule to pram.
Our tester's mother found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her 10-month-old son was a fantastic feature. One good example is the Graco Near2Me that can be adjusted to lower the seat, allowing your baby to glide towards you with the push of the button, and remain in constant eye contact.
Finally, make sure your pram newborn has a sturdy base with wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that you can fold it down with ease and make sure 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 to keep changing and shopping bags in the basket underneath (although remember that putting on too much weight could cause it to tip over). If you're unsure of which model to go with, try out a few different models at your local store.