Push Chair 101 It's The Complete Guide For Beginners

Buying a New Born Push Chair

This high-end pushchair is perfect for newborns, thanks to its luxurious woven fabric and ergonomic support. It's also simple to put together and is able to easily navigate narrow aisles in the shops.

Newborns should ideally lay flat, so look for a baby model that comes with a carrycot or car seat/carrycot combination that is suitable for babies from birth. Some have a reversible unit so you can choose to have your baby face either you or the world.

Safety

A pushchair (also known as buggy, pram or stroller) is among the most frequently used baby products and safety is the top priority when selecting one. The first thing to look for is a harness with five points. The harness secures the child in the seat using five points that connect in a central locking system - two across the shoulders, and two between the hips and the legs. This system will prevent the child from falling 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 prams, car seats and carrycots are essential. They must be able to lie down. This protects their spine development and allows them to breathe fully. This is vital as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Newborn babies should never be able to travel for long distances in an unrestricted pushchair even if it comes with an adjustable seat.

It is also recommended to buy an infant pushchair that is suitable from the time of birth. The pushchair should be able to be used with a carrycot that is able to lie flat or an infant car seat or pram. It should also have the seat unit that is completely reversible so that the child can look at either the parent or the world.

The wheels of the stroller must be strong with a good suspension and be easily accessible. Many pushchairs feature pneumatic tyres which absorb shocks better than standard tyres. They are also able to run on rough terrain.

Accessories such as shopping baskets and pram changing bags or raincovers are useful particularly if you're conducting errands when your baby is in tow. Many pushchairs come with a hood which can be put over the baby's face to shield it from sun or wind. Certain hoods are adjustable with the ability to raise or lower them based on the conditions.

Comfort

You'll want a baby pushchair that is comfortable for the child and the parent. This could mean padded seats and a pushchair that is simple to move around yet sturdy enough to handle rough terrain. It is also important to look at other features, such as storage and protection from the weather. If you intend to use the pushchair for jogging, or off-road adventures, you'll need an all-terrain pushchair with larger wheels, designed to give your little one optimum comfort on the roughest terrain.

The best baby pushchair will be a pram or a travel pushchair system that has an cot with a carry-on, allowing your baby to rest in their natural lie-flat position which is essential for healthy spine and lung development. Some pushchairs labelled "suitable from birth" require that your child can sit up independently. Make sure you check this before you make the purchase.

A bassinet is a different option that provides a compact pushchair crib-like area for your baby to rest in, while remaining safe and secure in the pushchair. They are generally more expensive than a traditional lightweight pushchair or even a travel system, but could be worth the cost if your baby is happy to use this kind of seat.

Many pushchairs come with the option to 'face' the seat towards you to bond and reassure or, if you prefer, away from you to explore the world. They are often called parent-facing or world-facing pushchairs. Some pushchairs have a single to double option. This means they can be converted to a double pushchair without needing a separate frame.

On hot days you'll require 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 might want to add a footmuff in colder temperatures. It will keep your baby warm. There is a wide range of these and the majority are machine washable.

Style

It is crucial to be aware of the specifics when you are shopping for a new baby pushchair, because this is one of the most used products. Some models are made for rough terrain and come with larger wheels with a heavy-duty frame. Some are lighter and are easier to maneuver particularly when folded. Certain models also have adjustable seat padding, a expandable SPF canopy, and a footmuff that keeps warm in colder weather.

It is recommended to lay newborns flat, as this assists in spinal development and opens their airways. It is recommended to use a pram/pushchair with a carrycot or travel system. Some pushchairs have a fully reclined seat unit or carrycot and are suitable from the time of birth. Make sure that this feature is available as some descriptions only provide a reclining option without mentioning an option for a seat that is lying flat.

The majority of pushchairs let you select between a parent facing or a world facing seat unit. This lets you choose whether your baby faces you for reassurance or bonding, or away from you to explore the world. Some models even have both options at the same time!

Many pushchairs come with accessories like shopping baskets and trays that help parents get their lives easier. Some pushchairs have an inbuilt sunshade that is constructed of UPF50 or SPF+ fabrics. This can help protect the baby against the sun. Other popular accessories include parasols that are attached to the frame of the pushchair or sunmuffs, which are usually sold separately.

Budget

It's essential to spend time researching your options and stick to your budget. Keep in mind that you will use your pram for many years and that it's the most used item. You need to pick one that is compatible with your lifestyle and is comfortable for both you and your child.

You might want to think about purchasing a travel set-up, which includes a carry cot and seat. This is the safest method to transport a newborn, because it makes sure they sleep flat. This is ideal for securing their spine development and opening up their airways. Newborns should be transported in a lying position until they are six months old.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth and also have seats that fully recline to an upright position. This is essential because it protects a baby's spine as it develops and allows them to rest comfortably during long trips. However, it's worth noting that not all pushchairs and strollers that state they are 'lie-flat' actually have the full flat position, and you must confirm this before making your purchase.

It is also worth considering an option with a big shopping basket, which will be essential to store all your baby's necessities and other things. The basket should be easy to access and you should be able to fit your shopping in without difficulty or having to remove your baby from the carrycot.

Wheels also differ between models. Some models have fixed, swivel or lockable wheels that can help you manoeuvre the pushchair in different situations. Other models have larger wheels which are more stable on rough terrain or have PU tyres designed to be puncture resistant.

You should also think about the size of the handlebar and whether it's adjustable to suit your height. Lastly, you need to make sure the pushchair folds small enough to fit in your boot, car or onto public transport. Certain models, such as the Joie Vinca, have a one-handed fold which was highly reviewed by our MFM home testers and was awarded an award of Gold Award in previous MadeForMums awards.