10 Unexpected Push Chair Tips

Buying a New Born Push Chair

This high-end pushchair is perfect for infants due to its premium knit fabric and ergonomically designed support. It's also easy to set up and can easily navigate the narrow aisles in the shops.

Choose a model that has the carrycot, or a combination of a car seat and a carriercot that is suitable for newborns. Some models come with the option of a reversible model, so you can choose whether your baby faces you or the rest of the world.

Safety

A pushchair (also called buggy, pram, or stroller) is one of the most frequently used baby products and safety is the top priority when selecting one. The first thing you should look for is a harness with five points. This harness locks the child in the seat by securing five points: two across shoulders, two around hips and between legs, and two in the middle. This system will prevent the child from slipping out of the seat in the event that the car is flipped over, or while driving up a steep kerb.

A carrycot or infant car seat/ pram and carrycot combo is essential for newborns as they require the ability to lie flat, which protects their spinal development and allows them to fully open their airways. This is crucial because it lowers the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Newborn babies shouldn't be pushed for long distances in the pushchair that doesn't have this facility even if they could be pushed in a reclining seat unit.

It is also recommended that you purchase a pushchair suitable from the time of birth. This means that the pushchair is compatible with a lie-flat carrycot or infant car seat / pram and also has a fully reversible seat unit to let the baby be able to face either the parent or the world.

Finally, the wheels of the pushchair need to be strong and have an excellent suspension that reduces bumps and vibrations as well having brake pedals that is easy to reach. Many pushchairs come with 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 can be useful, especially if you are doing errands while your child is in the car. A lot of pushchairs have a hood that can be put over the baby's head to protect them from the sun and wind. Certain hoods can be adjusted to accommodate the weather.

Comfort

You want a newborn pushchair that is comfortable for both the child and the parent. This could mean cushioned seats and a pushchair which is simple to move around yet sturdy enough to stand up to rough terrain. You should also think about other features like storage and protection from the weather. 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 offer your little one optimum comfort on the roughest ground.

The ideal pushchair for a newborn would be a pram, or a travel system that comes with a carry cot, allowing your newborn to rest in their natural lying down position, which is crucial for the development of a healthy spine and lung. Some pushchairs that are labelled as suitable for use from birth actually require your child to sit up independently before they can be used, therefore always check this before making a purchase.

A bassinet is a different option, providing a small crib-like area for your baby to rest in, while remaining safe and secure in the pushchair. They're typically more expensive than a standard pushchair, or even a travel system, but could be worth the extra cost if your baby is happy to use this kind of seat.

A lot of pushchairs let you "face the seat" toward you for comfort or bonding. You can also turn away to explore the world. They are commonly described as parent-facing and world-facing pushchairs. Some will have a single-to double pushchair option, too, meaning they can be converted to accommodate two children, without the need for an additional double frame for the pushchair.

You'll need a parasol for your pushchair on hot days to shield your baby from direct sunlight and to prevent them from overheating. Find it in pushchair bundles or separately. It is possible to purchase a footmuff for colder conditions. It will keep your baby warm. They are available in a variety of styles, and can be washed in the washing machine.

Style

When shopping for a new pushchair, it is crucial to consider the finer details, especially since it is likely to be among your most used baby items. For instance, some models are made to be used on rough terrain and have larger wheels and a heavy frame. Some models are lighter and easier to move when folded. Some models come with adjustable seat padding, extendable SPF canopy and a footmuff that keeps warm in colder weather.

It is recommended that you lay newborns flat, as this helps with spinal development and opens their airways. This is best accomplished with a pram/pushchair and carrycot or a travel system. Some pushchairs include a carrycot or seat unit which can fully recline. They are suitable for infants from birth. It is essential to confirm that this feature is included because some descriptions only refer to a reclining seat, without defining if it is a lie-flat option.

Most pushchairs provide the option of either a parent or world facing seat unit to allow you to have your baby either face you to bond with you or away from you so they can discover the world around them. Some pushchairs let you choose both simultaneously!

Many pushchairs are equipped with a range of accessories, such as shopping trays and baskets to help parents. Some pushchairs include an inbuilt sunshade constructed of UPF50 or SPF+ fabrics. This can help protect your baby from sun. Other popular accessories include parasols that can be attached to the frame of the pushchair or sunmuffs, which are often sold separately.

Budget

It's important to take time to research your options and adhere to your budget. Be aware that you will be using your pushchair for a long time and it's the most frequently used item. You need to pick one that suits your needs and is comfortable for you and your child.

You may want to think about purchasing a YAZOCO Black Toddler Travel Pushchair - Compact Foldable set-up, that includes a carry cot and seat. This is the safest method of transporting your baby as it ensures that they are lying flat. This is the best way to protect their spine and open their airways. Newborns should always be carried lying flat until they reach six months of age.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, and have an adjustable seat that can be reclined to a flat position. This is crucial because it protects a baby's spine as it grows and lets them sleep comfortably on long journeys. It is important to note that not all pushchairs which claim they are 'lie-flat' actually provide the full flat position, and you need to check this prior to buying.

It is also worth looking at an option with a big shopping basket, which will be essential for storing all your baby's essentials and other things. The basket should be simple to access and you should be able to fit your shopping in without struggling or having to remove your baby from the carrycot.

Wheels also differ between models. Some models have wheels that can be locked, swivelled or fixed to help you maneuver the compact pushchair. Some have larger wheels, which are more sturdy on rough terrain or are fitted PU tires that are designed to be puncture-resistant.

Take note of the size of the handlebar, and whether it is adjustable to your height. Also, you must make sure the pushchair folds down small enough to fit in your car's boot or on public transport. Certain models, like the Joie Vinca have a one handed fold that was highly rated by MFM home testers. It earned it the Gold Award at previous MadeForMums Awards.