Choosing a Pushchair Newborn
A pushchair for newborns is one of the most essential baby items you’ll require. There are many options available but it’s important to choose the right one for your family and you.
Experts suggest that infants be able to lie on their backs within the first few months. Choose an infant seat that is fully reclined seat that can be used from birth.
Safety
When selecting a stroller, the security of your child is the most important consideration. A good pushchair must include a seat that can recline to a flat position and have a five point harness that is padded and has sturdy connections. Newborns should always be transported in a carrycot, not in the main seat. If your pushchair does not include a carrycot, then you might want to think about a travel system that is composed of a car seat/pram.
The frame of your pushchair should be stable and have a broad base to prevent it tipping over easily. It is also a good idea to avoid filling the back of your pushchair with toys or shopping bags since this could impact the stability of the chair. If your pushchair is a three wheeler then it must have an excellent suspension and the wheels should be made of PU or rubber for better shock absorption. Find brakes that are easy to operate and ensure they work before securing your baby.
A good quality pushchair should have a raincover which is fitted with a zip and has a protective lining, this will help to keep your baby dry and comfortable. Some pushchairs car seats have a sun canopy, also known as a hood, that can be extended for more coverage. Check that the handlebars on your pushchair can be adjusted to allow parents to ensure they are in the most comfortable position when pushing and driving.
You might consider purchasing a footmuff that is available in all pushchair brands. It keeps your baby warm and is easily removed when it becomes too hot. It is a great thing to have on hand when you’re out and about, especially in cold weather.
Make sure that the pushchair, buggy, or pram that you purchase meets British safety standards. If it’s part a travel system, ensure that it also meets European safety standards ECER44/04 and R129. Before you use the pushchair, make sure that you have read the instructions. You should also show anyone who may use it how to fold, open and secure it. When the pushchair’s not being used, remove all locking mechanisms.
Comfort
Newborn babies are very small and have weak muscles in their necks, therefore they need to lay flat for their comfort and to aid their breathing. A pushchair which doesn’t have a seat that can lie flat isn’t suitable for infants or newborns, since they can sleep in a position that is too upright, and prevent their airways from fully opening, possibly 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 usually called pram, but it is also referred to as a buggy or stroller.
In addition to a lie-flat model, you should also look for other features that are suitable for babies, such as the ability to raise or lower the chassis from the footrest, and a large seat with three adjustable height positions. You can even use it while feeding your baby or toddler. Consider purchasing a footmuff made of soft, comfortable material which shields your child from the sun and keeps them warm. Many manufacturers include a footmuff with their pushchair bundles and accessories or sell them separately.
Many parents opt to purchase several pushchairs and upgrade them as their child grows. If you plan to do this, be sure you choose a light pushchair that has a good suspension, a large rear tire for city or rough terrain and a one-handed folding design.
Travel systems that combine a car seat, carrycot or pushchair chassis with a seat unit and chassis are a fantastic option for newborns and babies. These are ideal for long trips, since young babies can be transported in a safe car seat or carrycot, and then transferred to the pushchair when they are ready to sit up.
Style
A newborn pushchair is among of the most important purchases you’ll make for your baby. It should be simple to use and comfortable. Consider features like an upholstered seat cushion that is comfortable and a movable handlebar to find the right position for your child and you. You’ll also want to ensure that it is durable enough for everyday use and can withstand some bumps on the road.
Newborns need to be in a flat position to help with their lung and spinal development, which is why it’s vital to purchase a pram that is able to accommodate them in this position. Many ‘from birth” prams include a carrycot which can be connected to their chassis. This allows your baby to be close to you.
Some prams provide a lie-flat position without a carrycot and may be suitable for newborns that are less than six months old but you should verify the specifications to ensure. You can also purchase a travel system that comes with car seats and is available from the moment your baby is born.
The Graco Near2Me feature of the egg2 is especially designed for infants because it lets you bring your baby closer to you at the touch of a button. It’s a great way to keep eye contact and also for bonding, according to tester Jaya. It also works with the seat unit, carrycot and car seat attachments, making it a flexible option for travel with a baby.
There’s a wide selection of different styles, colours and prints to suit your home or nursery decor However, you should avoid anything that is too bright, which could be distracting for your Baby mobility. You’ll likely be using your pushchair for several years so it’s worth investing in a model that you’ll still love several years down the line.
If you’re looking for a chic pushchair that is also lightweight and compact when folded, have a look at the YOYO2 model from Babyzen. It features a smooth, curved shape with an elegant feel for your infant and comes with a movable carrycot. This pram is a favourite for parents who want an urban-friendly, compact double stroller. It comes with a few extra perks like a handy travel mug and a holder for your mug.
Weight
If you’re in search of a light pushchair newborn or a larger model that can accommodate a toddler, there are plenty of choices. It’s worth bearing in mind that a baby born today is quite heavy, so consider the weight of a pushchair or pram (with and without a carrycot attached) as this is an important factor to consider in case you’re frequently travelling and rely on public transport regularly or just want something easy to carry out and into your car boot or to climb and descend the stairs.
The newborns, unlike the older children have a sluggish neck muscles. They should be able to lie flat when they sleep. Experts suggest that babies should not be transported long distances using pushchairs that do not offer this option, as they may develop breathing issues due to the position of their necks scrunched up. This is a factor that could contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
A pram or pushchair is suitable from birth and many models come with the option of incorporating the carrycot, which is perfect for infants, especially if they are very small. Certain brands offer a variety of pram and pushchair combos or ‘travel system’ which include both the seat unit and carrycot and adapters to fit your child’s car seat.
You can also opt for a twin pushchair with two seats that are side-by-side, ideal for siblings or twins who wish to keep each other together. These tend to be heavier than single pushchairs as they’re designed to accommodate both a seat unit and baby carriers.
A stroller or buggy that is light is ideal for an avid user of public transport or you reside in an urban location where space is limited. You should also check how compactly the pushchair 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 an organizer basket to store your shopping bags and changing kits.
