Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

Choosing a pushchair newborn is among the most crucial decisions you make for your baby. The best model will aid your baby's growth and be in good health.

Experts advise that babies sleep flat in order to encourage breathing and development. A quality pushchair has seats that can be placed on a flat surface.

Lie-flat seating

Newborns should be able to lie flat in their pushchairs for the first six months because it improves their back, development and breathing. It is important to ensure that the pushchair you are contemplating is able to lie flat. One method to test a new pushchair is to ask the salesperson to let you try it out and see if it can comfortably lay down with your child.

A baby pram with a cocoon, carrycot or seats that can be set flat is an excellent option for babies who are just starting out. It allows them to rest in a upright position while protecting their spines and allowing them to breathe normally. Some prams have baby carriers, while others permit you to attach a carrier separately to the frame. If your baby gets older, you can swap it for the seat.

Most experts believe that it's recommended that newborns be in a pushchair with a parent facing or carrycot, which lets them look directly at their parents and makes it easier to monitor and tend to their needs. Many new parents aren't sure of which direction to take for their baby or when they should let them explore the world.

A travel system is a very popular choice because it lets you utilize a newborn cocoon or carrycot that is attached to the frame of a pushchair and then change to a reclining seat when your baby is old enough, avoiding you the expense of purchasing separate items. Certain models can be converted from a single to a double pushchair walker making it possible to save on equipment and have flexibility as your child grows. It is important to check the weight of the travel system, with or without the carrycot. It may be heavier than other pushchairs. This is particularly important if you plan to use public transport or travel frequently with your child. You should also check the stability of a travel system and whether it's free-standing when folded. You'll need a pushchair that is sturdy and able to support the weight of a growing baby.

All-terrain models

The best baby pushchairs are ones that can withstand different terrains. This is especially important for those who live in the countryside or love to go on country walks and are likely to encounter bumpy ground and uneven surfaces. The good news is that there are now several models that are specifically designed with this type of terrain in mind. The main thing to do is find out how sturdy and durable the chassis is, and whether there's a suspension system in place to assist in the journey on rough terrain. If the tyres have air in them it is essential to think about whether you will need pumps to repair punctures or a puncture repair tool.

There are several all-terrain pushchairs on the market as well as those manufactured by the major brands in baby equipment. One of the most sought-after is the Out n About Nipper V5 stroller with a good reputation and is suitable starting at birth with the carrycot or the first-stage car seat (not suitable for overnight sleeping). The air-filled tires of this stroller are perfect for off-road usage and its suspension will help cushion your baby's ride. When your child reaches the appropriate age, the tyres are suitable for running.

The iCandy Core is another option. It can be used as a double or a single pushchair, and it comes with a huge basket which can hold up 10kg of groceries. Its front wheels are larger than those of most single pushchairs, which makes it easier to maneuver across a wider range of surfaces. It has a reclining chair that can be adjusted to a flat position. It also comes with an infant-car-seat adaptor so it could be used as a travel system.

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is another all-terrain trail worth taking into consideration. It's narrow enough to fit into the aisles of shops and buses and has big sturdy tyres that can take on rough terrain. It also comes with a large basket that folds effortlessly with just one hand. It's not cheap so you'll need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing it prior to making a purchase.

Easy to Manoeuvre

There are a variety of pushchairs. When choosing one for a child, take into consideration the following points:

A new born baby will need to lie flat to encourage the development of a healthy spine. This is best done in a pram or carrycot but as they get older, you can transfer them to a pushchair and then to a toddler seat. A 3-in-1 pushchair - sometimes known as a pram travel bundle - is the best choice, as it will grow with your child. It typically consists of a frame with a pram/carrycot and an infant seat that snaps onto the chassis.

You might also want to look for a reversible baby seat unit to use it with your newborn facing you or flip it around to allow them to explore the world. This will keep them happy and reassured. Certain models may even come with a parent-facing canopy that allows you to monitor them and keep eye contact throughout the journey.

Another thing to take into consideration is the weight of your pushchair. Make sure it's light. It's not necessary to lift it up and down from public transport or your vehicle frequently, so ensure it's lightweight. Also, you should make sure that the pushchair isn't too big and folds well so that it can fit in the trunk of your vehicle.

If you're planning to travel with your family, make sure that the stroller is easy to maneuver and can be easily folded to be stored. This is essential, particularly if you plan to use the pushchair abroad, where customs officials may need to inspect it for security reasons.

Take note of whether the pushchair is a single or linked-handled model and if it has adjustable height. Linked handles are easier to push with one hand, whereas single handles let you fold it up more compactly. Consider a steering wheel which can be adjusted in height for grandparents who could assist you. The ideal thing to avoid is to spend hours struggling to disassemble and assemble your pushchair while carrying a baby on board!

Storage space

A well-designed and spacious basket is essential to keep baby's diaper kit and toys. Look for a model with ample storage space that you can easily access when using the carrycot, and doesn't require you to take your baby out of the cot by lifting the lid.

A carrycot is a light portable cot that has some sort of handle which can be attached to the frame of a pushchair to make it an effective travel system. They are typically used with newborns and are an essential part of a "from birth" pushchair. They let your baby lay flat, which is better for their spine and lung development.

A sun canopy is a vital accessory to a pushchair since it can help protect your child from the elements. Certain models come with sunshades built-in while others have removable, extendable SPF/UPF 50+ canopies. Consider the use of a footstrap to keep your baby warm in colder weather. Look for models that have one in the bundle or accessories range.