Spring and warm summer days are the most pleasant time for walks for both mom and newborn. For a summer-born toddler, the comfort of being outdoors depends on the type of stroller.
Varieties
Very often, the choice of a particular stroller by mothers is limited only by its aesthetic qualities. This is the main mistake. Before choosing a summer stroller for your little one, remember that it should not only be beautiful, but also functional and easy to operate.
All stroller models on the market can be divided into three large groups.
- Carrycot stroller - this is the best solution for babies who were born in late spring - early summer. The sleeping place is quite spacious, it has a rigid, even base, which is required for a newborn. Additional accessories in the form of high sides, a hood, a raincoat will protect the little man not only from rain, but also from the scorching sun.
The cradle is located quite high from the ground, so the mother's back will be in a comfortable position.
- Stroller-transformer, despite its leadership in the ratings, is not the best option for babies. The backrest folds out, but does not take a level position, the liner bags are practically not ventilated. The advantages of these models include their low cost.
- Modular strollers consist of a wheel base, a carry cot, a walking block, a 0+ car seat (if the stroller is a 3 in 1 set). For babies, this is ideal, as the car seat can be installed on the wheelbase immediately upon arrival. There is no need to wake up the baby, you can immediately go for a walk or shopping with him.
Before purchasing a stroller-module, you need to install a stroller and test it for convenience. Often moms sell it without having time to use it. The reason is the unattractive appearance.
In this case, you should not overpay when purchasing a multifunctional stroller model, it is better to buy a cradle separately, and after a while, a walking model.
Classic-type cradles and modules with a basket are equipped with fastenings for seat belts, respectively, can be used as a car seat for a newborn. However, crash test results have proven that specialized car seats are safer and more compact.
Wheels
For strollers that will be used in the warm season (mid-spring - summer), the wheel passability is not such an important factor. And for mothers who gave birth to babies in the summer, which means that their walks will fall on both wet autumn with slush and winter, this parameter is very indicative. When evaluating wheels, there are important points to pay attention to.
- Number. Strollers with three wheels are easier to drive, but numerous reviews of such models by mothers speak of their instability, the inconvenience of driving onto ramps, curbs, steps. Models with twin wheels (6 and 8) are more stable and passable, but they also run poorly on ramps, clogged with foliage and snow.
Classic versions of strollers with 4 wheels overcome curbs, steps, ramps well, but lose to the previous options in terms of maneuverability.
- Rotation. Many stroller models have floating front wheels. Thanks to them, it is much easier to control the stroller. Small wheels can turn 360 degrees, large ones only 30-50. Almost all models have the ability to lock the rotation of the wheels.
- The size. The larger the wheels, the greater their cross-country ability, but the level of maneuverability is significantly reduced. The best option for summer walks will be strollers with large rear wheels and small front wheels (double swivel).
- Width. Very important for residents of the second and subsequent floors who have to use the elevator. Before purchasing this or that model of a stroller, you need to be sure that it will enter the elevator. The standard width of a passenger elevator is 60 centimeters, but in older buildings, the doors may not fully open. A classic stroller when assembled is 57-59 centimeters wide, so it can easily enter the elevator. Three-wheeled models are wider, so problems can arise with them.
- Material. Inflatable wheels are well cushioned when driving on the ground and paving stones. Their disadvantages include a high risk of puncture and weight. Plastic wheels cannot be punctured, they do not add extra weight to the wheelchair, but they create strong shaking when hitting any, even small, irregularities. The foam rubber wheels have decent shock absorption and are fairly lightweight.
Considering the above, when choosing a vehicle, you will have to proceed from the time of birth of the baby. For those who have already switched to a walking block by winter, it is better to choose light summer strollers with small wheels (like a cane), which, if necessary, can be folded and taken even on the plane. If the baby was born in the summer, it is better to choose an all-terrain stroller.
Cradle characteristics
In the first months after birth, babies sleep for a long time in the fresh air. For a comfortable sleep, they need to be protected from the scorching sun rays, insects, and precipitation. Before buying a stroller, you need to pay attention to some parameters of the cradle.
- The size. For those who were born in the middle or at the end of the summer season, the chosen stroller will be relevant in winter. For the baby to feel comfortable in it and in a winter overalls, it is necessary that the inner size of the cradle exceeds 80 centimeters in length. Such models are offered by brands: Silver Cross Balmoral, Noordline Edel, Bugaboo Cameleon.
- Mesh hood insert. To prevent the baby from sweating while walking, many manufacturers make the hood partially detachable and with a mesh insert. Such models are presented by the companies Tutis Zippy, Bebecar Vector AT, Adamex Galactic.
It is worth highlighting the company that equips its models of strollers with winter detachable hoods and covers, and summer cotton mesh inserts - Peg Perego CULLA.
- Hood size. The larger the hood size, the better. A 180-degree mouthguard will protect your baby from the scorching sun. Models with a sun visor are also suitable.
- A pen... It will be an advantage if the stroller comes with a height-adjustable rocker handle. Then it will be convenient for both parents and grandparents to walk with the child, adjusting the height of the handle to their height. And the rocker mechanism will allow you to fix the handle from one side or the other, without the need to turn the stroller body.
- Viewing window is not an indicative parameter for choosing a cradle, since the baby is already facing his mother all the time. Viewing windows in the hoods of modular models are more appropriate, while in cradles, direct sunlight penetrating through them will heat the air around the child.
- Ventilation. At the bottom of the cradle there are special holes, due to which passive air exchange and moisture removal occurs. Strollers of European brands are equipped with an adjustable ventilation system (the holes can be closed and opened manually). Among these models: Peg-Perego Culla, Roan Marita, Tutis Mimi.
- The cloth. Often, during walks, mothers and babies can be caught by surprise by unexpected precipitation. If you don't have a raincoat at hand, the stroller's water-repellent material will come in handy. He will not save you from a downpour, but he will not let the baby get wet while he is driving home.
- Lifting the body. Upon reaching 6 months (and sometimes even earlier), babies already want not only to lie down, but also to look at the world around them. This requires the stroller to be equipped with an easy-to-operate upper body lifting mechanism.
- Internal padding. So that the child does not feel hot, it is better if the inside of the stroller is wicker or upholstered with natural fabric. It is better to choose a model with a light removable upholstery, then it can be washed, and the light shades of the inner part of the cradle body will not allow the sun's rays to be attracted.
- Stroller color. Since in the warm season, the stroller is under ultraviolet light for a long time and quickly fade, it is better to purchase models in pastel colors.
Necessary accessories
Since you will have to spend quite a lot of time on walks, you should take care of additional accessories, to make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
- Mosquito net. It is needed to protect the baby from annoying flies, mosquitoes, poplar fluff and street dust.
- Raincoat... For sudden short-term precipitation.
- Sun umbrella. Allows you to protect your baby from the scorching rays.
- Cup holder. When it's hot outside, a lot of fluid is excreted from the human body through sweating. So that mom does not experience problems with lactation, she needs to drink a lot. A thermo mug with warm tea will be what you need.
- A bag. During the walk, you may need a lot of little things: a waterproof diaper, a diaper, wet and dry wipes, a wallet, a mobile phone. An indispensable accessory that can accommodate all this will be a bag attached to the handle of the stroller. The Tutis brand equips its stroller bags with a thermowell. This is a very convenient option for storing bottles.
- Pockets. Additional pockets located on the stroller are very convenient in terms of placing small items. They can get lost in a big bag.
For information on how to choose a summer stroller for newborns, see the next video.
