Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

The choice of a new pushchair is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your child. The right model will help your baby grow comfortably and be in good health.

Experts advise that babies sleep flat in order to promote breathing and development. This is the reason a great small pushchair has a lie-flat seat.

Seating with a lie-flat

Newborns need a lie-flat position in their pushchairs for the first six months because it aids their back growth and breathing. However, not all pushchairs are flat, so it is crucial to confirm this prior to purchasing. One method to test a new pushchair is to ask the salesperson to let you try it out and see if you are able to comfortably lay down with your child.

Selecting a baby stroller with an infant carrycot or cocoon which creates a lie-flat seating is a fantastic option for infants as it allows them to sleep in a fully reclined position, safeguarding their spine and allowing them breathe normally. Some prams come with an infant carrier, while others allow you to attach one separately to the frame. When your baby is older, you can switch it out for the seat.

Most experts agree that infants should be placed in a carrycot or pushchair with their parents facing them. This lets them see their parents directly and allows parents to keep track of their needs and monitor their infant. Many new parents aren't sure of which direction to take for their child or when they should let them face the world.

The reason why they are so popular is because they permit you to use your baby's carrycot or cocoon on the frame of the pushchair, and then change to a reclining seat once your child is older. This eliminates the hassle of having to buy separate items. Some models also come with the option of switching from a single to double pushchairs when your baby develops, allowing you to adjust and making it possible to save money by purchasing only one piece of equipment. It is worth assessing the weight of the travel system (with and without the carrycot included) because you might find it heavier than other pushchairs, especially when you're going to be using public transport or travelling often with your baby. It is also important to check the stability of the travel system and whether it is free-standing when folded. You'll need a pushchair that is sturdy and able to be able to support the weight of a growing child.

All-terrain models

The best travel pushchair pushchairs for newborns are those that can handle a variety terrains. This is particularly important for those who live in the countryside or love to go for walks in the country and are likely to encounter uneven surfaces and bumpy terrain. There are numerous models designed specifically for this type of terrain. The most important thing is to find out how sturdy and durable the chassis is, and whether there's a suspension system that can assist in the journey over rough ground. If the tyres are filled with air it is important to determine whether you'll require an air pump to fix the puncture or use a puncture repair tool.

There are a number of all-terrain pushchairs on the market as well as those manufactured by the top brands in baby equipment. Out n About Nipper V5 is a popular stroller which can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth. It's not recommended for overnight sleep. The air-filled tires of this stroller are perfect for use off-road and its suspension can cushion your baby's trip. It's also suitable for jogging once your child is old enough.

Another alternative is the iCandy Core, which can be used in a double or single mode and has a large basket that can accommodate up to 10kg of shopping. The front wheels are bigger than most single pushchairs, which makes it easier to manoeuvre over a wider range of surfaces. It also comes with a reclining seat that can be set to a flat position and includes an infant car seat adaptor kit that allows it to be used as a travel system.

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is another all-terrain stroll worth considering. It's narrow enough to fit into bus aisles and shops, but has large robust tyres that are able to handle rough surfaces. It also comes with a large basket that folds effortlessly with just one hand. It's not cheap, however it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase.

Easy to Manoeuvre

There are a variety of pushchairs, but when selecting one for a newborn consider the following aspects:

A newborn baby should lay flat to aid in the development of a healthy spine. This is best done in a pram or carrycot however, as they grow older you can move 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 usually consists of an frame that houses a car seat/premium and an infant seat that can be attached to the frame.

You might also want to look into a reversible device so that you can either use it with the baby facing you, or turn it around and let them see the world. This will keep them happy and calm. Some models have an open canopy that faces the parent facing pushchair which allows you to keep an eye on your child and keep eye contact throughout the trip.

Another factor to consider is the weight of your pushchair. You don't want to carry it on and off public transport or in and out of your car frequently, so check that it is lightweight. Also, you'll want make sure that the pushchair folds well and compactly, which makes it easier to fit into 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 to store it. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it overseas where customs officers may have to inspect the pushchair for safety reasons.

It is also advisable to think about whether the pushchair comes with one or linked handles and what height it's adjustable to. Single handles are simpler to fold up and can be folded more compactly when using single handles. You may want to think about a height-adjustable steering wheels as well, which can be beneficial to any grandparents who may be able to help with it. You don't want to struggle for hours trying to assemble and disassemble your stroller and pushchair with a baby who is heavy on the board!

Storage space

A basket of sufficient size is necessary to store baby's toys and changing kit. You should choose one that has a large storage space that is accessible easily when using the carrycot. It is also important to choose a model that you don't need to remove your baby from the cot to lift the lid.

A carrycot is a light portable cot with a handle of some kind that can be connected to the chassis of a pushchair to make it an effective travel system. They are commonly used by infants and are an essential part of the "from birth" pushchair. They permit your baby to lie on their backs, which is good for their spinal and lung development.

A sun canopy is a vital accessory to a pushchair since it protects your child from the elements. Some models have inbuilt sunshades while others come with removable SPF/UPF 50+ canopy. Consider a footmuff to keep your baby warm during colder winter months. Look for models that include one in the bundle or accessories range.