Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

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

Experts advise that young babies should sleep flat to aid breathing and develop. A good pushchair has seats that can be positioned on a flat surface.

Lay-flat seating

Newborns require a flat position in their pushchairs for the first six months as it helps their back, growth and breathing. However, not all pushchairs lie flat so it's essential to verify this prior to purchasing. Ask the shop assistant to allow you to test the pushchair to see if your baby is comfortable in it.

A newborn pram that has a cocoon, carrycot or a seat that can be placed flat is a good choice for young babies. It lets them rest upright while securing their spines and allowing them to breathe normally. Some strollers and prams include a carrycot for infants included while others have the option of attaching one separately to the frame, and changing it into the seat once your baby is old enough.

Most experts agree that infants should be placed in a stroller or carrycot facing their parents. This lets them see their parents directly and allows their parents to monitor their needs as well as monitor their child. Many new parents aren't certain of which direction to take for their baby, or when they can let them explore the world.

Travel systems are popular because they permit you to use your baby's carrycot or cocoon on the frame of the pushchair and then switch over to a reclining seat once your child is older. This will eliminate the headache of purchasing separate items. Some models also have the option of switching from a single to double pushchairs as your child grows, allowing you to be flexible and allowing you to save money by purchasing just one piece of equipment. It's worth checking the weight of the travel system (with and without the carrycot attached) as you may find it heavier than other pushchairs, particularly in the event that you will be using public transport or travel frequently with your child. It is also important to determine the stability of the travel system, and if it is free-standing when folded. You'll need a stroller that is sturdy and able to support the weight of a growing child.

All-terrain models

The best pushchairs for newborns are ones that can withstand a variety terrains. This is especially important if you wander around in the countryside or reside in a rural location where you're likely to encounter uneven and bumpy surfaces. The good news is that there are now numerous models specifically designed with this type of terrain in mind. The most important thing is to determine how durable and robust the chassis is, and whether there's a suspension system that can help with the ride over rough ground. The tyres must also be considered. If they're air-filled, you may require to carry a pump, or at least have an emergency repair kit for punctures with you.

There are a number of all-terrain pushchairs on the market and are made by the big names in baby equipment. One of the most popular is the Out n About Nipper V5 stroller, which has a great reputation and is suitable starting at birth with a carrycot or first-stage car seat (not suitable for overnight sleep). Its air-filled tyres are perfect for off-road use and its suspension can help to cushion your baby's ride. It's also suitable for jogging once your child is old enough.

The iCandy Core is another option. It can be used as a single or double pushchair, and it comes with a huge basket which can hold up 10kg of food items. The front wheels are bigger than most single pushchairs, which makes it easier 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 adaptor so it can be used for a travel system.

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is another all-terrain walk worth taking a look at. It's small enough to fit into the aisles of shops and buses, but has large, rugged tyres which can be able to handle rough terrain. It also has a huge basket and can be folded effortlessly with just one hand. It's not cheap, so you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing it before making a decision.

Easy to maneuver

There are many different types of pushchairs. When choosing one for a child, take into consideration the following aspects:

To ensure a healthy development of the spine, a newborn baby should be laid flat. This can be done best in a carrycot or pram, but as they get older you can move to a pushchair and then a toddler's seat. It is best to choose the 3 in 1 stroller or a travel system pram or bundle. This will allow your child to grow up with it. It usually consists of a frame with a pram/carrycot and an infant seat that snaps onto the chassis.

You may also want to consider a reversible unit to allow you to use it with the baby facing you or turn it upside down and let them experience the world around them. This will keep them content and reassured. Some models have a canopy that faces the parent which allows you to keep an eye on your child and maintain eye contact throughout the journey.

The weight of your stroller is an additional aspect to take into consideration. You don't want to have to carry it on and off public transport, or in and out of your car frequently So make sure it's lightweight. Similarly, you'll want to make sure that the pushchair folds easily and compactly, making it easier to fit in the car's boot.

Make sure that the pushchair can be folded and easily carried when you plan to travel with your children. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it in another country where customs officers may have to inspect your pushchair for safety concerns.

Check if the pushchair is single or linked-handled, and whether it has an adjustable height. Single handles are simpler to fold up and fold more compactly when using single handles. You might want to consider a height-adjustable steering wheel as well, which can be helpful to grandparents who could help with it. You don't want to be battling for hours to put together and disassemble your pushchair with a child who weighs a lot on board!

Storage space

A basket of sufficient size is necessary to store baby's toys as well as a changing kit. Choose a model that has ample storage space that you can easily access when using the carrycot and does not require you to take your infant out of the cot by lifting the lid.

A carrycot is a light portable cot that has an adjustable handle that can be attached to the chassis of a pushchair parent facing, making it a travel system. They are commonly used by newborns and are an important component of an "from birth" pushchair. They allow your baby to lay flat, which is better for their lung and spinal development.

A sun canopy is a crucial addition to a stroller as it shields your child from the weather. Some models include sunshades built-in, while others come with a removable SPF/UPF50+ sunshades. A footmuff is also a good option as it will help to keep your baby warm on colder days Check out models which include one as part of the bundle or within their accessories range.