Buying a New Born Push Chair

This premium pushchair is ideal for infants due to its premium woven fabric and ergonomic support. It's also easy to assemble and effortlessly navigate the narrow aisles of a store.

Choose a model that has a carrycot, or a combination of a car seat and a carriercot, which is ideal for infants. Some have a reversible seat unit so you can choose to have your baby face you or the world.

Safety

A pushchair (also called buggy pushchair, pram, or stroller) is among the most commonly used baby items, so safety should be the top priority when selecting one. 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 around the hips and between the legs. This system helps to prevent the child from falling out of the seat when it is flipped over or while driving up or down an incline.

For newborns carrying a carrycot or car seats, prams and carrycots are essential. They need to be able to lay flat. This is to protect their spine development and allows them to breathe freely. This is crucial because it lowers the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Newborn babies shouldn't travel for long distances using an infant pushchair that does not have this facility, even if they can be pushed in a reclined seat unit.

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

The wheels of the pushchair need to be sturdy and have an adequate suspension to reduce bumps and vibrations aswell having a brake pedal that can easily be reached. Many pushchairs come with pneumatic tyres that absorb shocks better than conventional tyres. They are also able to be used on terrains that are rough.

Additional accessories such as a raincover, shopping baskets or pram changing bags can be useful for everyday use, especially when running errands with baby in tow. A lot of pushchairs come with the option of a hood that can be put over the baby's face to protect it from sun or the wind. Some hoods can be adjusted to match the weather.

Comfort

When it comes to infant pushchairs, you need one that is comfortable for the baby as well as the parent. This could mean padded seats that are easy to manoeuvre and sturdy enough to withstand the rough terrain. You will also need to look at other features, such as storage and protection from the weather. If you plan to use the stroller to run, or off-road adventures you'll need an infant stroller with bigger wheels. This will allow your child the best comfort even on the most difficult terrain.

The ideal pushchair for the newborn is one that is a travel system or pram that comes with a carrycot. This allows your baby to sleep in a lying position, which is crucial for the development of the spine and lung. Some pushchairs marketed as suitable for babies will actually require your child to stand independently before they can be used, so make sure you check this before making a purchase.

A bassinet is a different option, providing a small baby cot to relax in, while still being safe and secure in the pushchair. These seats are usually more expensive than a pushchair or travel system. But, if your child is happy in the seat, it could be worth the expense.

A lot of pushchairs have the option to 'face' the seat towards you for bonding and comfort or to turn away from you to explore the world. These are sometimes known as parents-facing or world-facing pushchairs. Some will have a single-to double pushchair option, too which means they can be modified to accommodate two kids without the requirement for a separate double frame for the pushchair.

For hot days you'll need a parasol for your pushchair to protect your baby from the sun and prevent overheating. Most manufacturers include this in the pushchair bundle, or sell it on its own so be sure to look for this. In colder temperatures you might want to include a footmuff which will keep your baby warm and snug. These are available in a variety of styles, and are machine washable.

Style

When you are looking for a new push chair it is important to look at the finer details, particularly as it will be one of your most used baby products. Certain models are designed for rough terrain and come with larger wheels with a heavy-duty frame. Others are lighter and are easier to maneuver especially when folded. Some have adjustable seat cushions, an extensible SPF canopy, and a footmuff for colder weather.

It is recommended to lay newborns flat as it assists in spinal development and opens their airways. This is best achieved with the use of a carrycot and pram or a travel system. Some pushchairs come with a fully reclined seat or carrycot that are suitable for babies from the time of birth. It is essential to confirm that this feature is included because some descriptions only refer to a reclining seat, without defining if it is a lie-flat option.

Most pushchairs allow you to select between a parent-facing or a world facing seat unit. This lets you choose whether your baby faces you for bonding or reassurance with you, or is away from you in order to explore the world. Some pushchairs even offer both options at the same time!

Many pushchairs come with accessories like shopping baskets and trays that make life easier for parents. Some pushchairs include an inbuilt sunshade made of UPF50 or SPF+ fabrics. This can help protect the child from the sun. Other popular accessories include a parasol which can be attached by clamps to the frame of the jogging pushchair or a sunmuff, which is usually included in the package or sold as an add-on.

Budget

It is essential to spend time researching your options and stay within your budget. It's important to remember that a pram will be with you for a long duration and is also the most frequently used item, so you need to make sure you get one that suits your lifestyle and is comfortable for you and your baby.

You may want to consider purchasing a travel system, which includes a carry-cot and seat. This is the most secure method of transporting a baby since it makes sure they sleep flat. This is great for protecting their spine and opening up their airways. Newborns should be transported lying flat until they reach six months of age.

Some pushchairs are suitable for babies and come with a seat that fully reclines to a flat position. This is essential since it protects the newborn's spine as it grows and allows them to sleep comfortably during long journeys. It is important to note that not all pushchairs which claim they are 'lie-flat' actually have a full flat position and you need to check this before making your purchase.

You should consider a crib that has an ample basket that can hold all the baby's necessities and other things. The basket should be easily accessible and you shouldn't have to struggle to get your shopping in or take out your baby's stroller.

Wheels can also vary between models. Some have swivel, fixed or lockable wheels which can help you manoeuvre the pushchair through different conditions. Some have larger wheels that can be more sturdy on rough terrain or are fitted PU tires that are designed to be puncture-resistant.

Also, you should consider the size of the handlebar, and whether it is adjustable to fit your height. Lastly, you need to make sure the pushchair folds enough to fit into your car's trunk or on public transport. Some models, like the Joie Vinca has a one-handed fold that was highly reviewed by our MFM home testers and has earned it a Gold Award in previous MadeForMums awards.