Looking for a lie-flat pram?
Here's our tips on what to look for and five of the best
The lowdown
A lie-flat pram with a carrycot is the most traditional way of transporting your child from birth. They are often available as part of a 3-in-1 package with a carrycot, pushchair seat and infant car seat included. Another option is to buy a 2-in-1 version, where the lie-flat carrycot can later transform into the pushchair seat. Some lightweight buggies can be used from birth, but they lack the security and cosiness a pram can offer.
What to look for
For extra versatility, you could choose a model with a carrycot that is suitable for overnight sleeping, so you don’t have to buy a travel cot in the early months.
Need to know
It’s important for newborns to lie completely flat, as it helps with their breathing and spine development. Prams can be bulky to store and transport, so make sure that you have enough room in your hallway and car boot for your chosen model. Choosing one with a separate carrycot means that you’ll have extra parts to store, too. 2-in-1 versions with a convertible seat tend to be cheaper than 3-in-1 versions, but don’t tend to be as roomy.
1. Britax Affinity 2, £400
Upgraded earlier this year, the new Affinity 2 can switch between the needs of both city and country life, with all terrain wheels and a narrow and lightweight chassis that folds compactly. You can customise with two chassis choices and several fabric packs and it also has a useful colour-coded brake so you can instantly see whether it’s locked or unlocked.
2. Babystyle Prestige, £599
Yes, it’s pricier than some, but this traditional-style model includes lots of extras such as a footmuff, parasol and changing bag. You can choose between a more classic chassis or a souped-up version (the 3SD) for a more compact fold and car seat compatibility. The ventilated carrycot can be used for overnight sleeping in the early weeks and it has a useful height-adjustable handle and a large shopping basket.
3. Tutti Bambini Riviera Plus, £379
Available in either sleek black or crisp white, the Riviera 3-in-1 system comes with a pushchair, carrycot and car seat in one well-priced package. There’s tons of flexibility, with a pushchair seat that can face parents or the world, an adjustable handlebar and a removable bumper bar.
4. Hauck Priya Trio, £379.99
This modular pram system includes a pushchair, carrycot and car seat, available in either mint green or yellow, which uses Hauck’s Easy-Fix system, allowing you to switch easily between the modes. It has a lightweight aluminum chassis, with solid puncture-proof wheels and you also get a large shopping basket and a rain cover as part of the package.
5. Obaby Chase Pramette, £249
The Chase is a lightweight and compact option, ideal for families who are struggling with storage space as it has a convertible pushchair seat that transforms into a lie-flat carrycot for the early months. So you get all of the benefits of a lie-flat pram, with no bulky carrycot to store! Easy to fold compactly, with front wheels that can be locked or left to swivel for greater maneuverability, it's a great option for busy streets.