Choosing a Newborn Pushchair

Parents may be unsure of what is the best choice for their baby. A pram is usually designed for newborns or infants with a padded seat and a backrest that is fully reclined to help with breathing and spine development.

It's recommended that young babies travel in a lie-flat position for the first six months. This is typically accomplished with the use of a bassinet or carrycot connected to a pram frame.

Lie-flat pushchairs

A pushchair that is lying flat is a must-have for new parents and newborns. Research suggests that newborns should be lying flat rather than sitting up straight in a seat or pram to encourage the development of a healthy spine and lung. A reclining pushchair can help your baby feel more relaxed and comfortable on long walks.

There are many pram accessories available, including parasols, a footmuff, and a car seat covers. A sunshade or an extendable SPF50+ canopy will protect your baby against the sun. A footmuff offers extra padding for comfort and is great for colder temperatures. A car seat protector is another useful piece of equipment. It can protect your baby's car seat from spilled drinks, food as well as general wear and tear.

Some of the best pushchairs offer a travel system option, where you can add a car seat for infants and carrycot to the chassis to create an entire newborn set. This can be an economical option to purchase the car seat and pushchair in one unit depending on the brand. The Babyzen Yoyo 2 comes with an exclusive newborn package that transforms the buggy from a pram to a car seat and bassinet.

A lot of newborns will require a carrycot in the first few months because they can't sit in a pushchair. A carrycot is an infant carrier that is connected to the chassis of a stroller and used up to six months as a sleeping device. Some carrycots have a viewing shade or panel that can be removed from the chassis to be used as a stand-alone accessory for longer car trips.

If your pushchair does not include a carrycot, you can purchase it separately and attach it using adaptors for the chassis. A carrycot will need to be regularly cleaned and inspected for dampness and mould. If mildew or mould is found, the fabric should be brushed down, rinsed with soapy water, then dried completely outdoors away from other pushchairs.

Prams

Newborns require a fully reclined seat that lets them lay flat, however this isn't always available in pushchairs. Prams are a better option for newborns. Some models allow babies to stand up a little which can aid in reflux.

A pram is made to transport infants and newborns and is usually more robust than a stroller. Prams are able to be used from birth, and they usually come with a bassinet and carrycot that can be attached to their frame. Some prams are designed to be used as travel systems, which is ideal for parents who are busy as it will reduce the number of things they have to carry around in their car.

The decision of choosing the right pushchair or pram can be difficult for parents who are new and it's easy to get lost in the variety of choices available. Choosing a model for your child that allows them to recline or sit in a completely flat position will enhance their quality of sleep on outings. Newborns are also sensitive to the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment and it's important to select a pushchair that is suitable for the weather in the area you live.