Buying a New Born Push Chair

A premium pushchair that's ideal for newborns thanks to luxury fabric and a padded back for better support. It's also easy to assemble and is able to easily navigate narrow aisles in shops.

Pick a model that comes with the carrycot, or a combination of car seats and a carriercot that is suitable for babies. Some have a reversible unit so you can choose to have your baby face either you or the world.

Safety

The pushchair, sometimes referred to as a buggy or stroller is among the most commonly used baby products. Safety is a top priority when choosing the right pushchair. The first thing to look for is a harness with five points. This system secures the child in the seat with five points that connect in a central locking system - two across the shoulders and two between the hips as well as between the legs. This system will prevent the child from slipping out of the seat in the event that the vehicle falls over, or when driving up a kerb that is steep.

A carrycot or infant car seat/ pram & carrycot combination is essential for newborns as they require the ability to lie flat, which protects their spinal development and lets their airways breathe fully. This is essential because it decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Newborn babies should never be able to travel for long distances in a pushchair without this feature even if it features an adjustable seat.

It is also recommended to purchase an infant pushchair that is suitable from the time of birth. The pushchair must be able to be used with a carrycot that is able to lay flat, or an infant car seat/pram. It should also have the seat unit that is completely reversible so that the baby can look at either the parent or the world.

Lastly, the wheels of the pushchair should be robust and have a good suspension to minimise bumps and vibrations aswell having a brake pedal that can easily be reached. A lot of pushchairs have pneumatic tyres that can absorb shocks better than standard tyres and can run on uneven terrain.

Additional accessories like a raincover, shopping baskets, or changing bags for prams are useful for daily use, particularly when you are running errands with baby in tow. A lot of pushchairs have an hood that can be pulled down over the baby's head to protect them from sun and wind. Certain hoods are adjustable, giving you the option to lower or raise them based on the conditions.

Comfort

You want a newborn pushchair that is comfortable for the child and the parent. This could include cushioned seats as well as a pushchair that is simple to move around, but also sturdy enough to stand up to rough terrain. Consider features like storage and protection against weather. If you are going to use the pushchair to go for jogging or off-road adventures, you'll require an all-terrain pushchair up to 25kg that has bigger wheels, designed to offer your child the most comfort on the most uneven ground.

The ideal pushchair for a newborn is a pram or travel system with a carrycot. This allows your baby to sleep in a lying-flat position, which is crucial for developing the spine and lungs. Some pushchairs that are labelled as suitable from birth will actually require your child to be able to stand up on their own before they can be used, so always check this before making a purchase.

A bassinet is a different option offering a small baby cot to relax in, while still being safe and secure in the pushchair. They're typically more expensive than a conventional pushchair or even a travel system, but can be worth the extra cost when your baby is content to use this kind of seat.

A lot of pushchairs have the option of facing the seat towards you, to bond and reassure, or away from you, to explore the world. They are often described as parent-facing and world-facing pushchairs. Some pushchairs offer the option of converting from single to double. This means they can be converted into a double pushchair without the need for an additional frame.

In hot weather you'll require a parasol for your pushchair to protect your baby from the sun and prevent overheating. Most manufacturers include this in the pushchair bundle or offer it as a separate item and you should look for this. In colder weather you might want to purchase a footmuff that will keep your baby warm and cozy. They are available in various designs, and the majority are machine washable.

Style

When you are looking for a new push chair it is essential to take a look at the finer details, especially as it will be one of your most used baby items. Certain models are designed for rough terrain, and have larger wheels and a robust frame. Some models are lighter and easier to maneuver when folded. Certain models also have adjustable seat padding, expandable SPF canopy, and a footmuff that keeps warm during colder months.

It is recommended that you lay newborns flat as it helps with spinal development and opens their airways. It is best to use a pushchair or pram with the carrycot or travel system. Some pushchairs include seats or a carrycot which can fully recline. These are suitable for infants from birth. Make sure that this feature is available as certain descriptions only mention an option to recline, but not mention the option of a lie-flat seat.

Most pushchairs let you choose between a parent facing or a world-facing unit. This allows you to decide if your child faces you to bond with you or for reassurance or away from you in order to explore the world. Some pushchairs let you choose both simultaneously!

Many pushchairs come with a selection of accessories, such as shopping trays and baskets to help parents. Some have an integrated sunshade, which is usually made of UPF or SPF 50+ fabric to protect your baby from the sun. Other popular accessories include a parasol that can be attached with a clamp to the pushchair frame or a sunmuff that is often included in the package or sold as an add-on.

Budget

It is essential to research your options and stay within your budget. It's important to keep in mind that the pram will be there for a lengthy time, and it's also the most used item, so ensure you buy one that fits your needs and is comfortable for both you and your baby.

Think about purchasing a travel set-up which includes a carrycot and seat. This is the most secure method to transport a newborn since it guarantees that they lie flat. This is great for protecting their spine development and opening up their airways. Newborns should be transported in a lie-flat position until they reach six months old.

Some pushchairs and buggies are able to be used from birth and have seats that fully recline to a flat position. This is crucial as it protects the baby's growing spine and allows them to rest comfortably on long journeys. It's important to remember that not all pushchairs that claim they are 'lie-flat' actually provide the full flat position, and you need to check this before making your purchase.

You should consider a crib that has an ample basket to hold all the baby's essentials and other items. The basket should be easy to access and you should not have to struggle to carry your shopping in or out of your baby's carrycot.

Another consideration is the wheels, which vary between models. Certain models have wheels that can be locked, swivelled or fixed to assist you in moving the pushchair. Other models have larger wheels which can be more stable over rough terrain or are fitted with PU tyres which are specifically designed to resist puncture.

Also, you should consider the size of the handlebar, and whether it can be adjusted to your height. You should 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 which was highly reviewed by our MFM home testers and earned it the Gold Award in previous MadeForMums awards.