Choosing your Perfect Pushchair for a Newborn : Navigating the Pushchair Maze
Bringing a new life into the world is an exciting and overwhelming experience. Amidst the flurry of preparations, choosing the right pram emerges as a significant decision. This essential piece of equipment will be your constant companion on countless adventures, from leisurely strolls through the park to navigating bustling city streets. It needs to work for you and your family. Pushchairs can be expensive and nobody wants to buy twice. Whether you are looking at an iCandy or a Hauck? Silver Cross or Joie? Or maybe you have absolutely no idea where to start? We have you covered.
This guide will delve into the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect pushchair for your newborn, whether you’re expecting a single child or welcoming twins. We want you to make the correct decision and would always recommend visiting your local Nursery Store to test drive a few. Many stores now have a ‘test track’ where you can use weighted dolls to drive over different terrains. Let’s face it, you are not going to push an empty pram around!
Key Considerations for All Pushchairs
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheelers: These often boast superior manoeuvrability, especially on uneven terrain. They can be more challenging to steer indoors, however. You also have to be careful getting on and off a bus as the wheel can turn suddenly. Three-wheelers are often great for families who live a more rural lifestyle.
Four-wheelers: We find that four-wheelers are generally easier to manoeuvre indoors (shops) and on smoother surfaces. Some offer all-terrain capabilities with larger wheels such as the iCandy Peach 7 All-Terrain but not all!
Swivel wheels
Front wheels that can rotate 360 degrees enhance manoeuvrability, especially in tight spaces. Nowadays the majority of prams have swivel wheels and most you can lock if you wish – this is especially useful when you are pushing on uneven ground.
Suspension
A good suspension system ensures a smooth ride for your baby, especially important on bumpy pavements or uneven terrain. Most pushchairs have some sort of suspension (except some of the very cheap options). However, the effectiveness of this suspension can differ. Some pushchairs also have an adjustable suspension depending on the weight of your child.
Foldability
Consider how easily the chassis folds and unfolds. Look for folding mechanisms that are easy to operate. If you do manage to go in store to look at pushchairs, have a go folding some. Remember that which ever pushchair you pick, you will get the hang of folding it, even if it does feel a little tricky initially.
Weight
The weight of the pushchair is crucial, especially if you’ll be lifting it in and out of cars frequently. If you live in a flat or apartment and need to carry it up stairs, this really will be important to you. However, for many, you will only have to lift it in and out of the car boot. Bare in moind that a pushchair will need a little ‘weight’ behind it and sometimes the lightest of pushchairs do not actually ‘push’ that well. There is certainly a balance as you do spend the majority of the time pushing a pushchair rather than lifting it above your head!
Seat Recline
Ensure the seat reclines fully to a near-flat position for newborns and provides multiple recline angles as your child grows. Some pushchairs are suitable from birth with just a seat but many seats are not suitable until your baby reaches around 6 months. Many toddlers prefer a more upright position, so check this out when you are purchasing.
Safety Features
Look for features like a five-point harness, a sturdy frame, and puncture-proof tyres. Some pushchairs do not lock when they are folded, so this is another element that you may wish to consider. Personally we would always pick a pushchair whereby the chassis locks into position when folded.
Budget
Prices can vary significantly. This is an important element when picking a pushchair. There is no denying that having a baby is expensive! Set a budget and stick to it, but remember that investing in a high-quality pushchair can provide long-term value. It’s also worth considering that some of the more expensive brands such as iCandy and Bugaboo, there will be a second-hand value to your pram which can be up to 50% or more. Cheaper brands will have little to no value second-hand so this is worth considering if your initial budget allows..
Choosing a Pushchair for a Single Child
If you are 100% sure that you will not have another child within 3 years, you can go for a single pushchair. Bare in mind that there are some single pushchairs that you can convert into a tandem / double should the need arrive. These options allow you to future-proof your purchase so that you don’t have to start all over when a sibling comes along (see information below).
Things to consider
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle has to be considered when you are buying a pushchair. Do you need it to be light-weight as you have stairs or steps to carry it up? Do you use public transport a lot as a bulky pushchair will be more difficult in this instance? Do you spend a lot if time walking over rough terrain? If so consider an All-Terrain option.
Features
Look carefully at the feature of a pushchair – there are some that you may have to compromise on, but others that you won’t. For example if you envisage walking to town for shopping a lot, then you may wish to consider a large basket. You may want a pushchair that folds with the seat unit in situ, or a compact fold may be your priority.
Choosing a Pushchair for Twins
If you are expecting twins then your pushchair buying journey is going to be very different. There are some pushchairs on the market which are better for twins than others. There are two types of double pushchairs for twins – side-by-side or tandem.
Double Pushchairs
Side-by-Side: These often offer more space for each child. Parents like this option as their children are sat next to each other. Side-by-sides are often easier to push due to the spread-out weight distribution. However, make sure that they fit in the boot of your car as they can be very bulky. You may also find that side-by-side options are tricky in crowded places or getting down aisles in shops. Most will fit through a standard door nowadays….but not all!
Most side-by-sides (except Bugaboo) won’t convert back to being a single so as your little ones get older, this is worth considering. You may have one twin that wants to walk all the time whereas the other twin may still need a pushchair. This does not offer as much flexibility as a lot of the tandem options – apart from the Bugaboo Donkey which converts to a single too.
Tandem: These tend to be more compact and easier to manoeuvre through narrow spaces. Some options will ‘always’ be a tandem but there are an increasing number of tandem prams which can also be a single which is of benefit to many parents. The downside to a tandem pushchair is when carrying two toddlers, they can be tricky to pop up the kerb.
Things to Consider When You Are Expecting Twins
Consider Your Lifestyle
If you live in a city, a tandem pushchair might be more practical. If you have a larger vehicle and spend time outdoors, a side-by-side option might be preferable.
Features
Look carefully at the features of a pushchair for twins. There will always have to be some compromises but decide what you can compromise on what is a must-have.
- Independent seats: This allows for individual reclining positions.
- Independent canopies: This is especially useful if you have one twin asleep and the other is awake but wants a full view of the world.
- Large basket: Essential for carrying all the essentials for two babies. Twins come with copious amounts of ‘stuff’!
- Easy manoeuvrability: Ensure the pushchair is easy to steer and navigate, especially with two children. Two toddlers are heavy so make sure that you chosen pram pushes well even with some weight in it.
Different Types of Pushchairs
Travel Systems
These systems combine a car seat that clicks directly onto the pushchair chassis, offering convenience and ease of use.
3-in-1 Travel Systems
These typically include a carrycot for newborns, a (usually) reversible seat unit, and a car seat adapter. You would buy the infant carrier separately but ensure that it fits the adapter and has been safety tested with the chassis of your pushchair. Just because it fits, does not mean it is safe!
Compact Folding Prams
Ideal for city living and travel, these pushchairs fold down small and compact for easy storage and transportation.
All-Terrain Prams
Perfect for off-road adventures, these pushchairs feature larger wheels and robust suspension to handle rough terrain.
Popular Pushchair Brands
So now you are armed with some more information, it’s time to do some research. The internet is awash with information but you can’t beat going in to store and ‘touching and feeling’ different options when picking your pushchair for a newborn. After all, your pushchair is an expensive investment and you don’t want to get it wrong. Before you go in store, read some reviews online and go prepared with a little knowledge. Follow The Pushchair Hub – you one-stop place for advice from the experts.
These are just a handful of brands that you might wish to consider depending upon your budget when buying a pushchair for a newborn,
Luxury / High End Brands
As with everything, you do get what you pay for. With high end brands the engineering of pushchairs means that you often will get the option to re-sell even if it has been used for more than one child. Your re-sale value percentage will be higher than if you buy a more budget option. You may also decide that you would rather buy a pre-loved pushchair of course.
iCandy
The iCandy brand is well known for it’s options that future-proof your purchase. Should you go on to have another child, many of their prams such as Peach, Peach All-Terrain and Orange can be made into a pushchair for two. One of the stand-out features of Peach and Orange is the integrated ride-on board which is great for toddlers and young children. iCandy is a great option if you are expecting twins or envisage that you will have more than one child.
Bugaboo
Known for it’s stylish designs, Bugaboo is a sought-after brand by parents. They have both single and double options.
UPPAbaby
This brand offers parents a range of pushchairs, designed to suit different lifestyles. Like iCandy, you can purchase additional accessories to turn your single pram into a double.
Joolz
Joolz offers parents a number of options for new parents, including the Joolz Aer, a compact fold aimed at parents who travel a lot.
Cybex
Cybex is a brand well known for their car seats but they also have a massive range of pushchairs and strollers too.
egg
A British designed brand with the option of single or tandem pushchairs.
Silver Cross
Perhaps the most famous of pushchair brands and we are sure that your parents and Grandparents will have heard of them!
Mid-Range Brands
This part of the market is perhaps the most popular so you will see these pushchairs everywhere once you stand recognising them! They are generally well made and offer parents a lot of the money. They may lack the finesse of some of the options available but generally are a good buy.
Venicci
Venicci offer parents some great deals with regards to their bundles. They offer parents a high-end looking products at a more affordable price.
Mama & Papas
Pushchairs are just part of this large brand which offer everything from Nursery furniture to soft toys.
Babystyle Oyster
Oyster offers good bundle options for parents who want to buy everything at once. They offer a wide range of colours so there is usually an option to suit all tastes.
Baby Jogger
Known for their running pushchair, but they also have a range of options designed for adventurous families.
Cosatto
If you are looking for something a little different, then Cosatto could be the brand for you.Known for their bright designs, there prams stand out from the crowds.
Ickle Bubba
A brand that offers parents lots of easy-to-purchase pushchair bundles.
Value Brands
If you do not have a large budget, do not worry. There are few pushchairs on the market now that do not offer parents everything they need. There are budget brands that are both safe and comfortable for your newborn, but also look great. Naturally they may not last through 2+ children but most people will only use a pram for one child.
Hauck
Hauck have a range of pushchairs and strollers that are designed with the child in mind. They are perhaps most well known for their all-terrain Hauck Runner 3 for more adventurous parents with a baby over 6 months – one of the best value All Terrain options we have seen for a long time. They do have some new releases coming this year which we are excited to see.
My Babiie
My Babiie have had a make-over recently and offer some great options for parents. They have some great deals on bundles which include pushchair, carrycots and car seat plus a whole host of accessories.
Babymore
This is perhaps a brand many people won’t have heard of in the world of pushchair as they are most known for their value-for-money Nursery Furniture and Cribs. However, over the last few years they have introduced a range of travel systems.
Roma
Buying a pram on a tight budget does not mean that it has to look boring – a philosophy that Roma take very seriously. Designed in the UK by a group who have worked with and sold pushchairs for decades, they have taken the wishes of parents and developed a range of products that are aimed not to break the bank.
Joie
Joie offer a large number of options for new parents – they have an every increasing range with new releases on a pretty much monthly basis. Most of their options are either black or grey but you can easily add your own personality for a footmuff of course.
Other Items You May Wish to Consider
When you start looking to buy a pushchair for a newborn, you will soon realise that there are a whole host of accessories – some you will feel are essential and some less so.
Footmuffs
Keep your baby warm and cosy during colder months. Lots will convert to a seat liner which is a useful addition
Raincovers
Protect your baby from the elements. Largely these are included with your pushchair BUT not always so make sure that you check.
Parasols
Provide shade and protection from the sun. A sunshade or sun cover is essential if your pushchair has a small canopy (hood).
Changing Bags
Keep all your baby essentials organised and within reach. Most people will buy a bespoke changing bag, but some will use a regular bag and buy a portable changing mat.
Car Seat Adapters
If you choose a travel system, ensure the car seat adapters are compatible with your car seat. Your retailer will be able to advise you on this.
Ultimately, the best pushchair for a newborn will depend on your individual family needs, lifestyle, and budget. Take your time, research different options, and consider visiting a local baby store to test out various pushchairs before making your final decision.
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