Buying a new born push chair,
Discover More,
A high-end pushchair that's perfect for infants due to the premium knitted fabrics and a comfortable seat. It's also easy to put together and easily navigate the aisles of a small store.
Newborns should be able to lie flat, so opt for a model that has either a car seat or a carrycot combination that is suitable from birth. Some models come with an reversible design, which means you can choose whether your baby is facing you or the rest of the world.
Safety
The pushchair, also referred to as a buggy or stroller, is one of the most commonly used baby products. Safety should be the primary consideration when selecting a stroller. Make sure you choose a five-point safety harness. The harness secures the child in the seat using five points that join in the central locking system, two across the shoulders and two around the hips and between the legs. This system prevents the child from slipping out of the seat in the event that the vehicle is flipped over, or while driving up a kerb that is steep.
For infants carrying a carrycot or car seats / prams & carrycots combination is essential. They must be able to lie down. This protects their spine development and allows them to breathe completely. This is crucial because it lowers the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Newborn babies shouldn't travel long distances in a pushchair that does not have this facility even if they could be pushed using a reclining seat unit.
It is also recommended to buy a pushchair suitable from the time of birth. This means that the pushchair can be used with a carrycot that is flat on the floor or an pram or infant car seat and also has a fully reversible seat unit to let the baby look at either their parent or the world.
The wheels of the stroller need to be sturdy with a good suspension and be easily accessible. Many pushchairs come with pneumatic tyres that can absorb shocks more effectively than standard tyres and can run on rough terrain.
Additional accessories like a raincover, shopping baskets or pram changing bags can be useful for everyday use, particularly when you are running errands with baby in tow. Many pushchairs have a hood which can be put over the baby's face to shield it from sun or wind. Some hoods can be adjusted with the ability to lower or raise them according to the conditions.
Comfort
You'll want a baby pushchair that is comfortable for the baby and the parent. This could mean padded seats, easy to manoeuvre and sturdy enough for rough terrain. It is also important to look at other features, such as storage options and protection against weather. If you plan to use the pushchair for jogging or off-road adventures, you'll require an all-terrain pushchair that has bigger wheels, designed to offer your little one optimum comfort on the most uneven ground.
The ideal baby pushchair will be a pram or travel system that comes with the option of a carry cot that allows your baby to sleep in their normal lie-flat position which is essential for the development of a healthy spine and lung. Some pushchairs that are labeled "suitable for babies from birth" require that your child sit up independently. Check this prior to making the purchase.
A bassinet is another option, providing a small cot-like space for your newborn to relax in, while remaining safe and secure in the pushchair. They are generally more expensive than a pushchair or travel system. If your child is happy in the seat, it might be worth the cost.
Some pushchairs let you 'face the seat' towards you for reassurance or bonding. Or away from you to explore the world. They may be known as parents-facing or world-facing pushchairs. Some will have a single-to-double pushchair option, meaning they can be converted to accommodate two kids without the need for an additional double frame for the pushchair.
You'll need a parasol for your pushchair on hot days to protect your baby from sunlight and prevent overheating. Look for it in pushchair bundles or on its own. In colder weather, you may wish to include a footmuff that will keep your baby warm and cozy. There is a wide selection of these, with most being fully machine washable.
Style
When shopping for a new pushchair, it's crucial to consider the finer points, particularly as it will be one of your most used baby items. Some models are built for rough terrain, and have larger wheels and a robust frame. Others are lighter and easier to maneuver, particularly when folded. Certain models also have adjustable seat padding, a extendable SPF canopy and a footmuff that keeps warm in colder temperatures.
It is recommended that infants lie flat, as this helps with spinal development and opens up their airways. It is best to use a pushchair or pram with a carrycot or a travel system. Some pushchairs include a carrycot or seat unit that reclines fully. They 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.
The majority of pushchairs allow the option of a parent facing or world facing seat, to allow you to have your baby face you for reassurance and bonding or away from you so that they can explore the world around them. Some pushchairs offer both options simultaneously!
Many
pushchairs and strollers are equipped with accessories, such as shopping baskets and trays to make life easier for parents. Some models also come with an inbuilt sunshade that is usually constructed from UPF or SPF 50+ fabric to protect the baby from the sun. Other popular accessories include a parasol which can be attached by a clamp to the pushchair frame or a sunmuff that is often included in the bundle or sold as an add-on.
Budget
It's essential to spend time researching your options and stay within your budget. Remember that you will use your pushchair for a long time and it's the most used item. You need to pick one that suits your needs and is comfortable both for you and your child.
You should consider purchasing a travel system which includes a carrycot and seat. This is the most safest method of transporting a baby as it ensures that they lie flat. This is the best method to protect their spine and open their airways. Newborns should be transported in a reclining position until they reach six months old.
Some pushchairs can be used from birth, and come with seats that fully recline to a flat position. This is crucial since it protects the newborn's spine as it develops and allows them to rest comfortably on long trips. It is important to note that not all pushchairs that state they are 'lie-flat' actually offer a full flat position and you need to check this before making your purchase.
It is also worth considering a model with a large shopping basket, which will be essential to store all your baby's necessities and other belongings. The basket should be easy to access and you should not have to struggle to get your shopping done or out of your baby's carrycot.
Wheels also differ between models. Some models have wheels that can be locked, swivelled, or fixed to assist you in moving the pushchair. Some have larger wheels which can be more stable on rough terrain, or are fitted PU tyres that are designed to resist puncture.
Be aware of the dimensions of the handlebar, and if it can be adjusted to your height. Also, you must ensure that the pushchair folds down small enough to fit into your car's boot or on public transport. Certain models, such as the Joie Vinca has one-handed folds that were highly evaluated by our MFM home testers and was awarded an award of Gold Award in previous MadeForMums awards.