Buying a New Born Push Chair

A high-end pushchair that's perfect for newborns thanks to luxury woven fabrics and a padded back for better support. It's also easy to assemble and can easily navigate the narrow aisles in the shops.

Newborns should always lay flat, so look for a baby model that comes with a carrycot or car seat/carrycot combination suitable from birth. Some have a reversible seat unit that allows you to have your baby face either you or the world.

Safety

The pushchair, sometimes referred to as a stroller or buggy, is one of the most commonly used baby products. Safety is the top priority when selecting a stroller. The first thing to look for is a harness with five points. The harness secures the child in the seat with five points: two across shoulders two around the hips, two between legs, and two in the middle. This system will prevent the child from falling out of the seat in the event that the car is flipped over, or while driving up a steep kerb.

For newborns carrying a carrycot or infant prams, car seats and carrycots are essential. They need to be able to lie down. This protects their spine development and allows them to breathe freely. This is important because it lowers the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Babies born today should not be allowed to travel long distances with the pushchair that does not have this feature even if it comes with an adjustable seat.

It is also recommended to purchase a stroller that is suitable for babies from the time of birth. The pushchair should be able to be used with a carrycot that can lay flat or with an infant car seat/pram. It should also include a seat unit that is fully reversible so that the baby can be able to face either the parent or the world.

The wheels of the stroller must be strong with a good suspension and be easily accessible. Many pushchairs have pneumatic tyres which absorb shocks better than standard tyres. They also can run on uneven terrain.

Additional accessories like a raincover, shopping baskets or changing bags for prams can be useful for daily use, particularly when you are you are running errands with your baby in the stroller. A lot of pushchairs have the option of a hood that is pulled down over the baby's head, thereby shielding them from the sun and the wind. Certain hoods are adjustable to suit the conditions.

Comfort

When it comes to infant pushchairs you want one that is comfortable for baby as well as the parent. This can mean padded seats, easy to move around and durable enough to withstand the rough terrain. Consider features like storage and protection against weather. If you plan to use the stroller to run, or off-road adventures you'll need a pushchair that has larger wheels. This will give your child the most comfort on the most sloping terrain.

The best pushchair for a newborn pushchair will be a pram or travel system that includes a carry cot, allowing your newborn to sleep in their natural lie-flat position which is essential for good lung and spine development. Some pushchairs labeled "suitable from birth" require that your child can sit up on their own. Check this prior to making a purchase.

A bassinet can be used to create a cot-like space for your baby to relax while remaining secure and safe within the pushchair. They're typically more expensive than a traditional pushchair, or even a travel system, but they can be worth the extra expense if your baby is happy to use this kind of seat.

Some pushchairs let you "face the seat" toward you to provide reassurance or bonding. Or away from you to explore the world. These are often described as parent-facing and world-facing pushchairs. Some will have a single-to-double pushchair option as well that means they can be modified to accommodate two children, without the necessity of a separate double pushchair frame.

In hot weather, you will want a parasol for your pushchair to protect your baby from the sun and to prevent overheating. Look for it in pushchair bundles, or separately. In colder weather it is possible to purchase a footmuff which will keep your baby warm and snug. You can find a wide selection of these and the majority are machine washable.

Style

When shopping for a new pushchair, it is essential to take a look at the finer details, especially since it is likely to be among the most used baby products. Some models are built for rough terrain, and have bigger wheels and a sturdy frame. Some are lighter and easy to move especially when folded. Some have adjustable seat cushions, an extensible SPF canopy and the footmuff to keep you warm in colder weather.

It is recommended that newborns lay flat to aid in spinal development and opens up their airways. It is best to use a pram/pushchair that has the carrycot or travel system. Some pushchairs have a fully reclining seat unit or carrycot, and are suitable for babies from birth. Make sure that this feature is present as some descriptions only state a reclining option without mentioning the option of a lie-flat seat.

Most pushchairs allow you to select between a parent-facing or a world facing unit. This lets you decide if your child faces you for bonding or reassurance with you, or is away from you to explore the world. Some pushchairs even offer both options simultaneously!

Many pushchairs come with accessories, such as shopping baskets and trays to help parents get their lives easier. Some pushchairs come with an inbuilt sunshade that is made of SPF or UPF50+ fabrics. This can help protect the baby against the sun. Other popular accessories include a sunshade that can be attached using clamps to the jogging pushchair frame or a sunmuff, which is often included in the package or sold as an additional.

Budget

It is essential to research your options and stick to your budget. It's important to keep in mind that a pram will be there for a lengthy duration and is also the most used item, so ensure you buy one that is suitable for your needs and is comfortable for you and your child.

You may want to consider buying a travel system which includes a carry-cot and seat. This is the safest way to transport a newborn because it makes sure they sleep flat. This is the best way to ensure their spinal development and open their airways. Newborns should be carried in a reclining position until they are six months old.

Some pushchairs are suitable for babies and come with the ability to fully recline to a lie-flat position. This is crucial because it protects a baby's spine as it grows and lets them sleep comfortably during long trips. It's important to remember that not all pushchairs that claim they are 'lie-flat' actually offer the flat position in full and you must confirm this prior to purchasing.

It is also worth considering a model with a large shopping basket, which is essential for storing all the necessities of your baby's things. The basket should be easy to access and you shouldn't have to struggle to get your shopping done or remove your baby's carrycot.

Another factor to consider is the wheels, which vary between models. Some have fixed, swivel or lockable wheels that can help you manoeuvre the pushchair through different conditions. Some have larger wheels that can be more stable over rough terrain or are fitted with PU tyres which are designed to be puncture resistant.

You should also think about the size of the handlebar and if it can be adjusted to your height. Also, make sure that the pushchair can be folded down to fit in your car's boot, or on public transport. Certain models, such as the Joie Vinca, have a one-handed fold that was highly rated by our MFM home testers and has earned it a Gold Award in previous MadeForMums awards.