The comfort of young parents and a 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 the car. The materials should be of high quality, the wheels should be quiet and passable, and the mattress should be comfortable for the child's back.
Today we present Top 10 tips for choosing a stroller from the birth of a baby and up to three years.
10. Transformer or "2 in 1"
The transforming stroller is used as a cradle for the first six months of a baby's life, and then the backrest rises and the stroller turns into a stroller. Options "2 in 1" and "3 in 1" are different modules that are installed on the same chassis - a cradle, a walking block, and sometimes a car seat. The advantage of the transformer is its versatility. More space is required to store 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 stroller units, but the cradle in such a stroller better meets the requirements of orthopedists.
9. Choosing 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, larger inflatable wheels are better suited for better flotation and shock absorption.
8. Choosing weight and dimensions
If the house does not have an elevator, then it is very important that the stroller is easy to carry outside. Many models have a weight of 6.5 kg. But if there is 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 side bulges, which are not taken into account by manufacturers when indicating the width of the model in the technical passport.
7. Choosing a handle
As a rule, the handle of any stroller can be adjusted in height. But it is even more convenient for it to be cross-over, then the baby can be easily rolled both by turning it facing the mother, and in the opposite direction. The swing handle is also useful on a windy day to turn the stroller upwind.
6. Select 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 fit into the trunk of a car. It is more convenient to transport a stroller with "3 in 1" blocks - a folded chassis is put in the trunk, and a car seat is used as a block, which is installed in the cabin. The most compact are the cane strollers, but they can be used when the child can sit confidently.
5. Choosing a material
A stroller is bought for several years, which means it should be easy to care for. Many models have a removable cover that can be easily machine washed on a delicate cycle. The handle must be covered with a non-slip rubber or plastic pad, if the pad is fabric, it must be removed for washing.
4. Choosing additional options
It is convenient when the stroller's hood has a transparent plastic window to watch the baby. Also useful options are a mosquito net, a rain cover, a spacious net or basket on the chassis, as well as a special bag.
3. A stroller for winter and a 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 will fall on the winter, it is worth taking a closer look at winter models with an insulated cradle. On the other hand, in the hot season, maximum ventilation is important.
2. Focus on safety
There should be no protruding pipes, joints, etc. inside the stroller within the reach of children's palms. All connections must be securely covered with plastic or dense fabric plugs.
1. Focus on noise
It is important to be able to test your stroller before purchasing. The stroller should not creak and the wheels should roll as quietly as possible. Plastic wheels are generally noisier. In addition, models with a lot of plastic parts in the chassis often begin to creak after several months of operation, and it will not be possible to fix this nuisance with grease.