Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

The choice of a newborn pushchair is among the most important decisions you will make for your baby. The best model will help your baby grow comfortably and stay healthy.

Experts recommend that babies should sleep flat in order to assist breathing and develop. A good pushchair has seats that can be positioned in a flat position.

Lie-flat seating

Newborns should be able to lie flat in their pushchair for the first six months since it aids their back development, and breathing. However there are some pushchairs that don't can be rolled flat, so it's crucial to confirm this before you buy. One method to test a new pushchair shop near me is to ask the shop assistant whether you can test it out and see if you are able to comfortably sleep with your child in it.

A baby stroller that comes with a cocoon, carrycot or a seat that is set flat is an excellent option for infants. It allows them to sleep in an upright position while protecting their spines and allowing them to breathe normally. Some prams and strollers include a carrycot for infants with them, while others offer the option of attaching one separately to the frame and then swapping it for the seat when your baby is old enough.

Most experts agree that infants should be placed in a pushchair or carrycot facing their parents. This lets them be able to see their parents in a direct manner and allows parents to keep track of their needs as well as monitor their baby. Many new parents aren't sure which direction to take for their baby, or when they should let them be exposed to the world.

A travel system is a very popular choice as it allows you to use a baby carrycot or cocoon attached to the frame of a pushchair and then change to a reclining seat once your baby is older, saving you the hassle of buying separate items. Certain models can be transformed from a single pushchair to a double pushchair which allows you to save money on equipment and have flexibility as your child grows. You should consider the weight of the travel system, both with and without the carrycot. It could be heavier than other pushchairs. This is especially true when you are planning to take public transportation or travel often with your child. Examine the stability of the travel system, and whether it can stand on its own when folded. You'll need a stroller that is sturdy and can handle the weight of a growing baby.

All-terrain models

The best pushchair for newborns is one that's built to tackle a variety of different terrain. This is especially important if you walk in the country or live in a rural area where you are likely to encounter bumpy and uneven surfaces. The good news is that there are now numerous models specifically designed with this kind of terrain in mind. The main thing to do is find out how sturdy and robust the chassis is, and if there's a suspension system in place to assist in the journey on rough terrain. The tyres must also be considered - if they're air-filled, you'll need to be prepared to carry a pump or at least have a puncture repair kit with you.

There are a variety of strollers that are all-terrain. These include those made by big names in the world of baby equipment. One of the most well-known is the Out n About Nipper V5 stroller that has a stellar reputation and is suitable from birth with a carrycot or first-stage car seat (not suitable for overnight sleeping). Its tyres that are filled with air are ideal for off-roading and its suspension can help to cushion your baby's ride. It's even suitable for jogging when your child is old enough.

The iCandy Core is another option. It can be used as a single or double pushchair, and it comes with a huge basket that can hold 10kg of groceries. The front wheels, which are bigger than those on the majority of single pushchairs, allow it to maneuver over a wide variety of surfaces. It also comes with a reclining seat that can be set to a flat position and includes an infant car seat adaptor kit that allows it to be used as a travel system.

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is another all-terrain walk worth taking a look at. It's narrow enough to fit into the aisles of shops and buses, but has large, rugged tyres which can handle rough surfaces. It has a large basket and can fold in one hand. It's expensive, however it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making the purchase.

Easy to Manoeuvre

There are many different types of pushchairs, but when choosing one for a child, take into consideration the following aspects:

A new born baby will need to lie flat to encourage healthy development of the spine. This is usually done in a pram or carrycot however, once they're older you can change to a pushchair seat and then an infant seat. It is best to opt for a 3-in-1 stroller, also known as a travel system bundle or pram. This allows your child to grow with it. It usually comprises an frame that houses a car seat/premium and an infant seat that snaps onto the frame.

You might also want to look into a reversible device to allow you to use it with the baby facing you or turn it around and let them explore the world. This will keep them content and reassured. Some models have a canopy that is facing the parent which allows you to keep an eye on your child and keep eye contact during the trip.

Another factor to consider is the weight of your pushchair. You don't want to have to lift it on and off public transport or in and out of your car often So make sure it's lightweight. Also, you should make sure that the pushchair is compact and folds well so that it can fit into the trunk of your vehicle.

If you have plans to travel with your family, make sure that the pushchair is easy to maneuver and can be easily folded to be stored. This is important, especially if you plan to use the pushchair in countries where customs officials might need to inspect it for security reasons.

Check if the pushchair is single or linked-handled, and whether it comes with an adjustable height. Single handles are simpler to fold up and can be folded more compactly when using single handles. Think about a steering wheel that can be adjusted in height to accommodate grandparents who can assist you. You don't want to struggle for hours trying to assemble and disassemble your stroller with a baby who is heavy on the board!

Storage space

A large and sturdy basket is vital to keep baby's diaper kit and toys. Look for a model with a large storage space which you can easily access when using the carrycot, and doesn't require you to get your newborn out of the cot by lifting the lid.

A carrycot is a lightweight portable crib with a handle that can be attached to a pushchair chassis to create a travel system. Often used with newborns, they are an essential feature of a 'from birth' pushchair since they permit your baby to lay flat, which is beneficial for their spinal and lung development.

A sun canopy is an essential accessory to a pushchair since it protects your child from the elements. Some models have inbuilt sunshades while others come with removable SPF/UPF 50+ canopies. Consider using a footstrap to keep your baby warm during colder weather. Look for models that have one in the bundle or accessories range.