Buying a New Born Push Chair

A premium pushchair that's perfect for babies due to its luxurious woven fabrics and a padded back for better support. It's also easy to set up and can easily manage narrow aisles in shops.

Pick a model that comes with the carrycot, or a combination of car seats and a carriercot, which is suitable for babies. Some models have the option of a reversible model, so you can decide if your baby faces you or the rest of the world.

Safety

The pushchair, also known as a buggy or stroller is among the most used baby products. Safety is the primary consideration when selecting the right pushchair. Look for the five-point safety harness. This harness holds the child in the seat by using five points that connect in the central locking system, two across the shoulders and two between the hips as well as between the legs. This system prevents the child from tipping out of the seat when it is flipped over or while driving down or up the kerb that is steep.

A carrycot or infant car seat pram and carrycot combo is essential for infants since they need the ability to lie flat, which safeguards their spinal development and opens their airways fully. This is essential as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Newborn babies should not be pushed for long distances in the pushchair that doesn't have this facility even if they could be pushed in a reclined seat unit.

It is also recommended to buy a pushchair that is suitable from the time of birth. This means that the pushchair is compatible with a lie-flat carrycot or infant car seat / pram and it comes with an entirely reversible seat so that the baby can face either parent or world.

The wheels of the stroller must be strong, have a good suspension, and be easily accessible. Many pushchairs come with pneumatic tyres, which absorb shocks better than conventional tyres. They also can be used on terrains that are rough.

Additional accessories like a raincover, shopping baskets or changing bags for prams are useful for everyday use, especially when taking baby to errands in the stroller. Many pushchairs come with an hood that can be pulled down over the baby's head to protect them from sun and the wind. Some hoods are adjustable, giving you the option to raise or lower them according to the conditions.

Comfort

You'll want a pushchair for your newborn that is comfortable for both the baby and the parents. This can include padding for the seats as well as a pushchair that is simple to move around, but also sturdy enough to handle rough terrain. You should also think about other features like weather protection and storage options. If you plan to use the pushchair for jogging or off road adventures you will need an all-terrain pushchair with bigger wheels, designed to give your child the best comfort on the most uneven terrain.

The ideal pushchair for the newborn is a pram or travel system with a carrycot. This allows your baby to sleep in a lying flat position, which is essential for lung and spine development. Some pushchairs labeled "suitable from birth" require that your child sit up on their own. Be sure to verify this prior to making the purchase.

A bassinet can be used to create a cot-like environment where your child can unwind while being secure and safe within the pushchair deals. These are typically a bit more expensive than a conventional pushchair or even a travel system, but can be worth the extra cost if your baby is happy to go in this type of seat.

Many pushchairs come with the option to 'face' the seat towards you for reassurance and bonding or, if you prefer, away from you to explore the world. These are often called parent-facing or world-facing pushchairs. Some will have a single-to-double pushchair option that means they can be modified to accommodate two children, without the necessity of a separate double pushchair frame.

On hot days you'll need an umbrella for your pushchair to protect your child from the sun and prevent overheating. Many manufacturers include this as part of the pushchair bundle, or sell it separately and you should look for this. In colder weather you might want to purchase a footmuff that will keep your baby warm and snug. They come in different styles, and most can be washed in the washing machine.

Style

When you are looking for a new pushchair, it's crucial to consider the finer points, particularly as it will be one of your most frequently used baby products. Certain models are designed for rough terrain and come with larger wheels with a heavy-duty frame. Some models are lighter and easier to maneuver when folded. Some models also come with adjustable seat padding, a expandable SPF canopy, and a footmuff to keep warm in colder temperatures.

It is recommended to lie newborns flat as it helps with spinal development and opens their airways. This can be achieved using a pram/pushchair and carrycot or a travel system. Some pushchairs come with seats or a carrycot that reclines fully. These are suitable for babies from birth. Be sure to check if this feature is available as some descriptions only state the option of reclining, but do not mention an option for a seat that is lying flat.

Most pushchairs let you select between a parent-facing or a world facing seat unit. This lets you select whether your child is facing you for bonding or reassurance with you, or is away from you to explore the world. Some pushchairs allow both simultaneously!

Many pushchairs are equipped with a range of accessories, such as shopping trays and baskets to make it easier for parents. Some also have an inbuilt sunshade, which is usually made of UPF or SPF 50+ fabrics to help protect your baby from the sun. Other popular accessories include parasols that can be clamped to the pushchair frame, or sunmuffs which are often included or sold separately.

Budget

A new pushchair is likely be among the most expensive items your baby will own so you must take your time researching and purchasing within your budget. Keep in mind that you will use your pram for many years and that it is the most used item. You want to choose one that fits your lifestyle and is comfortable both for both you and your child.

You might want to think about purchasing a travel set-up, 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 method to protect their spinal development and open their airways. Newborns should always be transported in a lie-flat position until they are six months old.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth and also have an adjustable seat that can be reclined to an upright position. This is important because it helps protect a newborn's growing spine and allows them to rest comfortably on long trips. However, it's worth noting that not all pushchairs that claim they are 'lie-flat' actually have the flat position in full and you must confirm this before making your purchase.

It is also worth considering an option with a big shopping basket, which is essential to store all the necessities of your baby's things. The basket should be easy to access and you should not have to struggle to get your shopping done or take out your baby's stroller.

Wheels can also vary between models. Certain models have wheels that can be locked, swivelled, or fixed to assist you in moving the pushchair. Some have larger wheels that can be more robust on rough terrain, or are fitted PU tires that are designed to resist puncture.

Be aware of the dimensions of the handlebar, and if it can be adjusted to your height. Additionally, you should ensure that the pushchair folds enough to fit in your car's boot or onto public transport. Some models, like the Joie Vinca, have a one-handed fold that was highly evaluated by our MFM home testers and earned it an award of Gold Award in previous MadeForMums awards.