The appearance of a child is a long-awaited and joyful event in the family. For this reason, expectant mothers and fathers begin to prepare for this magical moment in advance. Attentive parents try to take into account all the details so that the baby feels comfortable from the first days of life. As soon as the toddler grows up to five months of age, the cradle stroller for babies ceases to be relevant. One of the important questions of concern to both parents and grandparents is which model of a stroller to choose for a child.
Features:
The modern range of the first children's transport is impressive, striking and bewildering. Mommies sit for hours on forums, discussing certain models of baby strollers.
All strollers differ in color, material and purpose. The requirements for strollers for newborns differ from the requirements for vehicles for babies who already know how to sit. So, babies do not hold their head and back, they spend most of their time in a supine position. And after six months a stroller will do, when the child is already learning to sit, a stroller will do, which can be used until the baby is three years old.
When choosing a stroller, you need to take into account the financial capabilities of a young family.
A recreational vehicle is a vehicle for kids who are six months old. Until this age, the child cannot be transplanted from the cradle to the walking version, since the spine is not yet strong enough. Half-year-old toddlers are already getting bored of lying in cribs, and they strive to explore the world. In such cases, a stroller will come in handy.
In walking-type hammocks on wheels, children move while sitting, although many models provide for reclining the backrest, some even to a horizontal position, so that the baby can comfortably settle down to sleep. Strollers are usually equipped with a hood, capes or covers to protect the little passenger from the wind and bad weather.
Pros of a stroller:
- ease of folding;
- compactness, easily fits into the trunk of any car;
- reclining back;
- convenient, especially in summer use.
Of the minuses, it is worth noting:
- three-wheeled models do not pass along ramps in entrances or shops;
- discomfort on rough roads.
Children's walking vehicles can be divided into three weight categories:
- "Heavyweights" - standard strollers weighing up to 15 kilograms and more.
- Lightweight variants have a weight of 6-9 kilograms, so they have all the functions of "heavyweights".
- Ultralight cane strollers weigh from 3.5 to 6 kilograms.
The weight of the stroller depends on the material from which it is made. If plastic or aluminum predominates, the less weight of the structure will be.
However, this does not mean that the stroller will be safer. First of all, the stroller should be strong and super stable, not prone to overturning, even if the handles are loaded with bags and bags from stores.
The wheels of strollers can also be metal spokes, with pneumatic tires, but most often these are plastic wheels with imitation of inflatable tires. All strollers are equipped with a shock absorption system that ensures a smooth ride even on a road with holes and bumps.
Kinds
Baby strollers can be chosen depending on the season. There are universal all-season models, as well as demi-season ones, adapted to the specific weather conditions of the season.
When choosing a winter stroller, it is important to pay attention to the stroller. The seat should be spacious so that the baby, dressed in a warm, voluminous jumpsuit, does not feel cramped and pinched. You should also pay attention to the adjustment of the seat back so that the child, breathing in the frosty air, can sleep outside.
The wheels of the children's winter version for walking should be large so that you can easily move through snowdrifts, snow pits and an uneven road.
It is also necessary to have a dense waterproof cover for insulating the child's legs and a voluminous hood that will protect the baby from the winds. A winter stroller should be massive, but at the same time lightweight, compact and maneuverable so that it can effortlessly enter the passenger elevator and trunk of the car.
Summer options have a small wheel diameter, a sun visor and a light weight of up to 7 kilograms. All-season versatile options have a wide long berth, have such qualities as all-terrain and maneuverability. By design, strollers also differ in structural features. Let's consider the most popular ones.
"Cane"
Ideal for children who can already sit well. In this model, everything is thought out to the smallest detail: simple folding mechanism, small size, compactness, small size. A modern stroller cane, as a rule, is equipped with spring shock absorbers, which eliminates shaking when driving on uneven ones. The front wheels rotate 360 degrees, which increases maneuverability, thanks to this property, the stroller can be operated with one hand. This look is equipped with removable protective bumpers, and the visor creates shade on a hot sunny day.
The weight of the stroller cane is from 3 to 6 kilograms, it all depends on the available accessories, as well as the material from which the structure is made. The simplest model of this type is a fabric seat that is stretched over an aluminum frame. When folded, the wheels are pressed against each other.
A cane stroller is simply an irreplaceable thing in those moments when you need to go down in the elevator or stairs, go to the clinic or the bus. You can hold a folded stroller in one hand and a baby in the other.
More complex modifications of this option are completed with a shopping bag for mothers, which is attached not to the handle, but to the back of the stroller, without disturbing the stability. The handles of such strollers play the role of a steering wheel, with their help it is easy to change the movement of the front wheels.
Many modern models are equipped with special carrying straps, or covers, which will allow you to place the stroller when folded without staining your clothes.
"Book"
The walking version of the book stroller is suitable both for walking and for sleeping a child; many models of this design provide for a convenient adjustment of the back to a sitting, half-sitting and lying position. The books are almost twice as heavy as wheelchairs, they are also larger, but at the same time they take up much less space. The book stroller got its name thanks to the folding mechanism, since when folded, the stroller resembles a book.
The child must be fastened even when he sleeps, which is why book strollers are equipped with seat belts. Often, in order to save money, parents buy a version of a transformer stroller for newborn children, since most of these models are expanded to the "lying" position, and from 6 months they begin to use the "sitting" position. They are also called 3 in 1 or 2 in 1. For babies, a special cradle is installed, then it is removed and a special walking block is placed for an already seated child.
The 3-in-1 model consists of a chassis, carrycot, stroller and car seat. That is, depending on your purpose, the stroller can become a winter cradle, a car seat that is easy to carry, and a promenade. The book is quite compact, about the size of a large suitcase, it will easily fit into any car. It has a reliable brake and a spacious basket, which is very convenient, as well as a protective bumper hood. Comparing both options, each has its own advantages. So, a cane stroller that takes up little space is not suitable for walking in the snow. Due to their weight, books are more passable, but inconvenient when you need to bring a stroller into public transport.
A book stroller is warmer than a cane model, with a windproof back and sides. Both versions have a leg rest that can be easily cleaned of dirt.
Options for twins or triplets
Strollers for twins or triplets have the same characteristics as single strollers. They differ only in the arrangement of the chairs, one behind the other or in parallel.
Strollers are three-wheeled and four-wheeled. The first option looks sporty and stylish, and is more maneuverable on smooth, ideal roads than four-wheeled promenades for children. But, thanks to four points of support, the second option is more stable on broken asphalt.
Which one to choose?
You need to walk with your child every day, regardless of the weather and time of year. In view of this, you need to choose a stroller of high quality, reliable, practical and safe. Approaching the choice of transport for crumbs, parents want to combine the above qualities and, preferably, inexpensively.
How to choose a stroller for your baby and what to look for when buying - we will talk about this in detail below.
Wheels
To choose the right model that will delight you and your child on walks, first of all, you need to pay attention to the wheels - their number, size and material from which they are made.
Large wheels with inflatable tires are more passable and provide better shock absorption, although strollers with these wheels are heavier in weight. Inflatable wheels hitting a sharp object can deflate. The foam rubber variety is more practical and durable, but has poorer cushioning.
Plastic wheels are the lightest and cheapest, but can make an unpleasant rattling sound on poor quality asphalt. Usually summer strollers have small wheels that are installed in pairs for convenience. With these options, it is easy to travel, go to shops and public transport, but they are inferior in cross-country ability to strollers with large wheels. Dirt often clogs between paired tires. To test the maneuverability of your chosen stroller, walk through the sales area and evaluate the properties you need when cornering and in narrow aisles.
Modern models of strollers have axles around which the wheels rotate. They are usually equipped with a locking piece that easily locks the wheels on descents. A poor-quality retainer can sometimes fall out or stick, so before buying it is important to test its strength: try to move the stroller in a locked state, press the brake several times. So at the same time you will check the braking qualities of the purchased product, because sometimes it happens that it does not press well or does not work to stop the wheels.
If your city has bad roads with uneven asphalt, where you constantly have to go around obstacles, then give preference to strollers with swivel front wheels. When buying, pay attention to the presence of a limiting stopper, this will allow you to control the rotating wheels, which sometimes roll in different directions on their own.
Manufacturers produce stroller chassis of different diameters:
- Small (8 to 15 cm) plastic wheels are suitable only for driving on smooth asphalt.
- Medium (from 15 to 30 cm) are usually made of rubber or polyurethane foam. They are heavy by weight, but very passable.
- Large inflatable wheels (from 30 to 40 cm), they are rarely put on strollers, but often on transformer strollers.
You must select the required diameter, taking into account your area of residence.
Weight and dimensions
When choosing a future stroller, consider its weight and dimensions. Here you need to think about where you can store it, and whether it will fit in the trunk of a car, as well as whether it will be convenient for you to take it outside every day. Especially for residents of multi-storey buildings, you need to take into account the dimensions of the passenger elevator and, before buying, it is better to measure the width of the door opening in the elevator in advance. After all, sometimes the baby can fall asleep on the street, and you hardly want to wake him up, respectively, the stroller should easily enter and exit the elevator.
It is better to choose the minimum weight, but safe for capsizing. Since you will have to carry and lift the stroller every day.
As a rule, the weight for recreational vehicles for children does not exceed 10 kilograms. Many options have a low center of gravity, except for transformer strollers, so you can not be afraid that the child will roll over.
Passability
In severe winter conditions, it is necessary to take into account the maneuverability of the stroller. In Russian realities, it is equally important to remember the quality of the roads when choosing a stroller for a child. In other words, an all-terrain vehicle would be the ideal option.
Compactness when folded
It is important to pay attention to the compactness when folded and the folding process itself. Many manufacturers today offer designs that are convenient to store on the balcony. Note if the wheels are removable.
Bag and pockets
Diapers, toys, spare clothes for the child - all this needs to be put somewhere. In modern versions of strollers, special bags or pockets are often provided. And the more the better.
Viewing windows
Viewing windows will make it possible to always keep the child in sight. Mom will be able to notice in time if the child, for example, fell asleep and lower the seat to a horizontal position.
Rain cover
A very useful thing in case of rain. Purposefully ask the seller about its availability, since not all models are equipped with a raincoat.
Frames
Frames are plastic, steel, aluminum. Sometimes there are wooden frames that add originality to the appearance of strollers. Plastic options are not the most durable, in addition, this material does not tolerate low temperatures. Such attachments loosen very quickly, which can pose a threat to the safety of the child.
Construction quality and ease of use often depend on the folding locks on the frame used. Pay attention to them when buying. The best option is handle locks when you can open them yourself.
Spare heaters
To make the child feel comfortable in winter, it is necessary to properly insulate the stroller. Explore the accessories that came with your stroller. The presence of inner covers, envelopes and leg covers is a prerequisite for the winter version of strollers. Sometimes you can find additional insulation for mothers, for example, special clutches for hands.
Pens
The most convenient handles are options in the form of straight brackets, but these are installed only on book strollers or transformers. Such models allow you to carry the stroller with one hand, while the other at this time can be occupied with a phone or bags.
The cane strollers are equipped with horned handles on either side of the chair. They are practical and convenient, but it will not be possible to hang a bag with food on them, and it is very inconvenient to carry such transport with one hand.
Versatile or seasonal?
If parents are avid travelers and do not want to carry with them several options for children's movement, then a universal model that can be used both in summer and winter is suitable.
Suggestions for big kids
A weighty baby will not always be able to comfortably fit in a standard stroller, usually designed for 15-kg children. Therefore, for large toddlers, a transforming stroller with the function of changing the dimensions is suitable. Pay attention to the back width, wheel stability and fabric strength.
Choice for twins
Happy parents of twins should look at a few modifications.
- "Little train" - seats are located one after another. Sometimes they are placed at different heights. Such models can be operated with one hand and will freely enter the elevator doors.
- "Side by side" - the seats are located next to each other. It is important to pay attention to the lowering of the backs, independently of each other. Such a model of a baby carriage can only be operated with two hands, and, accordingly, will not be able to pass through the opening of the elevator shaft.
- Transformer - a unique comfortable model that can be transformed into a "train" and "side by side". This option has the ability to alternately replace the cradle on the seat.
Seat belts
These elements are required in a stroller. They are needed to securely fix the child while walking. When buying, you need not only to make sure they are available, but also to check the ease of use.
Stroller upholstery
Environmental polyester is one of the popular stroller materials. It has the proper functional properties: excellent protection against exposure to sunlight, high thermal insulation properties, water resistance, durability and naturalness. With this material, you are not threatened with burnt-out fabric on a stroller.
Eco-leather is an analogue of genuine leather. This material is also in great demand due to its unpretentious care. Eco-leather includes the following elements: cotton, natural leather and synthetic polymers. The disadvantage of this material is that in hot weather, the child may feel a slight suffocation.
Vinylskin is another type of quality raw material for upholstery of strollers, which look very stylish and outwardly are not inferior to products made from natural materials. Many people choose vinyl leather because of its affordable price and ease of care. Distinguish between non-woven, knitted and fabric with a polymer, materials. When you touch vinyl leather, you can feel a special softness. The disadvantage is low resistance to damage.
Summing up and answering the question, which material is still better, statistics show that parents most often prefer natural materials. This is due to a feeling of concern for the child, his health and safety.
Manufacturers and reviews
Strollers are available from almost all well-known toddler vehicle manufacturers. The classics of wheelchair fashion are Italian brands Chicco, Inglesina, Peg Perego. Popular German brands Hauck, Noordline, Concord, FD-design, Zekiwa, Kiddy also adjoin the leaders. Chinese goods are in demand mainly because of the price. Mothers buy strollers from Chinese companies Geoby, Seca, Goodbaby Group. The British Maclaren, Happy Baby, Britax offer customers a large selection of summer strollers for walks.
We bring to your attention a list of the popularity of premium strollers, as well as an overview of the best models among budget and stylish strollers.
Rating of the best budget strollers.
Let's highlight the following models.
- Peg Perego Pliko Mini. This model is easily folded and transported in transport, you can take it with you on a trip. Comfortable and simple design, compliant even with a bag hanging on the handle, the padding is easy to remove and clean. The price is about 11,000 rubles.
- Glory 1107... A cane stroller from Chinese manufacturers, weighing about 6 kilograms. The backrest can be set in five positions, while the tilt angle is adjusted with a belt. Like most budget models, the handle height is not adjustable and the cushioning is minimal. The price is about 4,000 rubles.
- Baby Care City Style. In the ranking of the best budget strollers, this model of Chinese origin looks decent. It has double wheels, a locking mechanism for the front tires, and when unfolded 180 degrees is suitable for sleeping small children. The hood covers almost to the bumper, and also includes a cape to protect the legs. The approximate price is 5500 rubles.
- Sweet Baby Canolli. All-season recreational transport for little boys and girls from Italian manufacturers. Has 8 wheels, weight 5 kilograms and a warm envelope for the legs. This cane stroller will be an excellent companion for parents who lead an active lifestyle. This stroller is lightweight and manoeuvrable, and is easy to take on the road and for a walk. Suitable even for a large child. The price is about 5000 rubles.
- Baby Care Polo. Stylish and beautiful stroller-cane Baby Care Polo Light surprises with its small dimensions, striking design and maneuverability. Convenient handles for parents do not slip, the front plastic wheels are paired with each other and can be rotated 360 degrees. There is a spacious basket under the seat, and a visor will protect the baby from the sun. This stroller was made in Poland. The price is 4500 rubles.
Rating of the most stylish and comfortable strollers for fashion moms
Young mothers who grew up on glossy magazines are demanding not only for their own wardrobe, but also for transport for their child. Modern manufacturers take this fact into account and offer a large selection to please every taste.
- Babyzen Yoyo. A young French brand has created a stylish and compact model of a baby stroller. Such a wonderful stroller can be folded and unfolded with one hand, it can easily fit in a small trunk, and can even be transported in the cabin of an aircraft. Has an ideal smooth ride and can be fitted with a car seat on the chassis. Price from 25,000 rubles.
- Doona. A revolutionary new product from Simple Parenting. This stroller meets the highest European Union safety standards. Light weight, a wide range of colors, easy transformation into a car seat are some of the main advantages of Doona. Upholstery - antibacterial carbon fabric. Production - Hong Kong. Price from 25,000 rubles.
- X-Lander X-Move Lunar black... Super comfortable book stroller from Poland with practical colors and stylish design will be an excellent helper for young mothers. The complete set provides for the presence of a chassis and a walking block; you can separately purchase a car seat, a cradle, a handbag. The stroller complies with the European safety standard, is equipped with large inflatable wheels that will pass on any surface, and spring damping ensures a smooth ride. There is also a removable safety bumper and a warm leg cover. The price is 32,000 rubles.
- Valco Baby Snap 4. The Valco Baby Snap 4 has a spacious 34 cm seat that can support a child weighing up to 20 kilograms. For safety, a rigid bumper and five-point belts are used. The Snap 4 features a protective hood, an adjustable footrest and a heavy-duty aluminum chassis. Dads and mothers who bought this model did not remain indifferent to its practicality and safety. Reviews on the Internet suggest that Snap 4 has proven itself on the positive side. Production Australia. The price is about 17,000 rubles.
- Joie Litetrax 4 Air. One of the most comfortable strollers on the market. Attractive both in appearance and in price, the Joie Litetrax 4 Air is made in the UK. The visor is cut almost to the bumper, which has mesh inserts on the sides, as well as ventilation windows with curtains. In such a children's vehicle, the baby will be reliably protected from bad weather. The lightweight sturdy frame folds down with one hand, and you can carry the stroller behind the bumper like a bag. Suitable for babies from three months. The diameter of the front wheels is 19 centimeters, the rear wheels are 25. The price is about 18,000 rubles.
Top 5 premium strollers
This includes the following models.
- Silver Cross Kensington. A vintage beauty in classic colors! An elegant toddler carriage with a unique suspension for a smooth ride. Has four wheels with hand-made spokes. Suitable for both newborns and babies up to 12 months. Case and handbag can be purchased separately. The price is 141,000 rubles.
- Concord Neo Travel. The adorable 3-in-1 baby stroller is recommended for babies from birth up to two years of age. Features of an elite stroller-book from a German manufacturer: a large presence of colors, a backrest lowered to the horizon, a protective bumper with a cover for the legs, a wide adjustable sun shade, an independent suspension, a tipping-resistant chassis, excellent maneuverability. The price is 69,000 rubles.
- Stokke Xplory... Norwegian manufacturers offer an unusual design of the Stokke Xplory stroller, in which, unlike conventional strollers, the baby will have a panoramic view. In cold weather, the child will not freeze, as it is located high from the snow; in dry and hot weather, the baby will not be overcome by dirt and dust. The rear crossbar is absent, which makes it possible for parents to move freely with a sweeping step. The price is 73,000 rubles.
- Seed Papillo. One of the most compact strollers that can fit even in miniature smart cars. The stroller is designed for children weighing up to 20 kilograms. The walking block is made of quality fabric, and the hammock seat can be tilted in four different positions. Production - Denmark. The price is 40,000 rubles.
- Design Zoom... The 2-in-1 twin stroller is the perfect companion for happy parents, where the seats are independent from each other. The walking blocks have soft mattresses, three positions of the back, including for sleeping, a warm cape and several positions of the seats - towards each other, in the direction of travel or facing mother. Comfortable and functional model featuring high-quality fabric upholstery and modern technology. Production - Germany. The price is 40,000 rubles.
New items
This rating is topped by the following models.
- Noordline stephania - stylish stroller made of 100% eco-leather on a sports chassis in a 3-in-1 package.
- Mirelo venezia - baby stroller-transformer in a beautiful design from the Italian brand Mirelo.
- Inglesina trilogy - a comfortable stroller also from Italian manufacturers will not leave indifferent the most demanding mothers. The folding process is very simple, the wide seat is equipped with ventilation, the stroller is equipped with a rain cover, cup holder, foot cover.
Baby strollers are a product whose characteristics and quality are very important not only for the baby, but also for his parents. It is advisable to pay attention not only to advertisements of manufacturers, but also to listen to feedback from moms on the forums. Here's what parents write in discussions about which stroller to choose:
- Chico - good and compact model, easy to travel. No cons were found.
- Nuna pepp good for paved roads. Disadvantage: not very comfortable backrest mechanism.
- Peg perego Is one of the best strollers. Beautiful, not heavy, the child is very comfortable in it.
- YoYa - not cheap, but lightweight, wide range of accessories, swivel wheels. Of the minuses - there is no lying position.
- Camarelo eos - reliable transport for the baby. I chose from reviews for almost a month. Strong shock absorption, wide seat, access to the basket even in a horizontal position.
Tips
The design of the seat must ensure the correct formation of the spine, and the wheelsets must be equipped with braking devices. During the purchase, you should also pay attention to what maximum weight the structure can withstand.
When choosing, it is better to give preference to models with cross over handles. Being in such a stroller, the child can have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the streets or his mother - at will.
Removable wheels will keep them clean at all times. Equally important is the presence of a mosquito net in the complete set. The material should be water-repellent, but breathable.
If you still have not decided on the choice of a stroller, you can go to the store and decide on the spot without bothering yourself, choose what your heart desires. If you intend to carry a stroller not only in the summer season, but also in the snow, then choose models with the same front and rear wheel track. Before buying, evaluate the folded dimensions of the stroller for your baby and compare with the dimensions of your trunk.
Your best bet is to buy a stroller with standard wheels. Thus, in the event of a breakdown, they can be easily replaced. It is recommended to choose without air chambers, since the wheels that need to be inflated by the pump require special maintenance. The foam rubber tire is suitable for a smooth ride of the vehicle for a child.
See if the chassis fits with the car seat. If so, in this way, you can sometimes change the stroller unit for a car seat. Smell the chosen stroller, it should be free of artificial smells, smells of new materials, rubber smells or chemicals.
Price is not an indicator of quality. Stick to the middle ground. Choose a stroller according to the above criteria, without saving where it might cost your child's comfort, and without boistering for no reason. Do not forget that the baby will only need a stroller for a couple of years, which means that this is by no means the thing in which you need to invest a lot. Unless, of course, you want to surprise those around you with exclusivity and high cost.
Inspect the chassis regularly and lubricate them if necessary. Do not leave the stroller in direct sunlight for a long time, as textiles can fade and lose their bright color. All textile items must be periodically removed and periodically washed to get rid of dust and dried rain drops.
Pay attention to the capacity of the luggage compartment. Convenient if the stroller has windows for watching the baby. Estimate the weight of the stroller before purchasing. Try to pick it up and imagine if it will be comfortable to carry it over obstacles.
The color of the inner upholstery of the stroller should not be bright or annoying. Choose calm colors whenever possible. The brake should be arranged as simply as possible, otherwise over time it may clog up with dirt or stop working, due to the presence of complex mechanisms.
For information on how to choose the right stroller, see the next video.
