Buying a
New Born Push ChairThis high-end pushchair is perfect for infants due to its luxurious knit fabric and ergonomically designed support. It's also easy to set up and can easily navigate the narrow aisles in the shops.
Newborns should be able to lie flat, so opt for a model with either a car seat or a carrycot combination suitable from birth. Some models have the option of a reversible model, so you can decide if your baby faces you or the the world.
Safety
A pushchair (also referred to as buggy, pram or stroller) is among the most commonly used baby items 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 holds the child in the seat with five points that meet in a central locking system - two across the shoulders and two around the hips and between the legs. This system prevents the child from sliding out of the seat in the event that the vehicle falls over, or when driving over a kerb with a steep slope.
For newborns carrying a carrycot or infant car seats, prams and carrycots is essential. They should be able to lie down. This is to protect their spine and allows them to breathe completely. This is essential as it reduces the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Newborn babies should not be pushed for long distances in a pushchair that does not provide this feature even if they could be pushed in a reclined seat unit.
It is also recommended to purchase a pushchair suitable from birth. This means that the pushchair can be used in conjunction with a carrycot that is flat on the floor or an infant car seat / pram and it comes with a fully reversible seat unit so that the baby can be able to face either the parent or the world.
Lastly, the wheels of the pushchair need to be robust and have a an adequate suspension to reduce bumps and vibrations as well as brake pedals that is easy to reach. Many pushchairs have pneumatic tyres, which absorb shocks better than standard tyres. They are also able to run on rough terrain.
Accessories like shopping baskets or pram changing bags or raincovers can be useful particularly if you're running errands while your baby is tucked in. Many pushchairs are fitted with an hood that can be put over the baby's head to shield them from sun and wind. Some hoods are adjustable, giving you the option to lower or raise them depending on the conditions.
Comfort
You'll want a pushchair for your newborn that is comfortable for the baby and the
parent facing pushchair. This can be padded seats, simple to maneuver and strong enough for rough terrain. You should also look at other features, such as storage options and protection against weather. If you plan to use the stroller to run, or off-road adventures, you will need an infant stroller with bigger wheels. This will give your child the most comfort on even the most difficult terrain.
The most suitable pushchair for infants is one that is a travel system or pram that comes with a carrycot. This will allow your baby to sleep in a natural lying flat position, which is important for developing the spine and lungs. Some pushchairs that are advertised as suitable from birth will actually require your child to sit up independently before they are able to be used, so make sure you check this before buying.
A bassinet is a great option to create a cot-like space where your child can unwind while remaining secure and safe within the pushchair. These seats are usually more expensive than a pushchair or travel system. If your child is comfortable in the seat, it may be worth the cost.
A lot of pushchairs let you "face the seat" toward you for reassurance or bonding. Or away from you to explore the world. They are often known as parent-facing or world-facing pushchairs. Some pushchairs have the option of converting from single to double. This means that they can be converted to a double pushchair, without an additional frame.
On hot days, you will want an umbrella for your pushchair to protect your child from the sun and to prevent overheating. Look for it in pushchair bundles or separately. You may want to purchase a footmuff for colder temperatures. It will keep your baby warm. There is a wide variety of them and most are machine washable.
Style
When you are looking for a new push chair it is crucial to consider the finer details, especially because it will be among your most used baby products. For instance, some models are designed for use on rough terrain and have larger wheels and a heavy frame. Some models are lighter and easier to move when folded. Some also feature adjustable seat padding, an extendable SPF canopy, and a footmuff for colder weather.
It is recommended that babies lie flat as this aids spinal development and opens up their airways. This is best accomplished with a pram/pushchair and carrycot or a travel system. Some pushchairs come with a fully reclined seat or carrycot and are suitable for babies from the time of birth. Check that this feature is present as some descriptions only provide a reclining option without mentioning a lie-flat seat.
Most pushchairs provide the option of facing your child's face or a world facing seat to allow you to have your baby face you for bonding and reassurance or away from you so that they can discover the world around them. Some pushchairs allow both simultaneously!
Many pushchairs come with accessories such as shopping baskets and trays that help parents get their lives easier. Some pushchairs come with an inbuilt sunshade that is made of UPF50 or SPF+ fabrics. This helps protect the baby against the sun. Other popular accessories include a sunshade which can be attached by a clamp to the pushchair frame or a sunmuff, which is usually included in the package or sold as an add-on.
Budget
A new pushchair is likely be one of the most expensive items your baby will own therefore it's essential to take your time researching and purchasing within your budget. It's important to keep in mind that a pram will be in your home for a long time and it's also the most used item, so ensure you buy one that suits your lifestyle and is comfortable for both you and your child.
Think about purchasing a travel set-up which includes a carrycot and seat. This is the most secure method to transport a newborn as it ensures they lie flat. This is ideal for protecting their spinal development and opening their airways. Newborns should be transported lying on their backs until they reach the age of six months.
Some pushchairs are able to be used as early as birth, and come with a seat that reclines fully to a flat position. This is crucial since it protects the newborn's spine as it grows and allows them to sleep comfortably on long journeys. It's important to know that not all pushchairs marked "lie-flat" actually offer a fully flat position. You should verify this before purchasing.
You should consider a crib that has a large basket for all the baby's essentials and other items. The basket should be simple to access and you will be able to get your shopping without a hassle or having to remove your baby from the carrycot.
Wheels are also different between models. Some models have wheels that can be locked, swivelled, or fixed to assist you in moving the pushchair. Other models have larger wheels which can be more stable over rough terrain or have PU tyres specifically designed to resist puncture.
Also, you should consider the size of the handlebar and if it can be adjusted to your height. Also, you must make sure the pushchair folds enough to fit into your boot, car or on public transport. Some models, such as the Joie Vinca have a one handed fold that was highly reviewed by MFM home testers. It was awarded an Gold Award at previous MadeForMums Awards.