Choosing a pushchair newborn (reviews over at Olderworkers)

A pushchair newborn is among the most important baby items you'll need. There are a variety of options available, but it's important to select the best one for your family.

Experts recommend that babies should lay flat for the first few months, so look for a model with a fully reclined seat that can be used from birth.

Safety

When you are choosing a stroller the safety of your child is paramount. A good pushchair will include a seat that reclines to a flat position and a five-point harness well-padded and has strong connections. Newborns should always be transported in a carrycot and not in the main seat. If your pushchair does not have a carrycot then you may want to consider a travel system that is a car seat and pram in one.

The frame of your stroller must be sturdy, and it should have a broad base so that it doesn't tip over easily. It is also advisable to avoid filling the back of your chair with shopping bags or toys as this can affect the stability of the chair. If your pushchair is a three-wheeler then it should have an excellent suspension, and the wheels should be composed of PU or rubber to provide greater shock absorption. Make sure you choose brakes that are simple to operate and ensure they work before you secure your child.

A high-quality pushchair should come with a rain cover that is secured with a zip and an insulated lining. This will keep your baby comfortable and dry. Some pushchairs come with an hood or sun canopy that can be extended to give more coverage if needed. Also, make sure whether your child's pushchair comes with an adjustable handlebar for parents so you can find the most comfortable position to push and drive.

You may wish to purchase an infant footmuff, which is sold in all pushchairs, it keeps your baby warm and can be removed when it gets too hot. It is an ideal idea to carry this with you when going out and about in cold weather or when the sun starts to shine.

It is essential to ensure that the pram sets, pushchair or buggy that you buy is compliant with British safety standards and, if part of a travel system also European safety standards ECE R44/04 or R129 i-Size. Be sure to read all the instructions and show anyone who may use the pushchair how to fold, open and secure it before they start using it. Make sure you unlock any locking devices when the pushchair is not in use.

Comfort

Newborn babies are very small and have little strength in their necks, so they should lie flat to ensure their comfort and to help their breathing. A pushchair without a seat that is lying flat is not suitable for infants or newborns, as they can fall asleep in a position that is too high and could block their airways from opening fully, leading to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

To ensure that your baby is always comfortable Choose a reclining pushchair with a lie-flat seat unit that can be used from birth. This kind of pushchair is commonly referred to as a pram, however it is also referred to as a buggy or stroller.

Find features that are suitable for infants, such as the ability to raise or lower the chassis from the footrest. You can also use the seat for feeding your child. Consider purchasing a footmuff made of soft, comfortable fabric that protects your child against the sun and keeps them warm. The majority of brands sell these separately or include them in their bundles of pushchairs and accessories.

Parents often buy multiple pushchairs to upgrade as their child grows. If you're thinking of doing this, be sure to select a light pushchair with an excellent suspension and a big rear tyre to handle urban and rough terrain and a simple fold, one-handed design.

Travel systems that combine a car seat, carrycot or pushchair chassis with a chassis and seat unit are a fantastic option for infants and toddlers. These are great for long journeys because babies can be carried safely and comfortably in a car seat or carrycot, and then moved to a pushchair when they are ready.

Style

A baby pushchair is one of the biggest purchases you'll make for your baby. It should be simple to use and comfortable. Look for features like the comfort of a cushioned seat and an adjustable handlebar to find the right position for your child and you. You should also ensure that it is durable enough for everyday use and can withstand Pushchairs Travel Systems some bumps in the road.

Newborns should be lying flat to assist with their lung and spinal development, so it's crucial to purchase a pram that is able to accommodate them in this position. This is the reason why many prams 'from birth' come with a carrycot that can be attached to the chassis to ensure that your baby is always close to you.

Some prams have an easy lie-flat position, but without carrycots and could be suitable for babies that are less than six months old however, it is best to check the specifications carefully to be certain. Alternately, you can buy a travel system that usually includes an infant car seat and is ready to go from the day your baby is born.

The Graco Near2Me feature on the egg2 is specifically suitable for babies, as it allows you to bring your baby closer to you at the push of the button. It's great for keeping eye contact and for bonding, says parent test participant Jaya. It is also compatible with the seat unit, carrycot and car seat attachments making it a versatile option for travel with a baby.

You can find a range of different colours, styles and designs to complement your home decor or nursery However, you should avoid anything that is too bright, which could distract your baby. You'll likely use your pushchair for many years so it's worthwhile to invest in a style that you'll still love several years down the line.

If you're looking to find a stylish pushchair that is also lightweight and compact when folded, take a look at the YOYO2 from Babyzen. It has a smooth, curved shape with an extravagant feel for your newborn and comes with a movable carrycot. This city stroller is a favourite of parents who are looking for a compact urban-friendly pram. It also comes with a few additional features, like a convenient mug holders.

Weight

Whether you're looking for a light pushchair for your newborn or a larger model that can handle toddlers, there are plenty of choices. It is important to remember that a new born baby can be quite heavy, so take a look at the weight of a pram or pushchair (with and without a carrycot attached) as this is an important factor to consider when you travel a lot, using public transport regularly or just want something easy to lift in and out of your car's boot or climb up and down the stairs.

Unlike older children, newborns aren't as strong in their neck muscles. Therefore, they need to be able to lay flat for sleep. Expert advice suggests that newborn babies should not travel long distances in pushchairs that don't provide this option because they could experience breathing problems from the scrunched up position. This is a risk factor that can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

A pram or pushchair is suitable from birth and most models have the option of adding an infant carrycot that is ideal for infants, especially if they are very small. Some brands offer a variety of pushchair and pram combinations or a 'travel system' that include both the carrycot and seat unit as well as adapters for car seats for your child.

You can also select a twin pushchair that has two seats side by side, ideal for Infant Carriages twins or siblings who wish to keep each one another together. These are heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they need to accommodate seats as well as baby carriers.

If you are frequent travelers on public transport, or live in an area with limited space, a light buggy is the best option. You should also consider how compactly the stroller or buggy can be folded, and whether it can fit through the doors of your house. You could also consider a stroller that folds away or a buggy with a storage basket for your shopping bags and changing kits.