10 Healthy Habits To Use Push Chair

Buying a New Born Push Chair

This premium pushchair is ideal for infants due to its premium woven fabric and ergonomic support. It's also easy to set up and is able to easily navigate narrow aisles in the shops.

Newborns should ideally lie flat, so go for a model that has either the car seat/carrycot combination suitable from birth. Some models come with a reversible unit, so you can choose whether your baby is facing you or the rest of the world.

Safety

The pushchair, also referred to as a buggy or stroller, is one of the most used baby products. Safety is a top priority when choosing a pushchair shops near me. Make sure you choose the five-point safety harness. 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 stops the child from sliding out of the seat in the event that the car tips over, or when driving over a kerb with a steep slope.

For infants, a carrycot or infant prams, car seats and carrycots are essential. They must be able to lie down. This is to protect their spine and allows them to breathe fully. This is vital as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies born today should not travel long distances in a pushchair that does not have this facility even if they could be pushed in a reclining seat unit.

It is also advisable to purchase a stroller that is suitable from the moment of birth. This means that the pushchair can be used with a lie-flat carrycot or pram or infant car seat and also has a fully reversible seat unit to let the baby face either parent or world.

Lastly, the wheels of the pushchair must be strong and have good suspension to minimise bumps and vibrations as well having brake pedals that can easily be reached. Many pushchairs come with pneumatic tyres which absorb shocks better than conventional tyres and are able to run on uneven terrain.

Accessories like shopping baskets, pram changing bags, or rain covers can be helpful particularly if you're running errands while your baby is in the car. Many pushchairs are fitted with the option of a hood that is put over the baby's head to shield them from the sun and the wind. Some hoods are adjustable with the ability to lower or raise them based on the conditions.

Comfort

You'll want a baby pushchair that is comfortable for the baby and the parent. This could mean padded seats, easy to manoeuvre and sturdy enough to withstand rough terrain. You should also consider other features such as weather protection and storage options. If you intend to use the pushchair for jogging, or off road adventures you will require an all-terrain pushchair with larger wheels, designed to give your child the most comfort on the most uneven terrain.

The most suitable pushchair for the newborn is a travel system or pram that has a carrycot. This allows your baby to sleep in a natural lying flat position, which is crucial for developing the spine and lungs. Some pushchairs marketed as suitable for babies will actually require your child to stand independently before they can be used, so be sure to verify this prior to purchasing.

A bassinet is an alternative, providing a small crib-like area for your baby to enjoy while still being safe and secure in the pushchair. These seats are usually more expensive than a travel system. If your child is happy in this seat, it could be worth the expense.

Many pushchairs allow you to 'face the seat' towards you for comfort or bonding. Or, you can turn your back to explore the world. These are often called parent-facing or world-facing pushchairs for urban living. Some pushchairs come with the option of converting from single to double. This means they can be converted to a double pushchair without needing an additional frame.

On hot days, you will want a parasol for your pushchair to protect your child from the sun and to prevent overheating. Find it in pushchair bundles or on its own. In colder weather you might want to add a footmuff, which will keep your baby warm and snug. There is a wide selection of these and the majority are machine washable.

Style

It is crucial to pay attention to the details when shopping for a new baby pushchair as this will be one of the most popular products. For instance, certain models are built to be used on rough terrain, with bigger wheels and a heavy frame. Others are lighter and easy to move particularly when folded. Some come with adjustable seat cushions, an extensible SPF canopy and the footmuff to keep you warm in colder weather.

It is recommended that you lay newborns flat on their backs, as this aids in the development of their spine and opens their airways. This is best accomplished with a pram/pushchair and carrycot or a travel system. Some pushchairs have seats or a carrycot which can fully recline. They are suitable for infants from birth. Be sure to check if this feature is present as some descriptions only provide the option of reclining, but do not mention an option for a seat that is lying flat.

The majority of pushchairs allow the option of either a parent or world facing seat to allow you to have your baby either face you for reassurance and bonding or away from you so they can explore the world around them. Some pushchairs offer both options simultaneously!

Many cheap pushchairs are equipped with accessories like shopping baskets and trays to help parents get their lives easier. Some models also come with an inbuilt sunshade, which is typically made of UPF or SPF 50+ fabrics to help protect the baby from the sun. Other popular accessories include a parasol that can be attached using a clamp to the pushchair frame or a sunmuff, which is usually included in the bundle or sold as an additional.

Budget

It's essential to take time to research your options and stay within your budget. It's important to remember that the pram will stay in your home for a long time, and it's also the most used item, so make sure you get one that is suitable for your needs and is comfortable for you and your child.

You should consider purchasing a travel system that includes a carrycot as well as a seat. This is the safest way to transport a newborn push chair as it ensures they lie flat. This is the best way to protect their spine and allow their airways to open. Newborns should be transported in a lying position until they reach six months old.

Some pushchairs are suitable from birth and include a seat that fully reclines to a lie-flat position. This is essential because it protects a baby's spine as it grows and lets them sleep comfortably on long trips. It is important to note that not all pushchairs which claim they are 'lie-flat' actually provide a full flat position and you must confirm this prior to purchasing.

Look for a model with an ample basket that can hold all the baby's necessities and other items. The basket should be easy to access and you will be able to get your shopping in without difficulty or having to take your child from the carrycot.

Wheels are also different between models. Some models come with wheels that can be locked, swivelled or fixed to help you maneuver the pushchair. Other models have larger wheels which are more stable on rough terrain or have PU tyres that are specifically designed to resist puncture.

You must also consider the size of the handlebar and whether it can be adjusted to your height. Lastly, you need to ensure that the pushchair folds down small enough to fit into your boot, car or on public transport. Certain models, such as the Joie Vinca comes with a one-handed fold which was highly reviewed by our MFM home testers and earned it an award of Gold Award in previous MadeForMums awards.