The pram is the essential childcare accessory for future parents, who do not always know how to choose it properly. There are many models available, but not all of them are suitable for a newborn baby who has very specific needs. Find out our advice for choosing a first pushchair for a newborn.
The specifics of a newborn pushchair
A newborn baby spends a large part of his or her day sleeping, which is why it is important to choose a pushchair that is very comfortable and that allows the baby to lie down completely. Ideally, a baby pram should be able to accommodate a carrycot, which turns the pram into a cosy nest until the child is 6 months old. If it only consists of a hammock, it must be approved from birth and be fully reclinable to allow the infant to lie down.
Which pushchair to choose for a newborn?
Although there is no shortage of pushchair models, not all are suitable for use from birth. There are several options available to you:
The combined pushchair
The multi-purpose pushchair accompanies your child from birth and will grow with him/her. It consists of a frame on which different accessories can be fitted depending on the age of your baby and the model: carrycot, shell and hammock.
You can choose between the duo combination pushchair, with frame and shell, and the trio pushchair with frame, shell and carrycot. The latter is often the preferred option for parents as it combines all the elements in one pushchair. On the one hand, there is the shell, which also acts as a car seat so that baby doesn't wake up when moving from the car to the pushchair. On the other hand, there is the carrycot, which provides maximum comfort for long walks.
If the combined pushchair is rather bulky, there are models such as the Yoyo from Babyzen which is ultra compact without compromising on comfort!
The baby pram approved for use with newborns
Although normally a pushchair can only be used from the age of 6 months, there are models that are approved for use at birth with a fully reclining backrest. This is the case with the Eezy S Twist +2 from CYBEX. Although less cumbersome, the pushchair is less comfortable for toddlers than a carrycot and is therefore preferable for short journeys.
Criteria to take into account when choosing a pushchair for newborns
Comfort
Before you decide on a model, make sure it is comfortable because your baby will spend a lot of time in it. Check the padding on the seat, the possible adjustments, the material of the fabric, the presence of a headrest cushion for the hammock, the solidity of the suspensions, the size of the wheels... All these elements contribute to the well-being of your baby.
Safety standards
Your baby's safety is a priority, so it is important to choose a pushchair for newborns that meets specific standards. Check for the words "NF S 54001" (French standard), "EN 1888" (European standard) or "Conforms to safety requirements".
Also make sure that the harness has 3 or 5 attachment points to ensure maximum safety.
Lifestyle
If you live in the country, choose a newborn pushchair with large wheels, a solid chassis and good suspension, so that it remains comfortable even on rough roads. If you live in the city, choose a compact, lightweight pushchair that is easy to handle and fold. However, be careful to choose an ultra-compact model that can be used from birth.
Using the pushchair
If the pushchair is not your baby's main means of transport, you can opt for a baby-friendly pushchair, perfect for short trips. If, on the other hand, you intend to use it on a daily basis and travel a lot by car, the combined newborn pushchair with cosy is the best option.
