Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

Selecting a baby's pushchair is one of the most important decisions you will make for your baby. The best pushchair For newborn model will allow your child to become comfortable and healthy.

Experts suggest that babies lie flat in order to encourage breathing and development. This is why a quality pushchair should have a lie-flat seat.

Seating with a lie-flat

Newborns need a lie-flat position in their pushchairs for the first six months since 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 baby's pushchair is to ask the salesperson if you can try it out and see if you are able to comfortably lay down with your child in it.

A newborn stroller with an infant carrycot or cocoon that creates a lie-flat seat is a great choice for infants because it allows them to sleep in a completely reclined position, safeguarding their spine and helping them to breathe normally. Some strollers and prams include a carrycot for infants as standard, while others come with the option of attaching it separately to the frame and then switching it to the seat once your baby is old enough.

Most experts agree that infants should be placed in a carrycot or pushchair with their parents facing them. This lets them view their parents directly and makes it easier for parents to keep track of their needs and supervise their infant. However, many new parents aren't sure which direction to choose or when their baby should begin facing out to the world.

A travel system is a popular option as it allows you to use a newborn cocoon or carrycot that is attached to the frame of a pushchair, and then switch to a reclining seat when your baby is older, saving 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. It is worth assessing the weight of the travel system (with and without the carrycot included) as you may find it heavier than other pushchairs, particularly if you are going to use public transport or traveling frequently with your child. You should also check the stability of the travel system, and if it's free-standing when folded. You'll want a strong and secure pushchair that is able to handle the weight of your growing infant.

All-terrain models

The best pushchair for newborns is one that's built to handle all kinds of terrain. This is especially important if you wander around in the countryside or reside in a rural location in which you're likely encounter uneven and bumpy surfaces. The good news is that there are now several models that are specifically designed with this type of terrain in mind. It's important to check the chassis and see if it has suspension that will allow you to ride on rough terrain. If the tyres have air in them, it's important to consider whether you will need pumps to repair a puncture or a puncture repair tool.

There are many all-terrain pushchairs on the market and are made by the top brands in baby equipment. One of the most popular is the Out n About Nipper V5 stroller that has a stellar reputation and is suitable from birth using a carrycot or first-stage car seat (not suitable for overnight sleeping). Its air-filled tyres are perfect for off-road use and its suspension will aid in cushioning your baby's ride. When your child reaches the appropriate age, it's appropriate for running.

Another option is the iCandy Core, which can be used in a double or single mode and comes with a large basket that can hold up to 10kg of groceries. The front wheels are larger than those of most single pushchairs, which allows it to maneuver across a wider variety of surfaces. It also features a recline seat that can be set to a flat position and comes with an infant car-seat adaptor kit so it can be used as an e-travel system.

Another all-terrain stroller worth looking into is the Mamas & Papas Ocarro, that is small enough to fit on shopping aisles and buses, but comes with big, tough tyres that can cope with rough surfaces. It also has a huge basket and folds easily using just one hand. It's expensive, however it's important to weigh up the pros and cons before making an investment.

Easy to manoeuvre

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

To ensure that the spine develops properly For a healthy spine, babies should lie flat. Ideally this is done in a pram or carrycot however once they're older, you can switch to a pushchair and then a toddler seat. A 3 in 1 pushchair - sometimes known as a pram travel bundle - is ideal, as it will grow with your child. It's typically an item that has an attached pram/carrycot and an infant car seat that snaps onto.

You may also want to look for a reversible baby seat unit to use it with your baby facing you or turn it around so that they can explore the world around them. This will help keep them calm and content. Certain models may even come with a parent-facing canopy that allows you to check on them and keep an eye on them throughout the journey.

The weight of your stroller is an additional aspect to be considered. You don't want to have to take it off and on public transport, or in and out of your car often So make sure it's light. You'll also want to make sure that the pushchair shop near me isn't too big and folds easily, so it can fit into the trunk of your car.

Make sure that the pushchair can be folded and easily carried if you plan to travel with your children. This is especially important if you're planning to use it in another country where customs officers may need to examine the pushchair for safety reasons.

Check if the pushchair is single or linked-handled, and if it has adjustable height. Single handles are simpler to fold up and can be folded more compactly with single handles. It is possible to consider a steering wheel that can be adjusted in height as well, which can be useful for any grandparents who may be able to help with it. You don't want to fight for hours trying to assemble and disassemble your pushchair with a child who weighs a lot on board!

Storage space

A good sized 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 take your newborn out of the cot after lifting the lid.

A carrycot is a lightweight portable cot that has a handle of some kind that can be attached to the chassis of a pushchair to make it an effective travel system. Commonly used with infants They are a crucial element of a 'from birth' pushchair because they permit your baby to lay flat, which is good for their spinal and lung development.

A sun canopy is a crucial addition to a stroller as it protects your child from the weather. Some models come with sunshades while others have removable, extendable SPF/UPF 50+ sun canopy. Consider using a footstrap to keep your baby warm in colder winter months. Look for models that have one in the bundle or accessories range.