When it comes to newborn safety and your pram, the best way to position your brand-new baby is flat on their back, on a relatively firm surface. This allows them to move freely when they need to, not limiting their ability to move.
At this young age, your baby’s spine is developing rapidly. This flat, firm surface offers the best position for spine development as well as reducing the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death – formerly called SIDS). It also ensures that their airways remain clear.
In any type of inclined or curved seat or capsule, there’s a risk that your baby’s head may fall forward or their chin press against their chest and blocking their small airway. For this reason, any type of inclined seat or even car seat that puts your little one in a curved shape should be limited while they are very young.
When is it safe to move your little one from bassinet to seat?
Once babies able to sit up unassisted (usually around 6 months of age), they will have the correct head and neck control to be able to support themselves and stop their head from falling forward.
What can I do if my baby likes to sit upright or look around whilst in a pram?
While your little one might appear to be engaging with the world around them; however, before six months of age, a baby’s range of vision is still quite limited. Optometrists and paediatricians suggest that babies can only see around 30cm in front of them until they reach around 6 months of age.
Using the bassinet is still recommended, for all of the reasons listed above. If your baby does like to see more of the world, you can open up the canopy a little more, and let them experience all of the new colours, sounds and smells that the outside world has to offer!
What is the best way to position a baby to help with reflux?
If your baby has reflux, sitting them up used to be the go-to move. However, the most recent Red Nose advice has de-bunked the myth that elevating your little one actually assists with their reflux.
The consensus is that it is best to keep your newborn in the bassinet until they are able to sit up unaided, regardless of reflux. If you’re really worried about reflux, seek advice from your doctor or medical specialist and always follow your doctor’s advice.
5 point safety harness