One of the biggest dilemmas of parents (especially first-time moms) is whether to get a stroller or a pram. Most strollers are good for use once for babies at least six months old. But what if you want to take your newborn out for a walk in the park?
In such cases, a bassinet is handy to have around. Most parents still prefer bassinets over car seats as they provide more comfort and security for the little ones.
While you can car seats as bassinets, some parents are particular to using the latter. Do note, that bassinets are usually purchased separately although some of the best strollers for newborns have them as a package.
So what are the advantages of getting a stroller with an attachment for a bassinet? Read on to find out.
Most moms prefer to use prams for their babies because:
- A bassinet on a stroller lets the baby enjoy warmth and comfort even when outside. All bassinets have canopies on them which cover more than half of it, ensuring that your little one is protected from the elements.
- Most strollers with attachments for bassinets allow rear-facing position, giving the parent the option to maintain eye contact with the baby.
- Taking the baby out for a walk is also beneficial to the mother. Long walks allow them to stay in good shape and recover after pregnancy. Strolling with your baby would have to wait for at least six months if you’re using a standard stroller.
- Though newborns can’t talk yet, they also love to explore the outside world and all its sights and sounds. They shouldn’t have to wait long to do enjoy the world.
The following are must-have features that you need to look for in a pram.
- An adjustable canopy. It would be much better if it’s a UV 50+ canopy to ensure that your baby is well protected from the elements, especially from the sun.
- Reversible seat. Lets the baby enjoy the view or look at you when he’s getting cranky.
- Four-wheel system is better than three wheels. Yes, a three-wheel stroller is lighter and easier to move around but a four-wheel system offers more sturdiness and stability.
Other features that are nice to have, on the other hand, are:
- Height-adjustable handle
- Storage basket
- Reversible handle
- Toy attachments
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when buying a stroller for your newborn.
- Look for quality materials and sturdy wheels.
- Ensure that the stroller has a balanced design and great suspension.
- Look for durability. Extra paddings for the baby and a large storage basket would also be nice.
- Make sure you can fold and fit the stroller in the boot of your car.
I’ve included some budget-friendly strollers on the list below should that be your main concern. But first, let me talk to you about my top pick. Here we go.
1. 4moms Origami Stroller
Let’s talk about the price first. I must say that it’s one of the most expensive one of the bunch.
So why the steep price tag?
For starters, it is a high-end stroller with a power folding feature. Touch a button the 4moms stroller folds and unfolds on its own. That’s something that you don’t get to see everyday.
It has an LCD dashboard which houses a thermometer, speedometer, trip and lifetime odometers, and child presence safety sensors. The Origami also has daytime running lights, pathway lights for low-light conditions, and to top it all, generators on its rear wheels allows you to charge your phone while on the go.
You can also attach a bassinet or convert it to a travel system. Just plug in the car seat adapter, install the Graco infant car seat, and you’re good to go.
With all the cool features it has to offer, you may be asking “What about performance?”. The Origami is definitely a head turner because of its stylish design and innovative features. To make it better, it has an all-wheel suspension and the materials used are topnotch. Maneuvering is easy because it’s lightweight and the width is only 28”.
The only downside is the price. The stroller itself is already worth a thousand dollars and that does not include the bassinet and the car seat.
Additional specs:
- Stroller weight – 33 lbs
- Age range – from birth to 40 lbs and up to 20 lbs for the bassinet
2. Inglesina – Trilogy Stroller with Bassinet
The Inglesina stroller is car seat compatible (separate adapters) and of course, the bassinet is sold separately.
The nice thing about this stroller is that you can use it from day one, with the bassinet, up to the time that your baby’s a toddler. The seat is reversible which so your baby can just look at you if ever he gets bored with the scenery.
Other nice features include front swivelling wheels, an active brake lever, and a one-hand fold system. A nice trick that it has is that it that the front swivelling wheels can be locked/unlocked using a remote control that’s located on the frame. It’s also packed with other goodies like a cup holder, matching storage basket, shoulder pads, and rain cover.
Cons? I’ve found quite a few. One, the handle is not height-adjustable. Two, the suspension is not well suited on rough terrains. And three, car seat compatibility is limited.
Additional specs:
- Stroller weight – 21.3 lbs
- Age range – from birth up to 55 lbs
3. Britax 2017 B-Ready Stroller
One word comes to mind when talking about the Britax B-Ready Stroller — versatility.
Not only can you use it from the time that your baby is born, you can even use it when you have your second child. It offers a second seat and attaching it is a breeze. It offers 12 seating options, making it a good stroller for any occasion.
Feeling a little picky about which bassinet or car seat to buy? Worry not because this stroller is compatible with any Britax bassinet or car seat. You’d also be delighted to know that it’s also compatible with other major car seat brands, though you’d need to purchase a separate adapter.
The only con that it has is probably the size. Unfortunately, it’s one of the bulkiest strollers available out there. But thinking that it can accommodate a second child, I’d say that the big size is justifiable.
Additional specs:
- Stroller weight – 28 lbs
- Age range – birth up to six months (with bassinet) and up to 55 lbs for the stroller itself
4. Urbini Omni Solo Versatile Convertible Stroller
The Omni Solo is probably one of the most affordable strollers for newborns. You get a stroller itself and a car seat, saving you money and a later trip to the department store.
It comes with the usual goodies like a storage basket, an adjustable handlebar, and a five-point safety harness.
But the Omni Solo’s biggest draw? The stroller seat itself is reversible and convertible to a bassinet. No need to buy a separate bassinet!
The only reason for complaint most parents have about the stroller is the slightly bulky frame and bassinet/seat, making storage space a bit of an issue.
Additional specs:
- Stroller weight – 24.5 lbs
- Age range – from birth up to 50 lbs
5. Hot Mom 3 in 1 Travel System and Bassinet Baby Stroller
Functionality and style, anyone? Then look no further than the Hot Mom 3 in 1 Travel System. Inspired by European fashion, this stroller is sure to catch attention.
Just so you know, the egg-shaped seat is actually made of 100% leather. And if you think that it’s only good in the looks department, you’re greatly mistaken. It has all the necessary features a stroller needs to have.
Best of all, it comes with a lot of goodies like the bassinet, rain cover, mosquito net, diaper bags, foot cover, and a cup holder.
With this kind of set-up, finding a con was a really tough job. If I may say, the only con is that it takes a little time and effort to assemble the whole thing.
And that’s it for the best strollers for newborns. I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether or not you’ll purchase another stroller when your baby reaches six months old. Until then, make sure you enjoy every bit of time you spend outside with your newborn.
