Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

Choosing a pushchair newborn is one of the most important decisions you will make for your baby. The best model will aid your baby's growth and in good health.

Experts recommend that babies sleep flat in order to encourage breathing and growth. A good pushchair comes with an adjustable seat that can be set on a flat surface.

Lie-flat seating

For the first six months of their life, babies should lie flat in their pushchair. This is good for their back development and breathing. However, not all pushchairs can be rolled flat, so it's essential to verify this before you buy. A good method to test a baby's pushchair egg is to ask the store assistant whether you can test it out and see if you can comfortably lay down with your child.

Choosing a newborn pram with a carrycot or cocoon which creates a lie-flat seating is a fantastic option for infants as it will allow them to sleep in a fully reclined position, safeguarding their spine and allowing them to breathe normally. Some prams have a newborn carrier included and some allow you to connect one separately to the frame. When your baby is older, you can swap it with the seat.

Most experts agree that infants should be placed in a stroller or carrycot facing their parents. This allows them to be able to see their parents in a direct manner and makes it easier for their parents to monitor their needs and supervise their baby. Many new parents aren't sure which direction to take for their baby or when they should let their baby face the world.

They are popular because they allow you to use your baby's carrycot, or cocoon on the frame of the pushchair and then switch over to a reclining chair once your child reaches a certain age. This eliminates the hassle of having to buy separate items. Certain models can be converted from a single to a double pushchair making it possible to save on equipment and have flexibility as your child grows. It is important to check the weight of the travel system (with and without the carrycot attached) as you may find it heavier than other pushchairs, especially when you're going to be using public transport or traveling frequently with your baby. It is also important to determine the stability of the travel system and if it's free-standing when folded. You'll want a sturdy and secure pushchair that will handle the weight of your growing baby.

All-terrain models

The ideal baby pushchair is one that is designed to tackle various terrains. This is especially important if you live in the countryside or love to go for walks in the country 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's important to check the chassis and see whether it comes with suspension that will help you ride over rough terrain. The tyres also need to be considered if they're air-filled, you'll require to carry a pump, or at least have a puncture repair kit with you.

There are several pushchairs that are all-terrain as well as those manufactured by the big names 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 sleep at night. Its air-filled tyres are perfect for off-road use and its suspension can assist in cushioning your baby's ride. When your child reaches the right age, the tyres are suitable for jogging.

The iCandy Core is another option. It can be used as a double or single pushchair, and it comes with a huge basket that can hold 10kg of food items. The front wheels are larger than the majority of single pushchairs which allows it to maneuver across a wider range of surfaces. It also has a reclining seat that can be set to a flat position and comes with an infant car-seat adaptor kit that allows it to be used as a travel system.

Another all-terrain pushchair worth considering is the Mamas & Papas Ocarro, which is narrow enough for shopping aisles and buses, but comes with big, tough tyres that are able to withstand rough surfaces. It has a large basket that can be folded with just one hand. It's not cheap pushchairs, however it's important to weigh the pros and cons prior to making an investment.

Easy to manoeuvre

There are a myriad of pushchairs. When choosing one for your child, consider the following:

To promote healthy spine development, a newborn baby should lie flat. It is best to do this in a carrycot or pram, but once they're older you can change to a pushchair and then an infant seat. It is recommended to select a 3-in-1 stroller, also known as a travel system bundle or pram. This will allow your child to develop with it. It's typically frame with a pram/carrycot attached to it and a baby car seat that snaps onto.

You might also want to look into a reversible device so that you can either use it with the baby forward facing pushchair you, or turn it around and let them see the world. This will help keep them happy and calm. Certain models may even come with a parent-facing canopy that allows you to monitor them and make eye contact throughout the trip.

Another thing to take into consideration is the weight of your pushchair. Make sure it's light. You don't have to lift it up and down from public transport or your vehicle frequently, so ensure it's lightweight pushchair. Similarly, you'll want to make sure that the pushchair folds easily and compactly, making it easier to put in the car's boot.

If you plan to travel with your family, check that the stroller is easy to maneuver and can be easily collapsed for storage. This is especially crucial if you intend to take it with you overseas where customs officials may need to examine the pushchair for safety reasons.

Check if the pushchair is a single or linked-handled model and whether it has an adjustable height. Links handles are easier to push with just one hand, whereas single handles allow you to fold it more compactly. You may want to think about a steering wheel that can be adjusted in height also, which could be beneficial to any grandparents who may be able to help with it. The ideal thing to avoid is to be slogging away for hours trying to put together and take down your holiday pushchair, while carrying a newborn on the back!

Storage space

A basket of adequate size is necessary to store baby's toys as well as a changing kit. You should choose one that has a large storage space that you can access easily while using the carrycot. It is also crucial to choose a model in which you don't need to remove your baby from the cot to lift the lid.

A carrycot is a light portable crib that has a handle and can be attached to a pushchair chassis to create an entire travel system. They are often used with newborns and are an essential part of a "from birth" pushchair. They let your baby lay flat, which is better for their spine and lung development.

A sun canopy is an essential feature of a pushchair because it can help protect your child from the elements. Some models have sunshades that are built-in, and others have movable extendable SPF/UPF50+ canopy. A footmuff is a must because it will help keep your baby warm on colder days - look out for models that include it in the bundle or as part of their accessories range.