Buying a pram newborn (love it)

Prams and twin pushchairs are the multifunctional, versatile 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 and has the most solid, sturdy carrycot with soft and safe walls.

A pram is equipped with a bassinet. However, it can be converted into a stroller when the baby is ready.

Safety

Newborns are extremely fragile and need to be kept as safe as you can. A stroller or pram that has safety features will keep your baby safe and comfortable during travel. A pram or stroller must have a break that works, a 5-point harness (2 shoulder straps with two waist straps and an e-crotch belt) and a wrist tether for the person driving it. Make sure that the pram you choose is in compliance with these requirements before purchasing.

Find a stroller that allows your newborn to ride in the recommended lie-flat position. This position helps support the baby and helps prevent an unintentionally dangerous curve in the spine which can cause spinal problems. By keeping the airways open, it reduces the chance of SUID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Asphyxiation). Most prams that can be used from birth will come with a seat unit that will recline into a lie-flat pram mode for infants and convert into a pushchair seat unit for older children.

The suspension of the pram will determine how smooth it runs. A pram with a lot of spring suspension will be more expensive however it is worth the extra expense when you intend to use your pram bags every for a while or more.

Always read the directions and look at the warning labels on your pram or stroller. It is also important to ensure that your stroller is placed in a secure location free of bicycles, traffic or any other dangers when it's not being used. Also, you should remove any bags or other items from the handles, since they can cause your baby to get caught or suffocate.

Even if the baby is asleep, it's never a good idea to leave a stroller or pram unattended. They can wriggle and become trapped or the pram could roll away and they might be injured. It's not a good idea to hang bags or other things off the handles as they could fall and hit your baby's head.

Comfort

Possibility of lying flat seating is a must for newborns, since it aids in better 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 is able to be removed from the frame. Others, like the egg2's bucket-style seat, do not recline to lay flat but still offer a comfortable ride to your baby.

Some prams also feature a separate bassinet, newborn inset or stroller seat so you can easily switch between sitting and sleeping modes depending on your bub's needs. This is often called a 'travel system and is the very first thing you should do with your baby.

Find a pram that has two shoulder straps (ideally cushioned) and a functional five-point safety harness that fits your bub's body securely. Be sure that there aren't any gaps or loose areas where fingers could get trapped and that the buckles are comfortable to use - especially for older children. You should also think about if you would like a parent-facing pram. It is great for keeping an ear on your child and makes them feel more secure being able to see their parents.

Our parent testers loved the feature of some prams like the Graco Near2Me which allows you to raise your baby by pressing a button. This is a fantastic method of keeping eye contact with your baby and keep in touch, particularly when they're sleepy. If you're in the market for a travel system, make sure to check the frame is compatible with your chosen car capsule, as this will save you from having to wake them up when changing between car, pram and back.

Convenience

When buying a pram newborn it is essential to consider your baby's needs for transport. Some prams have a carrycot or bassinet, which allow your baby to be laid flat (essential for their spinal development and breathing) while others have a seat that can recline into a flat position. It's important to look at what other accessories the pram comes with like the footmuff and changing bag which are essential to keep your baby warm during the colder winter months.

Some strollers and prams pushchairs prams can be converted into travel systems. You can connect a car pod to a frame using adaptors, so you can move your baby from the car to the pushchair without waking them. These are useful when you have a busy schedule or you do not have enough space in your car boot to fit the pram. But, you must be aware that you'll need wait until your baby is old enough to sit on their own before you convert them from a car capsule to the pushchair.

Our parent tester found that the ability to raise or lower the seat of her son's 10 months old was a fantastic feature. A good example is the Graco Near2Me which can lower to allow your baby to glide into your arms with the push of the button, and remain in constant eye contact.

Also, ensure that your pram newborn has a solid base and wheels that can handle potholes and bumps. Ensure that 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 put your shopping bags and changing bags inside the basket beneath (although remember that putting on excessive weight can cause it to tip over). If you're unsure of which model to go with, try some different models at the local retailer.