Buying a New Born Push Chair

This high-end pushchair is perfect for newborns, thanks to its premium weaved fabric and ergonomic support. It's also easy to set up and can easily manage narrow aisles in shops.

Select a model with the carrycot, or a combination of the car seat and carriercot, which is ideal for newborns. Some have a reversible unit that allows you to have your baby either face you or the world.

Safety

A pushchair (also referred to as buggy, pram, or stroller) is one of the most frequently used baby products therefore safety should be an important consideration when choosing one. The first thing you should look for is a harness with five points. This harness secures the child in the seat using five points - two across shoulders, two around hips and between legs and two in the middle. This system helps prevent the child from falling out of the seat if it tips over or when driving down or up the kerb that is steep.

For infants carrying a carrycot or prams, car seats and carrycots combination is essential. They need to be able to lay flat. This is to protect their spine and allows them to breathe fully. This is crucial because it lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies born today should not be allowed to be able to travel for long distances in a pushchair without this feature, even if it has the option of reclining seats.

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

The wheels of the stroller need to be strong, have a good suspension, and be easily accessible. Many pushchairs are fitted with pneumatic tyres which absorb shocks better than tyres that are standard and can run on rough terrain.

Additional accessories such as a raincover, shopping baskets or pram changing bags can be useful in everyday use, particularly when you are you are running errands with your baby in tow. Many pushchairs are fitted with an hood that can be put over the baby's head to shield them from the sun and wind. Some hoods can be adjusted to match the conditions.

Comfort

When it comes to infant pushchairs, you want one that is comfortable for baby and parents. This could mean padded seats and a pushchair which is simple to move around and robust enough to withstand rough terrain. Consider features like weather protection and storage. If you intend to use the stroller for jogging, or for off-road excursions, you will need a stroller with larger wheels. This will provide your child the most comfort on even the most uneven terrain.

The best pushchair for a newborn will be a pram, or a travel system that comes with an cot with a carry-on, allowing your baby to sleep in their normal lying flat position, which is vital for the development of a healthy spine and lung. Some pushchairs that are labelled as suitable for use from birth actually require your child to be able to stand independently before they can be used, so always check this before buying.

A bassinet can be used to create a cot-like space for your baby to relax while remaining secure and safe within the pushchair parent facing. They are generally more expensive than a pushchair or travel system. But, if your child is comfortable in the seat, it may be worth the cost.

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 described as parent-facing and world-facing pushchairs. Some pushchairs come with an option to convert them from single to double. This means that they can be converted to a double pushchair without needing a separate frame.

On hot days, you will want a pushchair parasol to help shield your baby from the sun and prevent overheating. Look for it in pushchair bundles or separately. In colder weather it is possible to purchase a footmuff that will keep your baby warm and snug. These are available in various designs, and the majority are machine washable.

Style

When shopping for a new pushchair, it is essential to take a look at the finer details, especially as it will be one of your most frequently used baby products. For example, some models are made to be used on rough terrain with larger wheels and a heavy frame. Others are lighter and easy to move particularly when folded. Some come with adjustable seat cushions, an extensible SPF canopy, and an insulated footmuff for colder climates.

It is recommended to lay newborns flat, as this assists in spinal development and opens their airways. It is recommended to use a black pushchair or pram with a carrycot or a travel system. Some pushchairs have a fully reclining seat unit or carrycot, and are suitable for babies from birth. It is crucial to ensure whether this feature is present since some descriptions simply state a reclining seat without clarifying this is a lie-flat option.

Most pushchairs offer the choice of either a parent or world facing seat to allow you to have your baby either face you for bonding and reassurance or away from you so they can explore the world around them. Some pushchairs even offer both choices at the same time!

Many pushchairs come with a variety of accessories, such as baskets and shopping trays that simplify the lives of parents. Some pushchairs include an inbuilt sunshade made of UPF50 or SPF+ fabrics. This helps protect the child from the sun. Other popular accessories include a parasol that can be attached with a clamp to the frame of the pushchair, or a sunmuff, which is often included in the package or sold as an add-on.

Budget

It is essential to research your options and stick to your budget. It's important to consider that the pram will stay in your home for a long time, and it's also the most frequently used item, so you need to make sure you purchase one that is suitable for your needs and is comfortable for you and your baby.

Consider purchasing a travel system that includes a carrycot as well as a seat. This is the most secure method of transporting your baby since it makes sure they lie flat. This is ideal for securing their spine development and opening up their airways. Newborns must always be transported lying on their backs until they reach the age of six months.

Some pushchairs are suitable from birth and include a seat that fully reclines into a lying-flat position. This is important because it helps protect a newborn's developing spine and allows them to rest comfortably on long trips. It is important to note that not all pushchairs which claim they are 'lie-flat' actually offer the full flat position, and you should confirm this prior pushchairs to buying.

Consider a model that has an ample basket to hold all the baby's necessities and other necessities. The basket should be simple to access and you will be able to get your shopping in without struggling or having to remove your baby from the carrycot.

Another thing to consider is the wheels, which can vary from model to model. Certain models have wheels that can be locked, swivelled or fixed to assist you in moving the pushchair. Some have larger wheels that are more stable on rough terrain, or are equipped with PU tyres that are specifically designed to resist puncture.

You should also think about the size of the handlebar and if it is adjustable to fit your height. Also, make sure that the pushchair folds down to fit in your car's boot, or on public transport. Some models, like the Joie Vinca comes with a one-handed fold which was highly reviewed by our MFM home testers and has earned it a Gold Award in previous MadeForMums awards.