Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

The selection of a baby pushchair is among the most important decisions you'll make for your child. The best model will allow your child to become comfortable and healthy.

Experts recommend that babies sleep flat to aid in breathing and development. This is why a quality pushchair should have a lie-flat seat.

Lie-flat seating

For the first six months of their life, babies should be laid flat in their pushchair. This is beneficial for their back development as well as breathing. However it is not always the case that pushchairs are flat, so it is essential to verify this prior to purchasing. The shop attendant should allow you to test the pushchair and check whether your baby is at ease in it.

A baby pram with a carrycot, cocoon or seats that can be positioned flat is a great option for infants. It lets them rest upright while securing their spines and allowing them to breathe normally. Some strollers and prams include a carrycot for infants as standard, while others come with the option of attaching one separately to the frame and then swapping it for the seat when your baby is old enough.

Most experts agree that infants should be placed in a stroller or carrycot with their parents facing them. This lets them view their parents directly and makes it easier for parents to observe their needs and supervise their baby. Many new parents aren't certain of which direction to choose for their baby, or when they should let their baby explore the world.

A travel system is a very popular choice as it allows you to use a baby cocoon or carrycot that is attached to the frame of a pushchair and then switch to a reclining seat once your baby is older, saving you the expense of purchasing separate items. Certain models can be converted from a single to a double pushchair, allowing you to save on equipment and allow for flexibility as your child grows. It's worth checking the weight of a travel system (with and without the carrycot attached) because you might find it heavier than other pushchairs. This is especially true when you're going to use public transport or travelling often with your child. Examine the stability of the travel system, and if it stands up by itself when folded. You'll want a strong and secure pushchair that will withstand the weight of your growing infant.

All-terrain models

The best pushchairs for newborns are ones that can withstand all kinds of terrains. This is especially important if you live in the countryside or love to take walks in the countryside and are likely to encounter uneven surfaces and bumpy ground. The good news is that there are now numerous models specifically designed with this type of terrain in mind. It is important to examine the chassis and determine whether it comes with a suspension system that will allow you to ride on rough terrain. The tyres also need to be considered if they're air-filled, you may need to be prepared to carry a pump or at least have a puncture repair kit with you.

There are a number of pushchairs that are all-terrain as well as those manufactured by the major brands in baby equipment. Out n About Nipper V5 is a popular stroller which can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth. It's not suitable for sleeping at night. Its air-filled tires are ideal for use off-road and its suspension will help cushion your baby's ride. It's also a great option for jogging once your child is old enough.

Another alternative is the iCandy Core, which can be used in single or Chicco OHlalà Twin Double Stroller: Lightweight Compact Versatile mode, and comes with a huge basket that can hold up to 10kg of groceries. Its front wheels, which are larger than the ones on most single pushchairs, make it easier to maneuver on a wider variety of surfaces. It has a reclining chair that can be adjusted to a flat position. It also comes with an infant car seat adapter, which can be used for a travel system.

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is another all-terrain stroll worth considering. It's narrow enough to fit into bus aisles and shops and has big, rugged tyres which can be able to handle rough terrain. It also has a huge basket that folds easily using just one hand. It's expensive, however, so you'll need to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase.

Easy to Manoeuvre

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

To promote healthy spine development A newborn baby should lie flat. This is best done in a carrycot or pram, but as they get older you can move them to a pushchair and then a toddler's seat. A 3-in-1 pushchair - also referred to as a pram travel system bundle - is the best choice, as it will grow with your child. It usually comprises an frame that houses a car seat/premium and an infant seat that snaps onto the chassis.

You may also want to consider a reversible unit so that you can either use it with your baby facing you, or turn it around and let them experience the world. This will keep them content and relaxed. Some models have a canopy that is facing the parent and allows you to keep an eye on your child and maintain eye contact throughout the trip.

Another aspect to consider is the weight of your pushchair. Make sure it's light. It's not necessary to carry it up and down from public transport or in your car frequently, so ensure it's lightweight. It is also important to ensure that the pushchair is small and folds well so that it will fit in the trunk of your car.

If you have plans to travel with your family, check that the pushchair is simple to manoeuvre and can be easily folded down to store it. This is important, Pushchairsandprams especially if you plan to use the pushchair overseas where customs officials may have to inspect it for security reasons.

Consider whether the pushchair is a single or linked-handled model and whether it has an adjustable height. Linked handles are more comfortable to push with one hand, while single handles allow you to fold it up more compactly. Think about a steering wheel that can be adjusted in height to accommodate grandparents who can assist you. You don't want to fight for hours to assemble and disassemble your stroller with a baby who is heavy on the board!

Storage space

A large and sturdy basket is vital to keep baby's diaper kit and toys in. Choose a model that has ample storage space that is easily accessible when using the carrycot and doesn't require you to get your baby out of the cot when lifting the lid.

A carrycot is a light portable cot that has an adjustable handle that can be connected to the frame of a pushchair, making it an effective travel system. They are typically used with newborns and are an important part of a "from birth" pushchair. They let your baby lay on their backs, which is good for their spinal and lung development.

A sun canopy is an essential accessory to a stroller since it shields your child from weather. Some models include sunshades built-in, while others have movable extendable SPF/UPF50+ canopy. A footmuff is also worth considering because it will help keep your baby warm on colder days Look out for models that include one in the bundle or in their accessories range.