Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

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

Experts suggest that babies lie flat in order to encourage breathing and growth. This is the reason a great egg pushchair should have a lie-flat seat.

Lie-flat seating

For the first six months of their life, babies should be seated on their pushchairs. This is good for their back development as well as breathing. However, not all pushchairs are flat, so it is crucial to confirm this prior to purchasing. A good way to test a pushchair is to ask the salesperson to let you try it out and see if you are able to comfortably lie down with your baby in it.

Selecting a baby stroller with a carrycot or cocoon which creates a lie-flat seating is a great choice for babies in the early years as it will allow them to sleep in a fully reclined position, safeguarding their spine while allowing them to breathe normally. Some prams and strollers come with a newborn carrycot with them, while others offer the option of securing one separately to the frame and changing it into the seat when your baby is old enough.

Most experts agree that it is best for newborns to be in a pushchair that is facing their parents or carrycot, which lets them look directly at their parents and makes it easier to monitor and tend to their needs. Many new parents aren't certain of which direction to choose for their baby, or when they should let them be exposed to the world.

They are popular because they let you use your baby's carrycot or cocoon on the frame of the pushchair and then change to a reclining chair when your child is older. This saves you the hassle of having to buy separate items. Certain models can be transformed from a single pushchair to a double pushchair allowing you to save on equipment and have flexibility as your child grows. You should consider the weight of the travel system, both with and without the carrycot. It could be heavier than other pushchairs. This is particularly important in the event that you intend to take public transportation or travel frequently with your child. It is also important to determine the stability of the travel system and if it's self-standing when folded. You'll need a sturdy and secure pushchair that will withstand the weight of your growing baby.

All-terrain models

The best pushchair for newborns is one that is designed to withstand various terrains. This is especially crucial if you prefer to walk in the country or reside in a rural location where you're likely to encounter uneven and bumpy surfaces. There are numerous models that were specially designed to handle this kind of terrain. The key thing is to determine how strong and durable the chassis is, and whether there's a suspension system that can aid in the ride over rough terrain. If the tyres are filled with air it is essential to think about whether you will need a pump to fix a puncture or a puncture repair tool.

There are several all-terrain pushchairs available as well as those manufactured by the top brands in baby equipment. One of the most popular is the Out n About Nipper V5 stroller with a good reputation and can be used from birth with the carrycot or the first-stage car seat (not suitable for overnight sleeping). The air-filled tires of this stroller are perfect for off-road usage and its suspension will cushion your baby's journey. It's even suitable for jogging when your child is old enough.

Another option is the iCandy Core, which can be used in single or double mode, and comes with a huge basket that can hold up to 10kg of shopping. The front wheels, which are bigger than the ones on most single pushchairs make it easier to maneuver over a wide variety of surfaces. It also features a recline seat that can be adjusted to a nearly flat position. It also includes an infant car seat adaptor kit so it can be used as a travel system.

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is another all-terrain trail worth taking into consideration. It's narrow enough to fit into the aisles of shops and buses and has big, rugged tyres which can handle rough surfaces. It comes with a large basket that can be folded with just one hand. It's not cheap, however, so you'll need to weigh the pros and cons before making the purchase.

Easy to manoeuvre

There are a myriad of types of pushchairs. When choosing one for a newborn consider the following factors:

To ensure that the spine develops properly A newborn baby should lie flat. This can be done best in a carrycot or pram, but as they get older, you can shift to a pushchair, and then to a toddler seat. A 3-in-1 pushchair - also referred to as a pram travel system bundle - is ideal, since it can grow with your child. It typically consists of the frame, which includes a carrycot/carrycot and a baby seat that can be attached to the frame.

You might also want to look for a reversible seat unit, so that you can use it with your infant facing you or flip it around so that they can explore the world around them. This will help keep them calm and content. Some models can even have a parent facing canopy, which allows you to keep an eye on them and keep eye contact throughout the journey.

The weight of your stroller is a different aspect to be considered. Be sure that it's light. You don't need to carry it up and down from public transport or your car frequently, so ensure it's light. Similarly, you'll want to make sure that the pushchair folds neatly and compactly, making it easier to put in the boot of your car.

If you have plans to travel with your family members, ensure that the stroller is easy to manoeuvre and can be easily folded down for storage. This is important, especially in the event that you plan to take the pushchair abroad, where customs officials may have to inspect it for safety reasons.

Check if the pushchair is a single or linked-handled model and if it has adjustable height. Single handles are easier to fold up pushchair up and can be folded more compactly when using single handles. Consider a steering wheel that can be adjusted in height for grandparents who may help you. The most important thing you do not want is to struggle for hours to assemble and dismantle your pushchair, while carrying a baby on board!

Storage space

A good sized basket is essential to keep the baby's changing kit and toys in. Look for a model with a large storage space which is easy to access using the carrycot, and doesn't require you to take your newborn out of the cot by lifting the lid.

A carrycot is a lightweight portable cot that has an adjustable handle that can be connected to the chassis of a pushchair, making it an effective travel system. They are typically used with infants and are an essential element of an "from birth" pushchair. They permit your baby to lie flat, which is better for their spine and lung development.

A sun canopy is an essential addition to a pushchair as it can help protect your child from the elements. Some models have sunshades built-in, while others come with a removable SPF/UPF50+ canopy. A footmuff is a must because it can help keep your baby warm on colder days Look out for models that include it as part of the bundle or within their accessories range.