Pushchair Guide: Newborn to Toddler
Understanding Pushchair Styles
Pushchairs
Pushchairs are one of the most versatile styles of chairs available, as they’re designed to grow with your child. They generally have seats that can be adjusted so newborns can lie down flat, and reclined once your little one grows and becomes stronger, usually from around three months and up.
Pushchairs are great for getting around town or country for active mums, but they’re also easy to fold down if you need to hop on a bus or pop your pushchair in the boot.
Prams
Prams are a classic, lightweight style that’s best suited for newborns, who need to lie flat until they can sit up comfortably. This varies between babies, but is usually between 2-6 months. Prams allow your little one to lie flat comfortably, and whilst they don’t fold down like pushchairs, most baskets can be removed from the chassis and used as a Moses basket or crib.
Appropriate for city living, prams are comfortable for long walks with baby on smooth terrain. They can be restrictive, though, as once a child’s able to sit up on their own, a new pushchair or attachment may be necessary to support them.
Buggies/Strollers
Buggies and strollers are lightweight, portable and compact.
They’re recommended for children who are a little older and are strong enough to hold themselves up comfortably.
Generally more suited to toddlers, they’re great to have on hand just in case your wee one needs a rest when you’re out and about.
Travel Systems
Travel systems tend to be the most versatile type of chair due to their various attachments. Sometimes referred to as 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 travel systems, a 2 in 1 travel system comes with a pushchair seat and a carrycot, whilst a 3 in 1 system includes a pushchair, carrycot and travel seat.
Travel systems are the perfect choice for parents on the move, as they make it super easy for you to get around with your little one.
How to choose a pushchair for a newborn?
When can the baby move from a pram to a carrycot or pushchair?
Your newborn baby needs to lie down flat in their pram or pushchair, rather than being propped up.
This position means that they’re in the optimal position for breathing and getting all the oxygen they need to their little lungs. It’s also the best position for encouraging their spine and hips to develop properly.
There’s no set answer to the question “when to move baby from pram to pushchair”, as it depends on your little one’s development. You should wait until your baby can sit up on their own before moving them to a pushchair that has baby sitting in an upright position.
You should also make sure to check whether there’s a minimum age or weight requirement from your buggy manufacturer.
How to choose a pushchair for a 1-year old?
Every baby is different, but there are two important factors to consider when shopping for a new pushchair: your lifestyle, and the needs of your little one. Here’s a quick guide to the things you should consider when buying a pushchair for your one-year old:
Safety-First
Finding the right pushchair for your toddler
If you thought that pushing a stroller around before was hard work, wait until you’ve got a toddler on your hands! As your baby grows, you’re going to either need to build some serious arm muscles, or opt for a lightweight pushchair.
If you’ve got a wriggly toddler on your hands, the best thing you can do to keep them safe and secure is to choose a pushchair with an adjustable harness. This will stop your little one trying to escape, and also helps them to feel secure.
As anyone with a full-of-beans toddler will tell you – whatever makes your life easier is worth the investment! Choose a forward fold or umbrella fold pushchair, which are easy to carry if your little one decides they want to walk on their own two feet.
Toddlers have so much energy and enthusiasm for life, it’s inevitable that they’re going to make a little mess. By opting for a wipe-clean design, you’re giving yourself one less thing to worry about.