Choosing Pushchairs from birth (pwi2.Dragonicgames.com) For Your Baby

A stroller, buggy or pushchair is a method to transport children. Prams come with a carry cot, bassinet or frame to attach an crib. Newborns should lie flat.

When a baby is in good head control and can sit up they can be seated in an infant pushchair that has a seat that faces away from or towards you. Some have useful features such as swinging wheels or enclosed carrycots, which can be used in 3 in 1 systems.

Rear-facing

There are a lot of options to choose from when choosing a pushchair for a brand new baby. This includes prams, pushchairs, buggies, and strollers. They may sound similar but there are important differences between them. A pram is designed to lay flat, while a pushchair allows a seated position. Some babies can be seated in both, whereas others need to use a carrycot until their necks and heads are strong enough to support them in a sitting position.

The majority of experts agree that it's best to use a pushchair with a parent's face for infants who are less than just a few months old. Babies love to look at their parents' faces and appreciate the connection that this offers. This eye-contact is essential for their emotional development as they learn to process the world around them. As they observe their parents interact with each other they also begin to develop language skills.

When babies are able to see their parents it gives them an assurance of security and trust. They know they can count on their parents to protect their children and guide them through their surroundings. This early trust can help children gain confidence and improve their well-being as they become toddlers and begin to explore the world.

A parent-facing pushchair allows you to easily monitor your child while they are in their seat. It is easy to ensure that they are safe and content, and also that their hat hasn't fallen over their eyes or that the wind isn't blowing into their face. Babies who are able to see their parents are more likely to drift off to sleep, as they feel reassured by their familiar faces.

There are a variety of options when you would like to keep your baby in a pushchair facing the parent for as long as possible. Some are designed to be able to change between forward-facing and front-facing, while others have an extendable footmuff for cold weather or a rain cover to keep the elements out. The Eezy S Twist+2 is a fantastic example of a multi-purpose pushchair that can be changed from a parent-facing model to an forward-facing unit with the flick of the lever. It can be fitted with an Cocoon S Car Seat, Cot S Carrycot, or an additional carrycot to create a 4-in-1 travel system.

Forward-facing

A forward-facing pushchair allows babies to explore their surroundings and take in the sights, smells and sounds around them. The baby also has the ability to see his parents, which is essential for social development. At around six months, based on their developmental milestones and age, most babies are able to move from a newborn carrycot or pram to a pushchair oriented forward. When they have enough head and neck control to to safely face forward, it's the time.

Research shows that when babies are facing their parents in a front-facing pushchair, they are more likely to engage in conversation and have a reduced heart rate which suggests that they feel less stressed. They are also more interested in what's going on around them and their parents, which helps to stimulate their minds and develop their language skills. Parents are more likely to talk with their child when they are able to make eye contact with them. This is reassuring and comforting for them.

There are numerous advantages of using a front-facing pushchair from the moment of birth, such as being able to use it for longer walks. You can bring your child along shopping and for other activities that require walking. A stroller or pushchair can also let your child participate in the same activities as their older siblings, which will aid in building their confidence and self-esteem.

Find a pushchair that comes with a variety of accessories like the footmuff, seat liner and pram blanket. A hood and a parasol are essential to protect your child from sun, particularly in hot weather. Select a parasol that has an SPF rating or UV50+ and ensure it is designed to fit your stroller and is easy to attach. Some brands offer a variety of accessories. Some are available together with the pushchair, while others are available separately.

Many pushchairs can be converted to doubles when you add an additional seat unit or carrycot. This is especially beneficial for families expecting the birth of a second child within a short time after the first. Some of these models include everything you need to convert and some have an adapter kit that can be purchased separately.

All-terrain

If you live on the country tracks, love a woodland walk or spend a lot of time hiking, you'll require a pushchair that's built for those rough paths and muddy fields. All-terrain pushchairs are built to handle any terrain and come equipped with features such as suspension to cushion bumpy rides for your child so they won't get shaken up as much. The seat is tilted to evenly distribute the force of bumpy terrain to the head and neck of your child.

The majority of all-terrain strollers are three-wheelers, with a front wheel which can be locked into place to provide maximum maneuverability. This is vital on rough surfaces. They also have bigger tires than your typical pushchair. This means they can handle rougher paths and provide an easier ride for you child.

When looking for a pushchair that can be used all terrain one thing to think about is whether the wheels are foam or air filling. Air-filled tyres provide more comfort on rough terrain, but they can also puncture more easily if they hit something sharp. The tyres that are filled with foam are more durable and less likely to puncture, so this is the best option for an all-terrain pushchair.

A lot of all-terrain pushchairs convert from single to double mode to accommodate a growing family and some can be used as a travel system using car seat adaptors, making them great purchase for parents who are expecting. Some models, like the Out 'n' About Nipper are suitable for newborns due to their near-flat seats and the possibility of using a carrycot with them (although it isn't suitable for sleep overs).

The Nipper also includes a variety of accessories for a pushchair that include a raincover as well as an earmuff. It has a single-hand fold and is freestanding when folded, meaning it's easy to put away. It also has a 360 swivel lockable front wheel, and foam-filled never-flat tyres, so you don't need to worry about punctured on your walks.

Weight

Selecting the right pushchair is a major decision that will affect the manner you travel with your baby. The right model will allow your child to grow and develop in comfort, while allowing you to enjoy all of the family adventures that are yet to come. It's a significant investment, so make sure to make sure you select the model that will suit your lifestyle and budget.

The first step is understanding the difference between a pram, egg pushchair and buggy, as well as the differences between a travel system and single pushchair. This guide breaks down the terminology to help parents to decide which is the best option for their new baby.

A pram, as the name suggests, is made for newborns and babies from six months to six months old. It allows your baby's back to develop properly by allowing them to sleep on their backs. Some models also have a bassinet attachment that can be used for the initial few months, giving your baby a secure and comfortable environment.

You should be aware, however, that not all pushchairs that claim to lie flat do exactly that. Be wary of the manufacturers' claims that a pushchair is able to recline completely flat. Always look over the fine print to discover what this really means. Some pushchairs only recline slightly, which is still superior to an entire recline seat.

Once your baby is old enough to sit up unassisted, it's time to put them in a pushchair seat. This is usually at around three or four months old, however some infants will begin sitting up earlier. You should buy a pushchair which can convert from a carrycot into the seat. This will allow you more flexibility and keep your child secure until they are ready to move on.

Parents would prefer a lightweight pushchair that has a single pedal to brake, particularly when they want to talk or carry shopping bags with their hands. Our MFM home tester Jessica gave this pushchair the thumbs up, saying "it performs flawlessly, with a smooth, pleasant ride and the one-handed fold is amazing". The lightweight model comes with TruRide tyres that are durable puncture-resistant and offer excellent performance.