Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

The choice of a new pushchair is among the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The best model will aid your baby's growth and in good health.

Experts recommend that babies sleep flat in order to encourage breathing and growth. A good buy pushchair comes with an adjustable seat that can be placed on a flat surface.

Seating with a lie-flat

Newborns require a flat position in their pushchair for the first six months since it improves their back, growth and breathing. It is important to ensure that the pushchair you're considering is able to lie flat. A good way to test a pushchair is to ask the shop assistant to let you try it out and see if you can comfortably lie down with your child in it.

A newborn pram that has a cocoon, carrycot or a seat that can be set flat is an excellent option for infants. It lets them rest upright while securing their spines and allowing them to breathe normally. Some prams have a newborn carrier included or allow you to attach one separately to the frame. If your baby gets older, you can switch it for the seat.

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 makes it easier for parents to keep track of their needs and monitor their baby. However, many new parents aren't sure which direction to take or when their baby is able to begin facing out into the world.

A travel system is a 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 when your baby is old enough, avoiding you the expense of purchasing separate items. Some models can be transformed from a single pushchair to a double pushchair, allowing you to save on equipment and be flexible as your child grows. You should consider the weight of the travel system, including or without the carrycot. It could be heavier than other pushchairs. This is especially important in the event that you intend to take public transport or travel frequently with your child. You should also check the stability of the travel system and if it is free-standing when folded. You'll need a pushchair that is sturdy and able to be able to support the weight of a growing baby.

All-terrain models

The best pushchair for newborns is one that's built to handle various terrains. This is particularly important if you reside in the countryside or like to go on country walks and are likely to encounter bumpy ground and uneven surfaces. The good news is that there are now many models available specifically designed with this kind of terrain in mind. The most important thing is to find out how sturdy and durable the chassis is, and if there's a suspension system to assist in the journey over rough terrain. If the tyres are filled with air it is important to determine whether you'll need a pump to fix punctures or a puncture repair tool.

There are a number of all-terrain pushchairs available as well as those manufactured by the major brands in baby equipment. One of the most well-known is the Out n About Nipper V5 stroller, which has a great reputation and can be used starting at birth with a carrycot or first-stage car seat (not suitable for overnight sleep). Its air-filled tires are ideal for off-road usage and its suspension can cushion your baby's ride. When your child reaches the right age, it's appropriate for jogging.

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

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is another all-terrain stroll worth considering. It's small enough to fit in the aisles of buses and shops however it has huge robust tyres that are able to handle rough surfaces. It also has a huge basket that folds easily using just one hand. It's expensive, however it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase.

Easy to Manoeuvre

There are many different types of pushchairs. When choosing one for a baby, you should consider the following points:

To promote healthy spine development, a newborn baby should be laid flat. This is usually done in a carrycot or pram, but once they're older you can move to a pushchair, and then to an infant seat. A 3-in-1 pushchair - also referred to as a pram travel bundle - is ideal since it can grow with your child. It usually comprises an frame that houses a car seat/premium and an infant seat that can be attached to the frame.

You might also want to look into a reversible device to be able to use it with the baby facing you or turn it around and let them see the world around them. This will keep them content and reassured. Certain models come with an open canopy that faces the parent which allows you to keep an eye on your child and maintain eye contact during the trip.

Another aspect 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 frequently, so check that it's light. Similarly, you'll want to make sure that the pushchair folds neatly and compactly, making it easier to put in the car's boot.

If you have plans to travel with your family members, ensure that the pushchair is easy to manoeuvre and can be easily folded down to be stored. This is especially crucial if you plan to use it in another country where customs officials may have to inspect the pushchair for safety reasons.

It is also advisable to think about whether the pushchair comes with one or linked handles and the height it is adjustable to. The linked handles are easier to egg push chair with just one hand, while single handles let you fold it up more compactly. You might want to consider a height-adjustable steering wheel also, which could be beneficial to any grandparents who might help you with it. You don't want to fight for hours to put together and disassemble your stroller pushchairs with a heavy baby on board!

Storage space

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

A carrycot is a light portable crib with a handle that can be affixed to a chassis for a pushchair to create a travel system. Most often, they are used for newborns They are a crucial element of an infant pushchair as they allow your baby to lie flat which is better for their spinal and lung development.

A sun canopy is an essential addition to a pushchair as it can help protect your child from the elements. Some models have inbuilt sunshades while others have removable, extendable SPF/UPF 50+ sun canopy. A footmuff is also worth considering as it will help to keep your baby warm on colder days Look out for models that include it in the bundle or in their accessories range.