Debra Fenbury

Choosing a Pushchair Newborn

A baby pushchair is among the most important baby items you'll require. There's a lot of choice available but it's essential to find the right one for your family.

Experts recommend that babies should lay flat for the first few months, so look for a model with an adjustable seat that can be used as early as birth.

Safety

When choosing a stroller, the safety of your child's is the most important consideration. A good pushchair will include a seat that reclines to a flat position and a five-point harness padded with firm connections. Babys should be carried in a carrycot and not in the main seat. If your baby's pushchair doesn't include a carrycot, then you may want to consider a travel system that is a combination of a car seat/pram.

The frame of your pushchair needs to be stable and have a wide base to avoid it tipping over easily. Avoid overloading your pushchair's back with shopping bags or toys since this can impact its stability. If your pushchair is a three wheeler then it must have good suspension and the wheels should be composed of PU or rubber for better shock absorption. Look for brakes that are easy to use and make sure they work before securing your child.

A high-quality pushchair should have a raincover which is fitted with a zip and has a padded lining, this will help to keep your baby dry and comfortable. Some pushchairs have sun canopy or hood that can be extended to give more protection when needed. Make sure that the handlebars of your pushchair are adjustable for parents to find the most comfortable position for driving and pushing.

You may wish to purchase a footmuff that is available in most pushchairs, it keeps your baby warm and can be removed if it becomes too hot. It is a good idea to take this with you when going out and about in cold weather or when the sun starts to shine.

It is essential to ensure that any pushchair, pram or buggy you purchase is compliant with British safety standards and, if it's part of a travel system also European safety standards ECE R44/04 or R129 i-Size. Before you begin using the pushchair, make sure that you have read the directions. It is important to teach anyone who will use it how to fold open, secure and close it. When the pushchair's not being used, remove all locking mechanisms.

Comfort

Newborn babies have a small neck and little strength which is why they must lie flat to be comfortable and breathe. A pushchair that doesn't have a lie-flat seat unit isn't appropriate for infants or newborns, because they could fall asleep in a position that is too upright and will prevent their airways from fully opening, possibly leading to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

To ensure that your baby is always travelling comfortably, choose a reclining pushchair with a seat that is lie-flat that can be used from birth. This type of pushchair is commonly referred to as pram, but it's also known as a stroller or buggy.

In addition to a lying-flat seat unit, look out for other features that are appropriate for newborns, like the ability to raise and lower the chassis from the footrest and a large seat with three adjustable height settings - you can even use it while feeding your toddler or baby. Consider purchasing a footmuff made of soft, comfortable material which shields your child from the sun and keeps them warm. The majority of brands sell these separately or include them in their bundles of pushchairs and accessories.

Many parents choose to buy multiple pushchairs, and then upgrade them as their baby develops. If you are planning to do this, be sure you choose a light pushchair that has a strong suspension, a large rear tire that can handle urban or rough terrain, as well as a one-handed folding design.

A travel system that combines a car seat or carrycot with a pushchair chassis and seat unit is a ideal option for infants and babies. They are ideal for long trips as babies can be transported safely and comfortably in the car seat or carrycot, and then transferred to a pushchair once they are ready.

Style

A baby pushchair is one of the biggest purchases you'll make for your baby. It should be easy to use and comfortable. Look for features such as the comfort of a cushioned seat and a handlebar that can be adjusted to allow you to find the right position for you and your baby. You'll probably also need to ensure that it is able to withstand a few bumps in the road, and is durable enough to withstand the demands of daily use.

It is essential to buy a pram that can be able to accommodate your newborn in this flat position. This will aid in the development of their lungs and spine. Many "from birth" prams have the option of a carrycot attached to the chassis. This allows your baby to always be close to you.

Some prams have a lie-flat position without a carrycot and may be suitable for newborns as young as six months but you should examine the specifications thoroughly to be certain. You can also buy a travel system that comes with a car-seat and is available as soon as your baby is born.

The Graco Near2Me function on the egg2 is especially designed for infants since it lets you bring your baby closer to you at the touch of a button. It's great for maintaining eye contact and for bonding, says parent tester Jaya. It can also be used with the carrycot, seat unit and car seat attachments making it a versatile option for travel with a baby.

There are a variety of styles, colours and prints to suit your home decor or nursery, but try to avoid anything that is too bright, which could be distracting for your newborn. You will likely utilize your pushchair for many years, so it is worthwhile to invest in a design you like.

If you are looking for a stylish, lightweight and compact pushchair that can be folded up, then the YOYO2 by Babyzen is a fantastic option. It features a smooth, curved shape with an opulent feel for your infant and comes with a detachable carrycot. This compact city stroller is a favourite of parents who want a compact, city-friendly pram. It comes with additional features, like a convenient cup holders.

Weight

Whether you're looking for a light pushchair for newborns or a bigger model that can be used by a toddler there are plenty of choices. It's worth bearing in mind that a baby born today can be quite heavy so take a look at the weight of a pram store near me or pushchair (with and without a carrycot attached) because this is an important factor to consider if you're travelling a lot, using public transport regularly or just want something easy to carry into and out of your car's boot or to climb and descend the stairs.

The newborns, unlike the older children, have very little neck muscle strength. They must be able lie on their backs when they sleep. Expert advice suggests that newborn babies should not travel long distances in pushchairs that do not provide this option since they could experience breathing problems because of the scrunched-up position. This is one of the factors that can contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

A pram or pushchair is suitable from birth, and most models have the option of adding an infant carrycot that is ideal for newborns, particularly when they are small. Certain brands offer a variety of pushchair and pram combos or a "travel system" that include both the carrycot and seat unit, as well as adapters to fit your child's car seat.

You can also choose a twin pushchair that has two seats side by side perfect for twins or siblings who wish to keep each one another close. They are heavier than single pushchairs as they must accommodate a seat unit as well as baby carriers.

If you are a frequent traveller by public transport, or live in an area that has limited space, a light buggy is the best travel pushchair option. It's an excellent idea to see how compact the pushchair folds away and if it can be able to fit through your doorways at home. You may also opt for a foldaway babiie stroller or buggy with a storage basket to store your shopping bags and changing kits.