The comfort of young parents and the baby largely depends on the right choice of a stroller. After all, it should be convenient to walk with a stroller, it should be easy to fold, store and transport in a car. The materials must be of high quality, the wheels silent and passable, and the mattress comfortable for the child’s back.
Today we present Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Stroller from the birth of the baby and up to three years.
10. Transformer or "2 in 1"
For the first six months of a baby’s life, the transforming stroller is used as a cradle, and then the backrest rises and the stroller turns into a stroller. The “2 in 1” and “3 in 1” options are different modules that are installed on one chassis — a cradle, a walking block, and sometimes a car seat. Plus transformer - its versatility. To store the blocks of the “2 in 1” and “3 in 1” strollers, more space is required, but the cradle in such a stroller better meets the requirements of orthopedists.
9. Choose wheels
If you plan to walk with a stroller exclusively on a flat asphalt surface, then it is preferable to opt for a lightweight chassis with swivel wheels. This stroller is very maneuverable. But for long walks in the park and for the winter season, large inflatable wheels are better suited, which provide better cross-country ability and cushioning.
8. Choose weight and dimensions
If the house does not have an elevator, it is very important that the stroller is easy to carry outside. Many models weigh from 6.5 kg. But with an elevator, it is important to measure the opening so that the stroller passes through the width of the wheelbase. On many wheelchairs, the wheels have lateral bulges, which are not taken into account by manufacturers when specifying the width of the model in the technical data sheet.
7. Choose a pen
As a rule, the handle of any stroller can be adjusted in height. But it’s even more convenient for it to be loose-leafed, then the baby can easily be rolled both turned facing the mother, and in the opposite direction. The cross over handle is also useful on a windy day to turn the stroller against the wind.
6. Choose the type of addition
For transportation and storage, the stroller is usually folded. It is important to try on before buying whether the stroller will go into the trunk of a car. It is more convenient to transport a 3-in-1 wheelchair with a folded chassis, and use a car seat, which is installed in the cabin, as a block. The most compact are wheelchairs, but they can be used when the child knows how to sit confidently.
5. Choose material
A stroller is bought for several years, which means it should be easy to care for. Many models have a removable cover, which can be easily washed in a typewriter in a delicate mode. The handle should be covered with a non-slip rubber or plastic lining, if the lining is fabric - it must be removed for washing.
4. Choose additional options
It is convenient when the hood of the stroller has a window made of transparent plastic to watch the baby. Also useful options are the presence of a mosquito net, a rain cover, a spacious net or basket on the chassis, as well as a special bag.
3. Stroller for winter and stroller for summer
When choosing a stroller for the first 6 months, it is important to consider the season. If the first months of a child’s life fall in the winter, it is worth taking a closer look at winter models with a warmed cradle. For the hot season, by contrast, maximum ventilation is important.
2. Safety attention
Inside the stroller within the reach of children's hands there should not be any protruding tubes, joints, etc. All connections must be securely covered with plastic or tight fabric plugs.
1. Attention to noise
It is important to be able to test the stroller before buying. The stroller should not creak, and the wheels should roll as silently as possible. As a rule, plastic wheels are more noisy. In addition, models that have a lot of plastic parts in the chassis often begin to creak after several months of operation and this will not be eliminated by lubrication.