Lie-flat pushchair for a newborn?

[IndigoOrchid]

Hi

First - is choosing a pushchair really more difficult than childbirth? I am sick of this!

I like the idea of a lie-flat pushchair as I'm expecting a spring / summer (first) baby. From friends' experience, it seems the carrycot is often outgrown in a few short weeks so do I need one? Also when the carrycot is outgrown, is it better to have a pushchair with true recline rather than just a tilt (i.e. the older baby's body can be flat in the chair rather than always being in a sitting position but the seat tilted?)

I'd be interested to hear anyone's opinions on how a lie-flat pushchair compares with a carrycot. The main differences I can think of are:

• the carrycot has a proper mattress, the pushchair doesn't
• the carrycot has wriggle room, the pushchair requires harnessing at all time
• The carrycot seems more protective
• The carrycot can be used for longer / overnight sleeping

Anything else?

For info, the pushchairs I'm looking into are

Silver Cross Surf (but I've just heard of faults with folding / unfolding and that some babies don't lie flat in the baby nest)

Babystyle oyster (though this weekend a sales asst admitted they're "maybe not as sturdy as some" and they've had returns, brakes /wheels I think)

M&P Sola / Glide - ok but I don't love it

Uppababy Vista (I found the fold tricky, also it is huge)

Icoo Pii - I liked this in the shop but can't find any reviews (which? don't cover it)

Jane (any) - though didn't seem as well-designed or made as I'd expected

Recaro babyzen - yet to see it in real life

thanks

I found having a carrycot very useful. DD's now 20 weeks and isn't too big for it. She doesn't like being in a harness so the carrycot's useful as she feels more comfortable in it.

I have a babystyle oyster and it doesn't recline enough for a newborn IMO. In the lowest position I'd say it's only suitable from about 3 months or when they have good head control.

A carrycot can be handy as you can transport it around the house and use it as a moses basket at nightime.

But they are not essential and are often out grown quickly. A lay flat pram is fine aslong as it does lay properly flat as a newborn spine needs to be straight, tbh babies don't actually wriggle that much at first (well some don't) anyway so harness does'nt really stop them doing much!

I have'nt owned any of the pushchairs you have looked at but I know LOADS of people who have had Jane pushchairs and love them, they do seem to be well built. To be honest though if I was getting a pushchair that the seat only faced away from me I would buy a carrycot if possible because I liekd being able to see DS in the first few months (well DS actually faced me for 18m in his mahoosive Emmaljunga :o)

But it is persnal choice and TBH baby won't care aslong as it's comfy and cosy.

DS is nearly 14 months and still falls asleep in the pushchair when we're out and about. We've got a Bugaboo Bee and I really like the fact that I can lie him flat when he's asleep and will be able to for as long as he fits in it. I suppose it's the difference between lying flat in bed and trying to sleep in a chair that's a bit tipped back. If he's asleep when we get home then I just leave him in it until he wakes up which can be for up to 90 mins over lunchtime.

Good luck, it's minefield out there :)

I have a Sola and used it without the carry cot from birth. It was fine but I did put a sheepskin lining in it as I felt that my DD would be more comfy this way. But I really like the fact that it can go flat and face me. She is 7 months now and I still use it flat when she is sleeping.