How to choose a baby stroller

Strollers for children are of five types: universal 3 in 1 and 2 in 1, for newborns, walking and transformers. All of them have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when choosing the first 'transport' of the child.

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We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best strollers and the rating of the best cane strollers according to customer reviews.

Types of strollers for children

Stroller with carrycot

A great option for a newborn baby. This is a stroller with a basket, four large wheels (often inflatable) and good spring cushioning. Has a solid bottom, which guarantees the correct lying position of the child. It protects well from snow and rain, and when using a mosquito net, the child is not afraid of insect bites.

Carrycot strollers are equipped with an adjustable handle, waterproof fabric hood, shopping basket, sun visor, bag and leg cover. There is a lot of space in the cradle itself, you can put rattles there so that the baby does not get bored.

Advantages

• Thanks to the large wheels, it is easy for mom to overcome curbs and bumps on the road.

• A child in warm winter clothes fits easily into the carrycot.

• Some models can be fitted with a car seat.

• Waterproof coating and high sides protect the baby from snow, rain, wind.

disadvantages

• Short term of use – from birth to 6–8 months.

• Take up a lot of space. Not all models fit through doorways or elevators.

• Large weight (14-27 kg). It is difficult to carry and climb the stairs.

Stroller

Designed for children from 6 months to three years old who can sit. In many models, the backrest can be lowered so that the baby sleeps.

These strollers have a folding design, they are light (6-10 kg) and fit through doorways. They are equipped with a removable crossbar in front of the child, a carrying handle, a seat (preferably 30-35 cm wide), a backrest that can be lowered and a hood to protect against the elements.

Most four-wheel models have small wheels. However, tricycles are equipped with large tires, so they can easily ride over rough terrain.

Advantages

• Folds down and fits in the trunk.

• Used from six months to three to four years.

• Easy to handle due to low weight and small wheels.

disadvantages

• The hood cannot be lowered while lying down.

• Most models are designed for walking on a flat road.

Stroller-transformer

You can walk on a transforming wheelchair at any time of the year. It is used for both newborns and babies who have learned to sit. Easily converts from a carrycot to a walking model.

Transformer models are equipped to the maximum. They have:

1. Carrying bag;

2. Seat belts;

3. Adjustable footrest;

4. Replaceable wheels;

5. Shopping cart;

6. Ventilated hood window;

7. Crossover handle;

8. Other accessories: raincoat, sun visor, foot cover.

Advantages

• Long term of use – from birth to four years of age;

• Takes up less space than a carrycot. Adding up.

• The backrest position can be adjusted.

• The presence of a cross-over handle. This makes it easier to move on uneven surfaces, helps to maneuver in bad weather, to protect the child from snow and wind.

disadvantages

• Since the stroller has a foldable design, the child needs a hard mattress to sleep.

• The carrycot is not as spacious as the classic newborn stroller.

• With constant transformation, it wears out.

Universal strollers

Universal strollers differ from transformers in that instead of transformation, one block is replaced with another. They are designed for children under three years old. They have large wheels that provide high cross-country ability and smooth running. Suitable for all weather conditions.

There are universal strollers 2 in 1 and 3 in 1. Models 2 in 1 consist of a cradle, a chassis and a walking block. Strollers 3 in 1 differ only in that they have a car seat of group 0 or 0+. It can be used from birth up to 12 months.

A good universal stroller should have large wheels with the ability to lock, a folding back, a fabric hood, shock absorption, five-point seat belts (provide the most reliable protection) for the stroller unit, a bumper, and a carrycot belt.

Advantages

• Saving. Parents do not have to spend money on a cradle stroller, winter and summer stroller, car seat.

• The carrycot has a hard bottom. It is good for the baby's back.

• The cradle protects the child well from bad weather.

disadvantages

• Lower maneuverability than strollers.

• Takes up extra space in the apartment. While the cradle is in use, the walking part is kept at home, and vice versa.

• Big size. Difficult to climb stairs or enter the elevator.

Strollers for twins

When two or three children are born, parents should choose a stroller with several seats. Such a model should have large wheels and a high-quality foot brake.

There are three types of strollers for the weather:

1. The seats are located side by side. Or the seat is one, but has a partition. These strollers provide the same view for babies, and it is easier for mom to keep track of them. But due to its large dimensions, this model does not fit well into doorways. In addition, over time, babies begin to interfere with each other and quarrel.

2. The seats are located one behind the other. This stroller fits easily through doorways but has little maneuverability due to its length. In addition, not all seats can be horizontal.

3. Transformers. The model allows you to change seats. Children can be seated facing each other, one baby can be put to bed, and the other left awake. The main disadvantage of this stroller is its heavy weight and heavy transportation.

What parameters to look for when choosing a stroller

Stroller size and weight

If you live in an apartment building, and even on the top floor, pay attention to the elevator area. It is necessary to choose a model that fits freely in it, and also passes through the openings of the entrance and balcony doors.

If you are buying a heavy stroller but have to travel up and down stairs on a daily basis, consider the 'walking' design. This is a stroller in which the distance between the front and rear wheels is the same as the distance between the steps.

Safety

A child's health depends on seat belts. They are essential when going down stairs and overcoming curbs. Seat belts prevent the mobile baby from falling out of the vehicle. They are two-point (like in an airplane), three-point and five-point. The most reliable are five-point ones.

The sides of the stroller should not be low for the child. The correct seat depth ensures the safety of the seat.

Depreciation

Stroller shock absorbers reduce shaking while walking, soften the ride. Most models are equipped with spring-loaded shock absorbers. They are durable and reliable. Sometimes the cradle strollers are equipped with belt shock absorbers, thereby increasing maneuverability. But the belts can break.

Wheels

Buying a model with removable wheels has advantages for people living in an apartment. After returning from the street, mom can put the stroller in the hallway, remove and wash the wheels, move the stroller to its usual place. The removable wheels also help save space in the trunk of your car.

Depending on the time of the year, they can be changed, in winter they can be equipped with large rubber wheels, in summer they can be used with plastic wheels. Remember, their size affects the flotation of the stroller. The larger their diameter, the easier it will be to move over rough terrain.

Strollers with swivel wheels are easy to turn and maneuver perfectly. But their cross-country ability is low.

The three-wheeled models are easy to maneuver, but cannot be moved along the runners of underground passages and stairs. These strollers should 'walk'.

Hood

When choosing a stroller for the winter, make sure that the hood goes down to the bumper. This will protect your baby from snow and wind.

Strollers are often fitted with a waterproof fabric hood. Sometimes hoods are made of leather, but such products do not 'breathe' well.

Back

If the baby likes to sleep while walking, the stroller should be equipped with a rigid horizontal back. Therefore, when buying folding models, make sure that this rule is followed. As a last resort, use a special mattress.

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose the right stroller cane, the secrets of choosing a stroller and extended instructions for choosing a stroller for a newborn.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.