Buying a New Born Push Chair

A premium pushchair that's ideal for infants due to the premium woven fabrics and ergonomic support. It's also easy to assemble and is able to easily navigate narrow shop aisles.

Choose a model that has either a carrycot or a combination of car seats and a carriercot, which is ideal for babies. Some models come with a reversible unit, so you can decide if your baby faces you or the rest of the world.

Safety

A pushchair (also called a buggy, pram or stroller) is one of the most frequently used baby products and safety is a priority when choosing one. The first thing to look for is a five-point harness. The harness locks the child into the seat by securing five points - two across shoulders, two around hips and between legs, and two in the middle. This system prevents the child from slipping out of the seat in the event that the vehicle is flipped over, or while driving up a kerb that is steep.

For newborns carrying a carrycot or infant car seats / prams & carrycots combination is essential. They must be able to lie flat. This is to protect their spine development and allows them to breathe fully. This is vital as it decreases the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Newborn babies should never travel long distances with a pushchair without this feature even if it features a reclining seat.

It is also recommended to buy a pushchair that is suitable from birth. This means that the pushchair can be used with a carrycot that is flat on the floor or an pram or infant car seat and that it has a fully reversible and reversible seat to let the baby look at either their parent or the world.

Finally, the wheels of the pushchair need to be robust and have a an adequate suspension to reduce vibrations and bumps as well having brake pedals that is easily accessible. Many pushchairs come with pneumatic tyres that absorb shocks more effectively than conventional tyres and are able to run on uneven terrain.

Accessories such as shopping baskets or pram changing bags or raincovers can be useful, especially if you are running errands while your baby is in the car. Many pushchairs come with the option of a hood that can be put over the baby's face to protect it from the sun or wind. Some hoods can be adjusted to match the weather.

Comfort

You'll want a pushchair for your newborn that is comfortable for the baby and the parents. This could include cushioned seats as well as a pushchair that is easy to move yet sturdy enough to handle rough terrain. You should also think about other features like storage options and protection against weather. If you plan to use the pushchair to go for jogging or off road adventures you will require an all-terrain pushchair with larger wheels, designed to provide your child the best comfort on the roughest terrain.

The ideal pushchair for a newborn will be a pram or a travel system that comes with the option of a carry cot that allows your newborn to sleep in their normal lying down position, which is crucial for the development of a healthy spine and lung. Some pushchairs that are advertised as suitable from birth will actually require your child to be able to sit up independently before they can be used, therefore make sure you check this before purchasing.

A bassinet is a different option, providing a small pushchair cot-like space for your newborn to rest in, while remaining safe and secure in the pushchair. They're typically more expensive than a standard pushchair or even a travel system, but could be worth the cost when your baby is content to use this kind of seat.

A lot of pushchairs have the option to 'face' the seat towards you to bond and reassure or to turn away from you to explore the world. They are often known as parent-facing or world-facing pushchairs. Some will have a single-to-double pushchair option as well that means they can be converted to accommodate two children, without the need for an additional double frame for the pushchair.

You'll need a shade for your pushchair during hot weather to protect your baby from sunlight and prevent overheating. Look for it in pushchair bundles or separately. In colder temperatures it is possible to include a footmuff which will keep your baby warm and snug. There is a wide selection of these, with most being fully machine washable.

Style

When looking for a brand new push chair it is important to look at the finer details, especially since it is likely to be one of your most frequently used baby products. For instance, some models are made to be used on rough terrain, with large wheels and a heavier duty frame. Some models are lighter and easier to move when folded. Some also feature adjustable seat cushions, an extensible SPF canopy, and the footmuff to keep you warm in colder weather.

It is recommended that babies lay flat to aid in the development of their spine as well as opening up their airways. It is recommended to use a pram/pushchair with a carrycot or travel system. Some pushchairs come with an accompanying seat unit or carrycot which can fully recline. These are suitable for infants from birth. Check that this feature is available as some descriptions only provide a reclining option without mentioning a lie-flat seat.

Most pushchairs provide the option of either a parent or world facing seat, to allow you to have your child face you to bond with you or away from you so that they can discover the world around them. Some pushchairs offer both options simultaneously!

Many pushchairs come with a variety of accessories, like baskets and shopping trays to simplify the lives of parents. Some models also come with an inbuilt sunshade that is usually made of UPF or SPF 50+ fabric to protect the baby from the sun. Other popular accessories include a sunshade that can be attached using clamps to the frame of the pushchair or a sunmuff that is often included in the package or sold as an additional.

Budget

It's important to spend time researching your options and stay within your budget. It's important to keep in mind that the pram will stay there for a lengthy time and it's also the most used item, so you need to make sure you purchase one that suits your lifestyle and is comfortable for both you and your baby.

Think about purchasing a travel set-up that includes a carrycot as well as a seat. This is the safest method to transport a newborn, since it guarantees that they lie flat. This is the best way to protect their spine and open their airways. Newborns must always be transported lying on their backs until they reach the age of six months.

Some pushchairs are suitable for babies and include a seat that fully reclines into a lying-flat position. This is important as it protects the baby's growing spine and allows them to rest comfortably on long journeys. It's important to remember that not all pushchairs that claim they are 'lie-flat' actually provide the flat position in full and you need to check this prior to buying.

It is also worth considering an option with a big shopping basket, which will be essential to store all the necessities of your baby's items. The basket should be easy to access and you will be able to squeeze your shopping in without struggling or having to take your baby from the carrier.

Another consideration is the wheels, which vary between models. Some have swivel, fixed or lockable wheels which can aid in maneuvering the pushchair in different situations. Some have larger wheels, which are more stable on rough terrain, or have PU tires that are made to resist puncture.

Consider the size of the handlebar, and if it can be adjusted to your height. Also, make sure that the pushchair can be folded down to fit in your car's boot, or on public transport. Some models, such as the Joie Vinca come with one-handed folds that was highly evaluated by MFM home testers. It earned it an Gold Award at previous MadeForMums Awards.