Choosing a pushchair newborn (click)

Choosing a pushchair newborn is one of the most important choices you make for your baby. The right model can help your baby grow comfortably and be in good health.

Experts recommend that babies should sleep flat in order to assist breathing and develop. A good compact pushchair comes with seats that can be positioned in a flat position.

Lay-flat seating

For the first six months, babies should be seated on their pushchair. This is beneficial for their back development as well as breathing. However it is not always the case that pushchairs are flat, so it is essential to verify this before you buy. Ask the shop assistant to let you try out the pushchair and check whether your baby is at ease in it.

A newborn stroller with a carrycot or cocoon which creates a lie-flat seating is a great option for babies in the early years as it allows them to sleep in a fully reclined position, safeguarding their spine while allowing them to breathe normally. Some prams come with an infant carrier or permit you to attach a carrier separately to the frame. If your baby gets older, you can switch it out for the seat.

The majority of experts agree that it's recommended that newborns be in a pushchair with a parent facing or carrycot that allows them to look directly at their parents and makes it easier to monitor and cater to their needs. Many new parents aren't sure 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 allow you to use your baby's carrycot or cocoon on the frame of the pushchair, and then switch over to a reclining chair when your child has reached a certain age. This eliminates the headache of purchasing separate items. Some models can be converted from a single to a double pushchair, allowing you to save on equipment and allow for flexibility as your child grows. You should consider the weight of the travel system with or without the carrycot. It might be heavier than other pushchairs. This is especially important in the event that you intend to take public transportation or travel frequently with your child. Verify the stability of the travel system and also if it can stand up independently when folded. You'll want a strong and secure pushchair that is able to withstand the weight of your growing infant.

All-terrain models

The best baby stroller is one that's built to handle all kinds of terrain. This is especially crucial if you prefer to stroll in the countryside or reside in a rural area where you are likely to encounter bumpy and uneven surfaces. There are a variety of models designed specifically for this type of terrain. It is important to examine the chassis to see whether it comes with suspension systems that can assist you in riding over rough terrain. The tyres should also be considered if they're filled with air, you might require to carry a pump or at a minimum, an emergency repair kit for punctures with you.

There are many all-terrain strollers available. These include those made by major names in the baby equipment industry. One of the most sought-after is the Out n About Nipper V5 stroller that has a stellar reputation and is suitable from birth using the carrycot or the first-stage car seat (not suitable for overnight sleep). Its air-filled tires are ideal for use off-road and its suspension will help cushion your baby's journey. It's even 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 comes with a huge basket that can accommodate up to 10kg of groceries. Its front wheels, which are bigger than the ones on most single pushchairs, make it easier to maneuver on a wider variety of surfaces. It also comes with a reclining seat that can be adjusted to a flat position and includes an infant car seat adaptor kit, which allows it to be used as a travel system.

Another all-terrain pushchair to consider is the Mamas & Papas Ocarro, that is small folding pushchair enough to fit on buses and shop aisles however it has large, sturdy tires that can withstand rough surfaces. It has a large basket and can also fold in one hand. It's not cheap, however, so you'll need to weigh the pros and cons before making an investment.

Easy to Manoeuvre

There are many types of pushchairs from birth. However, when choosing one for your newborn, consider the following:

A newborn baby will need to lay flat to aid in healthy development of the spine. This is best done in a carrycot or pram however, as they grow older, you can shift to a pushchair, and then a toddler seat. It is best to opt for a 3-in-1 stroller, also known as a travel system pram or bundle. This allows your child to develop with it. It typically consists of a frame with a pram/carrycot and the baby seat that attaches to the frame.

You might also consider a reversible seating unit, so that you can use it with your newborn facing you, or turn it around to allow them to explore the world. This will help keep them calm and content. Some models have an open canopy that faces the parent which allows you to keep an eye on your child and maintain eye contact throughout the trip.

Another thing to take into consideration is the weight of your pushchair. Make sure it's light. You don't need to carry it up and down from public transport or your car often, so make sure it's lightweight. In addition, you'll need to make sure that the pushchair folds well and compactly, which makes it easier to fit in the car's boot.

If you plan to travel with your family, check that the egg pushchair is easy to maneuver and can be easily collapsed for storage. This is important, especially if you plan to use the running pushchair overseas where customs officials may have to inspect it for safety reasons.

You might also want to consider whether the pushchair has a single or linked handle and what height it's adjustable to. The linked handles are more comfortable to push with one hand, whereas single handles let you fold it more compactly. Think about a steering wheel that can be adjusted in height to accommodate grandparents who can assist you. You don't want to fight for hours trying to assemble and disassemble your stroller with a heavy baby on board!

Storage space

A large and sturdy basket is essential for keeping baby's diaper kit and toys. You should choose one that has a big storage space that is accessible easily when using the carrycot. It is also essential to choose a model in which you don't have to take your baby from the cot in order to lift the lid.

A carrycot is a light portable crib with a handle that can be connected to a pushchair chassis in order to create an entire travel system. Most often, they are used for newborns and infants, they are an essential feature of a 'from birth' pushchair as they allow your baby to lay flat, which is good for their spine and lung development.

A sun canopy is a crucial accessory to a stroller since it shields your child from weather. Some models have inbuilt sunshades while others have removable, extendable SPF/UPF 50+ canopy. A footmuff is also a good option because it will help keep your baby warm during colder weather Check out models that include it in the bundle or as part of their accessories range.