Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

Choosing a pushchair newborn is one of the most important choices you make for your baby. The best model will help your little one develop into a healthy and comfortable.

Experts recommend that babies should be able to sleep flat to aid breathing and development. This is why a quality pushchair has a lie-flat seat.

Lay-flat seating

For the first six months, newborns should be laid flat in their pushchair. This is beneficial for their back development and breathing. However it is not always the case that pushchairs lie flat so it's important to check this prior to buying. Ask the shop assistant to let you try out the pushchair to see if your baby is at ease in it.

A newborn pram that has a carrycot, cocoon or seats that can be placed flat is a good option for babies who are just starting out. It allows them to sleep in an upright position while protecting their spines and allowing them to breathe normally. Some prams and strollers come with a newborn carrycot with them, while others offer the option of attaching one separately to the frame, and then swapping it for the seat once your baby is old enough.

Most experts agree that infants should be placed in a pushchair or carrycot facing their parents. This lets them view their parents directly and makes it easier for parents to observe their needs and supervise their child. However many new born push chair parents aren't sure which direction to choose or when their baby can begin to look out to the world.

A travel system is a popular choice because it lets you use a baby cocoon or carrycot attached to the frame of a pushchair, and then switch to a reclining seat once your baby is older, saving you the expense of purchasing separate items. Some models also come with the option of switching from a single pushchair to double as your child grows, allowing you to be flexible and making it possible to save money by purchasing just one piece of equipment. It is important to check the weight of a travel system (with and without the carrycot included) as you may find it heavier than other pushchairs. This is especially true when you're going to use public transport or traveling frequently with your baby. You should also check the stability of the travel system and whether it is free-standing when folded. You'll need a pushchair that is sturdy and able to support the weight of a growing child.

All-terrain models

The ideal baby pushchair is one that is designed to tackle a variety of different terrain. This is especially important for those who reside in the countryside or like to go on country walks and are likely to come across uneven surfaces and bumpy terrain. The good news is that there are now many models available specifically designed with this kind of terrain in mind. It's important to check the chassis to see if it has a suspension system that will assist you in riding over rough terrain. The tyres must also be considered - if they're air-filled, you may need to be prepared to carry a pump, or at a minimum, an emergency repair kit for punctures with you.

There are many strollers that are all-terrain. These include those made by big names in the world of baby equipment. One of the most sought-after is the Out n About Nipper V5 stroller, which has a great reputation and is suitable starting at birth with the carrycot or the first-stage car seat (not suitable for overnight sleep). Its tyres that are filled with air are ideal for use off-road and its suspension can help to cushion your baby's ride. When your child is of the appropriate age, the tyres are suitable for running.

Another option is the iCandy Core, which can be utilized in double or single mode and comes with a large basket that can hold up to 10kg of groceries. The front wheels, which are bigger than those of most single pushchairs, make it easier to maneuver over a wide variety of surfaces. It comes with a recliner that can be adjusted to a flat position. It is also equipped with an infant car seat adapter, which could be used as an entire travel system.

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is another all-terrain stroll worth considering. It is narrow enough to fit in the aisles of buses and shops however it has huge, rugged tyres which can handle rough surfaces. It comes with a large basket that can fold with one hand. It's not cheap, and you'll need to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing it before making a choice.

Easy to maneuver

There are a myriad of types of pushchairs, but when selecting one for a newborn consider the following factors:

To promote healthy spine development A newborn baby should lie flat. Ideally this is done in a pram or carrycot, but once they're older you can switch to a pushchair, and then an infant seat. It is best to choose the 3 in 1 stroller pushchairs or a travel system pram or bundle. This allows your child to develop with it. It usually comprises an frame that houses a car seat/premium and the baby seat that snaps onto the frame.

You might also look for a reversible baby seat unit so that you can use it with your infant facing you, or turn it around so that they can experience the world around them. This will keep them happy and calm. Certain models come with a canopy that is facing the parent, allowing you to keep an eye on your child and keep eye contact during the trip.

Another thing to take into consideration is the weight of your pushchair. You don't want to lift it on and off public transport, or in and out of your car often, so check that it's light. Similarly, you'll want to ensure that the pushchair folds neatly and compactly, making it easier to fit in the boot of your car.

Make sure the pushchair is able to be folded and easily carried if you plan to travel with your children. This is especially crucial if you plan to take it with you overseas, where customs officials might need to examine your pushchair for safety concerns.

You may also want to determine if the pushchair comes with a single or linked handle and what height it's adjustable to. Single handles are simpler to fold up and fold more compactly with single handles. Consider a steering wheel that can be adjusted to height for grandparents who could assist you. The last thing you want is to be slogging away for hours trying to assemble and dismantle your pushchair while carrying a heavy newborn on the back!

Storage space

A large and sturdy basket is essential to keep baby's diaper kit and toys. Look for a model with ample storage space that is easily accessible when using the carrycot, and does not require you to take your baby out of the cot by lifting the lid.

A carrycot is a light portable crib that has a handle and can be affixed to a pushchair sale chassis in order to create a travel system. They are typically used with newborns and are an important part of an "from birth" pushchair. They allow your baby to lay flat, which is beneficial for their spinal and lung development.

A sun canopy is an essential accessory to a stroller since it protects your child from the elements. Some models have sunshades that are built-in, Parent Facing Pushchair and others have movable extendable SPF/UPF50+ sunshades. Consider using a footstrap to keep your baby warm in colder winter months. Look for models that include one in the bundle or accessories range.