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Spend some time looking at what's available for getting around with your baby. Think about what will suit you best before you make a choice, and ask other mums what they've found useful. Before buying a pushchair or a pram, check that:

• The brakes are in good working order.
• The handles are at the right height for pushing.
• The frame is strong enough.

Baby carriers
Baby carriers (also called slings) are attached with straps and your baby is carried in front of you. Most babies like being carried like this because they’re close to you and warm. The back part of the carrier must be high enough to support your baby’s head. Check that buckles and straps are secure. Older babies who can hold up their heads and whose backs are stronger (at about four months) can be carried in carriers that go on your back.

Pushchairs
Pushchairs are only suitable for young babies if they have fully reclining seats so the baby can lie flat. Wait until your baby can sit up before using another type of pushchair. Consider the pushchair's weight if you use public transport, as you might have to lift it onto trains or buses.

Prams
Prams give your baby a lot of space to sit and lie comfortably, but they take up a lot of space and are hard to use on public transport. If you have a car, look for a pram that can be dismantled easily. Buy a pram harness at the same time, as you may need it to strap your baby securely into the pram.

Carrycot on wheels
A carrycot is a light, portable cot with handles, similar to but smaller than the body of a pram and often attachable to a wheeled frame.Your baby can sleep in the carrycot for the first few months, and the cot can be attached to the frame to go out. Most modern carrycots can also be taken in a car with appropriate restraints, but check that yours can.

Three-in-one
This is a carrycot and transporter (set of wheels) that can be converted into a pushchair when your baby outgrows the carrycot.

Shopping trays that fit under the pushchair or pram can also be very useful when you’re out.

Car seats
If you’ve got a car, you must have a car seat, also called a safety restraint. Your baby must always go in their seat, including when you bring them home from the hospital. It’s illegal and very dangerous to carry your baby in your arms in a vehicle.

The best way for your baby to travel is in a rear-facing infant car seat either on the front or back seat. This is held in place by the adult safety belt. The following advice should ensure your baby’s car seat is as safe as possible:

• Make sure the car seat is fitted correctly.
• Do not place a rear-facing infant care seat in the front passenger seat if your car is fitted with an air bag.
• Do not buy a second-hand car seat as it may have been damaged in an accident.