7 Helpful Tips To Make The Greatest Use Of Your Push Chair

Buying a New Born Push Chair

A high-end pushchair that's perfect for newborns thanks to luxury woven fabrics and ergonomic support. It's also simple to put together and is able to easily navigate narrow aisles in the shops.

Select a model with a carrycot, or a combination of the car seat and carriercot, which is suitable for newborns. Some models come with a reversible unit, so you can choose whether your baby faces you or the the world.

Safety

A pushchair (also referred to as a buggy, pram or stroller) is one of the most commonly used baby items therefore safety should be an important consideration when choosing one. Choose a five-point safety harness. This harness holds the child in the seat using five points that connect in an encapsulated locking system that is two across the shoulders, and two around the hips and between the legs. This system will prevent the child from sliding out of the seat in the event that the vehicle tips over, or when driving up a kerb that is steep.

A carrycot or infant car seat/ pram and carrycot combination is a must for newborns since they need the ability to lie flat, which safeguards their spine development and lets their airways breathe fully. This is crucial because it lowers the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Newborn babies shouldn't travel for long distances using an infant pushchair that does not come with this feature even if they are able to be pushed using a reclining seat unit.

It is also recommended to purchase an infant pushchair that is suitable from the time of birth. This means that the pushchair can be used in conjunction with a lie-flat carrycot or infant car seat / pram and it comes with an entirely reversible seat to allow the baby to be able to face either the parent or the world.

Finally, the wheels of the pushchair should be robust and have a an excellent suspension that reduces bumps and vibrations as well as a brake pedal that can easily be reached. A lot of pushchairs have pneumatic tyres which absorb shocks more effectively than standard tyres and can run on rough terrain.

Additional accessories such as a raincover, shopping baskets or changing bags for prams can be useful in everyday use, especially when taking baby to errands in the stroller. Many pushchairs come with an hood that can be put over the baby's head, thereby shielding 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 can include cushioned seats as well as a pushchair shops that is easy to maneuver and sturdy enough to handle rough terrain. Consider features like storage and protection against weather. If you plan to use the stroller for jogging, or for off-road excursions then you'll require a pushchair that has larger wheels. This will give your child the most comfort even on the most sloping terrain.

The best pushchair to use for a newborn is a pram or travel system that comes with a carrycot. This will allow your baby to sleep in a lying position, which is essential for the development of the spine and lung. Some pushchairs marketed as suitable for use from birth actually require your child to be able to stand up on their own before they can be used, therefore make sure you check this before making a purchase.

A bassinet is a great option to provide a cot-like area where your child can relax while being secure and safe in the pushchair. They are generally more expensive than a conventional pushchair, or even a travel system, but they can be worth the cost if your baby is happy to use this kind of seat.

Many pushchairs allow you to 'face the seat' towards you for reassurance or bonding. Or, you can turn your back to explore the world. These are sometimes referred to by the terms parents-facing or world-facing pushchairs. Some pushchairs come with an option to convert them from single to double. This means they can be converted to a double pushchair without needing a separate frame.

You will need a parasol for your pushchair on hot days to protect your baby from sunlight and prevent overheating. Most manufacturers include this in the pushchair bundle or sell it on its own and you should look for this. It is possible to add a footmuff in colder weather. It will keep your baby warm. They come in different styles, and most can be washed in the washing machine.

Style

When looking for a brand new pushchair, it is important to look at the finer details, particularly since it is likely to be among your most used baby products. Some models are made for rough terrain and have larger wheels and a robust frame. Some models are lighter and easier to maneuver when folded. Some models also come with adjustable seat padding, extendable SPF canopies and a footmuff that keeps warm in colder weather.

It is recommended that you lay newborns flat as it aids in the development of their spine and opens their airways. It is best to use a pushchair or pram with a carrycot or travel system. Some pushchairs have a fully reclining seat unit or carrycot that are suitable for babies from the time of birth. Check that this feature is present as certain descriptions only mention an option to recline, but not mention an option for a seat that is lying flat.

Most strollers pushchairs allow you to select between a parent-facing or a world facing seat unit. This allows you to choose whether your baby faces you for reassurance or bonding with you, or is away from you in order to explore the world. Some even have both choices at the same time!

Many pushchairs are equipped with a range of accessories, including baskets and shopping trays that simplify the lives of parents. Some have an integrated sunshade, which is usually made from SPF or UPF 50+ fabrics to shield the child from the sun. Other popular accessories include parasols that are fixed to the frame of the pushchair or sunmuffs that are usually sold separately.

Budget

A new pushchair is likely be one of the most expensive items for your baby so it's important you take your time researching and purchasing within your budget. Remember that you will use your pram for many years and that it's the most frequently used item. You should pick one that is compatible with your lifestyle and is comfortable both for both you and your child.

Think about purchasing a travel set-up that includes a carrycot and seat. This is the safest way to transport a baby as it ensures they lie flat. This is ideal for securing their spinal development and opening up their airways. Newborns should be transported in a reclining position until they reach six months old.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth, and also have an adjustable seat that can be reclined to a flat position. This is essential since it protects the newborn's spine as it develops and allows them to rest comfortably during long journeys. However, it's worth noting that not all pushchairs that state they are 'lie-flat' actually have a full flat position and you need to check this before making your purchase.

It is also worth looking at the option of a model that has a large shopping basket, which is essential to store all your baby's necessities and other items. The basket should be simple to access and you will be able to squeeze your shopping in without struggling or having to remove your child from the carrycot.

Another thing to consider is the wheels, which vary from model to model. Some models have wheels that can be locked, swivelled or fixed to help you maneuver the pushchair. Some have larger wheels, which are more sturdy on rough terrain or are fitted with PU tires that are designed to be puncture-resistant.

Be aware of the dimensions of the handlebar and whether it is adjustable to your height. Lastly, you need to make sure the pushchair folds small folding pushchair enough to fit into your car's boot or onto public transport. Certain models, such as the Joie Vinca, have a one-handed fold that was highly rated by our MFM home testers and was awarded a Gold Award in previous MadeForMums awards.