Catherine Torode asked 2 months ago
Buying a New Born Push Chair
This high-end pushchair is perfect for infants due to its luxury knit fabric and ergonomically designed support. It is also easy to assemble and effortlessly navigate the narrow aisles of a store.
Newborns should ideally lay flat, so look for a model that has either the car seat/carrycot combination that is suitable for babies from birth. Some models come with the option of a reversible model, so you can decide if your baby is facing you or the the world.
Safety
A pushchair (also known as buggy, pram, or stroller) is one of the most commonly used baby items, so safety should be an important consideration when choosing one. Choose a five-point safety harness. This harness locks the child in the seat with five points – two across shoulders two around the hips, two between legs, and two in the middle. This system will prevent the child from falling out of the seat in the event that the vehicle falls over, or when driving up a kerb that is steep.
A carrycot or infant car seat/ pram and carrycot combination is essential for newborns since they need the ability to lie flat, which safeguards their spinal development and allows them to fully open their airways. This is vital as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies born today should not travel for long distances using a pushchair that does not come with this feature even if they could be pushed in a reclining seat unit.
It is also recommended to purchase a pushchair that is suitable from the time of birth. The pushchair must be capable of being used with a carrycot which can lay flat, or an infant car seat/pram. It should also come with the seat unit that is fully reversible so that the baby can look at either the parent or the world.
Lastly, the wheels of the holiday pushchair need to be robust and have a an excellent suspension that reduces bumps and vibrations as well having brake pedals that is easily accessible. Many pushchairs are fitted with pneumatic tyres that absorb shocks better than tyres that are standard and can be used on terrains that are rough.
Additional accessories like a raincover, shopping baskets, or pram changing bags can be useful for daily use, especially when you are running errands with your baby in the stroller. Many pushchairs are fitted with an hood that can be placed over the baby’s head to shield them from the sun and wind. Some hoods can be adjusted and allow you to raise or lower them according to the conditions.
Comfort
You’ll want a pushchair for your newborn that is comfortable for both the baby and the parents. This can be padded seats, simple to maneuver and strong enough to withstand rough terrain. Consider features like weather protection and storage. If you intend to use the pushchair to go for jogging or off road adventures you will require an all-terrain pushchair that has larger wheels, designed to give your child the best comfort on the roughest ground.
The ideal pushchair for a newborn push chair would be a pram or travel system that includes an cot with a carry-on, allowing your baby to sleep in their natural lying down position, which is crucial for the development of a healthy spine and lung. Some pushchairs marketed as suitable from birth will actually require your child to be able to sit up independently before they can be used, therefore make sure you check this before purchasing.
A bassinet can be used to provide a cot-like area for your baby to relax while being secure and safe within the pushchair. They’re typically more expensive than a conventional pushchair, or even a travel system, but could be worth the extra expense if your baby is happy to go in this type of seat.
Many pushchairs come with the option of facing the seat towards you, for reassurance and bonding, or away from you to explore the world. They are often called parent-facing or world-facing pushchairs. Some will have a single-to double pushchair option as well that means they can be modified to accommodate two kids without the need for an additional double pushchair frame.
On hot days you’ll require a pushchair parasol to help protect your child from the sun and avoid overheating. Look for it in pushchair bundles or on its own. In colder temperatures, you may wish to include a footmuff that will keep your baby warm and cozy. They are available in different designs, and the majority can be washed in the washing machine.
Style
It is essential to pay attention to the specifics when you are shopping for a new baby pushchair since this is one of the most used products. Some models are made for rough terrain and come with bigger wheels and a sturdy frame. Others are more lightweight and are easier to maneuver especially when folded. Some have adjustable seat cushions, an extensible SPF canopy, and a footmuff for colder weather.
It is recommended to lay newborns flat on their backs, as this assists in spinal development and opens their airways. It is best to use a pram/pushchair with the carrycot or travel system. Some pushchairs come with seats or a carrycot which can fully recline. They are suitable for infants from birth. It is essential to confirm whether this feature is present because some descriptions only mention a reclining chair without defining if it is a lie-flat option.
Most pushchairs offer the choice of either a parent or world facing seat unit to allow you to have your child face you for reassurance and bonding or away from you so they can explore the world around them. Some models even have both options at the same time!
Many pushchairs come with accessories, such as shopping baskets and trays to simplify the lives of parents. Some pushchairs include an inbuilt sunshade made of SPF or UPF50+ fabrics. This can help protect your baby from sun. Other popular accessories include parasols that are fixed to the frame of the pushchair, or sunmuffs which are usually sold separately.
Budget
It’s important to take time to research your options and stick to your budget. It’s important to remember that the pram will stay in your home for a long time and it’s also the most used item so you want to make sure you get one that suits your lifestyle and is comfortable for both you and your child.
You may want to consider purchasing a travel set-up, which includes a carry-cot and a seat. This is the most safest method of transporting a baby because it guarantees that they lie flat. This is the most effective way to protect their spine and allow their airways to open. Newborns should always be carried lying on their backs until they attain the age of six months.
Some pushchairs can be used from birth and come with an adjustable seat that can be reclined to an upright position. This is important because it protects a baby’s spine as it develops and lets them sleep comfortably during long trips. It’s important to know that not all pushchairs labelled ‘lie-flat” actually have a fully flat position. It is important to verify this prior to buying.
It is also worth considering a model with a large shopping basket, which is essential for storing all your baby’s essentials and other things. The basket should be easy to access and you will be able to get your shopping in without struggling or having to take your baby from the carrycot.
Wheels can also vary between models. Certain models have wheels that can be locked, swivelled, or fixed to help you maneuver the pushchair. Others have larger wheels that can be more stable over rough terrain, or are equipped with PU tyres that are designed to be puncture resistant.
Consider the size 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 in your car’s trunk or onto public transport. Certain models, like the Joie Vinca have a single-handed fold that was highly rated by MFM home testers. It was awarded the Gold Award at previous MadeForMums Awards.