Comparison 4BABY Atomic vs 4BABY Rapid

The ability to adjust the position of the footrest, on which the legs of the baby in the stroller rest.

A similar ability is found in some strollers, transformers and strollers of universal strollers (see "Design"). The footrest itself is an inclined surface attached to the front edge of the seat. Adjustable footrests are those in which the angle of inclination can be adjusted; in many models, this footrest can even be set horizontally. This makes it possible to choose the most comfortable position for the baby's legs in different situations.

In strollers with this function, the seat unit can be fixed in one of two positions, to choose from: facing the parent (against the direction of movement) or facing away from the parent (in the direction of movement). Each option has its advantages: in the first case, the baby can see a familiar face and is less nervous, and when located in the direction of movement, it is more convenient for him/her to view the world around him/her.

The depreciation theme is designed to absorb shocks and bumps from uneven road surfaces. The most popular nowadays are models with spring systems; you can also meet the shock absorption of the articulated and double types, and in quite a large number of strollers this function is absent at all. Here are the main features of each option:

— Spring type. Depreciation systems based on classical springs mounted on individual wheels. They are used in all types of strollers except classic strollers (see "Design"). The simplest models use a single set of springs, while more advanced models may include additional comfort features such as SAS shock/vibration absorption technology. Whatever the case, depreciation systems of this type are simple yet practical, efficient and reliable.

— Articulated type. The type of depreciation used in strollers with carrycots - classic, universal, transformers. The frame, on which the carrycot or seat unit is installed, in such models is attached to the base of the stroller with the help of special bridges, which play the role of depreciation. As bridges can be used belt hinges, such systems can also refer to the articulated. Anyway, this type of depreciation is excellent for carrycots. First of all, the stroller is as smooth and soft as possible, which contributes to the comfort and deep sleep of the child (and the parent to drive...the stroller is much easier, especially on uneven surfaces). Secondly, the carrycot on such a stroller can be rocked back and forth, lulling the baby. On the other hand, such systems are poorly suited for stroller frames with swivel front wheels; and the failure of one absorber leads to tilting of the carrycot.

— Double. This term most often refers to the spring systems described above with additional shock absorbers on the frame of the stroller. Such systems help to maximize vibration reduction and can approach articulated systems in terms of efficiency (see above). On the other hand, the softness of the suspension can be inconvenient when overcoming curbs and other bumps: to raise the front wheels of the stroller, you have to press hard on the handle.

— Is absent. Strollers without depreciation are not suitable for uneven surfaces: in such conditions, the stroller will be shaken violently, which creates both discomfort for the baby and inconvenience for the parent. On the other hand, such models have advantages over strollers with depreciation. First, due to the lack of unnecessary parts, they are much cheaper, and the design itself is as simple as possible and at the same time reliable. Secondly, without depreciation, it is easier to overcome curbs and other obstacles: to raise the front wheels, it is enough to push a small pressure on the handle. Thirdly, such strollers rock less on smooth, wave-like uneven surfaces.

The ability to install a carrycot on the stroller — a characteristic basket in which the baby can lie comfortably.

Carrycots are used mainly for very young kids (up to 6 – 8 months), who can not yet sit normally in seat units. And the possibility of installing such an accessory by definition is available in all universal strollers (see "Design"). Also, the replacement of the seat unit on the carrycot can be provided in pushchair models. In fact, such strollers are also universal – but they are not initially equipped with carrycots, and therefore belong to the category of pushchairs.

The possibility of installing a child car seat on the chassis of the stroller. This feature can be very useful on car trips: the car seat can be used both in the car and as a seat unit for a stroller, and the main seat unit can be left at home so that it does not take up space in the boot. Note that some models with this function are initially equipped with a suitable car seat; if it is purchased separately, you should pay special attention to compatibility with your stroller.

Possibility to adjust the stroller handle in height. This function allows you to optimally adjust the length of the handle to the height of the parent. It will be especially useful if the parents are of different heights, and each of them regularly carries a stroller.

Typically, height adjustment is carried out by lowering or raising the upper segment of the handle, and in advanced implementations a telescopic mechanism is responsible for it. The retractable handle makes the stroller more adaptable to different situations and conditions. For example, it can be lengthened for more comfortable walking or shortened for ease of use in tight spaces.

The main material from which the frame of the stroller is made.

— Aluminium. The material used in the vast majority of modern strollers of all price categories. This is due to a number of advantages: aluminium is light and at the same time durable, it does not rust and is not afraid of moisture, it lasts a long time, it looks nice, but it is relatively inexpensive — somewhat more expensive than steel, but noticeably cheaper than more advanced materials like carbon.

— Steel. Steel frames are as strong as aluminum frames, and they are much cheaper. On the other hand, they are quite heavy, so steel is used less often in strollers.

— Magnesium alloy. Premium Material: Stronger and more durable than aluminium, just as lightweight, but at a significantly higher cost. It is extremely rare, in single models of expensive strollers.

— Carbon. Another high-end material: carbon fiber filled with plastic. This combination gives excellent strength - comparable to steel — at a very low weight. However, carbon is very expensive, and these advantages are rarely decisive for strollers — in most cases simpler materials are enough. That is why carbon frames have not become widespread.

— Plastic. Plastic itself is easy to manufacture and relatively cheap; it is also not as cold to the hands in cool weather as aluminum or steel. However, modern strollers very rarely have frames made of this material. The fact is that low-cost varieties of...plastic are not strong enough for this; and high-quality varieties cost accordingly - their price is close to aluminum, or even higher.

— Fibreglass. In this context, "fibreglass" typically refers to glass fibers mixed with plastic filler. Unlike conventional window glass, glass fibers are flexible and strong. The plastic filler enhances durability by offering scratch and tear resistance. The result is a material that is lightweight and very strong. However, fibreglass is prone to brittleness, especially with point impacts, and is susceptible to abrasion. As a result, it isn't widely used in strollers.

The type of wheels installed on the stroller.

The most popular in our time are rubber wheels, including air-filled ones. Plastic wheels are used mainly in inexpensive strollers to further reduce the cost, while gel ones, on the contrary, are considered a very advanced option. Polyurethane wheels and EVA foam-filled wheels are also widely used. Here is a more detailed description of each of these varieties:

— Rubber. Rubber solid tires, found in many modern strollers, are popular due to their affordability, quiet operation, and smooth ride over bumps. While less effective on uneven surfaces compared to air-filled and gel wheels, solid rubber tires are cost-effective, low-maintenance, damage-resistant, and suitable for various wheel diameters, including small ones.

— Air-filled. Air-filled rubber tires, commonly featured on strollers, offer a softer ride and facilitate easy maneuvering on uneven surfaces and high curbs. Despite their higher cost, they require periodic maintenance to ensure proper pressure and protection against cuts or punctures. However, users find air-filled wheels manageable, as they are thick and less prone to damage.

— Plastic. Plastic wheels, commonly featuring both tire and rim made from this material (though s...ome have metal rims), are known for their simplicity and affordability. However, they lack durability, reliability, and effective vibration dampening due to their hardness. Typically found in low-cost strollers with small wheels designed for flat surfaces.

— Gel. Wheels similar in design to air-filled tires (see the relevant paragraph), but filled not with air, but with a special gel. The main advantage of this option is its insensitivity to small punctures and cuts: coming out, the gel in the tire in contact with air almost instantly solidifies, effectively sealing the damage. In addition, such wheels are virtually maintenance-free — they do not need to be inflated. The disadvantages of gel tires include high cost and somewhat higher rigidity than air-filled tires (although in terms of softness of running such wheels are still noticeably superior to rubber and even more so to plastic ones).

— Polyurethane. Solid polyurethane tires offer excellent maneuverability, shock absorption, puncture resistance, and durability. They are unaffected by extreme temperature changes and are cost-effective, making them a common choice for various stroller types.

— EVA. Wheels made of microporous foam rubber, specifically EVA material, offer high elasticity, excellent cushioning, and wear resistance. Lightweight and puncture-resistant, these wheels provide a smooth stroller ride. However, they may stiffen in cold winter weather.

— Seat unit. A seat unit serves as the child's sitting area, suitable for use from 6 – 8 months onward when the child transitions from lying in a carrycot to sitting comfortably. All stroller types feature seat units (see "Design"), except for classic and transformer models. Classic strollers inherently use a carrycot, while transformers use a unique device known as a "carrycot-transformer" (see below).

— Carrycot. A traditional carrycot is a basket with high sides in which the child is lying down. Such baskets are intended for children in the first months of life - usually up to 8 months, no more; from an older age it makes sense to use a seat unit (see above). Carrycots are used in all types of strollers, except for pushchairs and transformers (see "Design") - the first type is completed only with seat units, the second uses the so-called " carrycot-transformers" (see below). A special kind of traditional carrycots are carrying carrycots (they are also described below).

— Carrying carrycot. A variation of the carrycot (see above) designed to be easily carried separately from the stroller. To do this, the design provides an appropriate handle. At the same time, not every carrycot that has a carrying handle (see above) belongs to this category of accessories: "carrying" are called only those carrycots that initially allow long-term carrying in the hands and...have various design features that facilitate such transportation.

— Carrycot-transformer. In fact, it is a carrycot, which, if necessary, can be turned into a seat unit for a child who can sit up.

— Car seat. A specialized seat designed for the safe transportation of small children in cars is essential for compliance with safety regulations in many countries. Car seats are typically provided with strollers for babies up to 12 months and weighing up to 13 kg. However, a separate seat for older babies must be purchased. Before buying, it's important to check the specifications of the car seat, particularly the method of attaching it to the car.

— Foot cover. A cover designed to protect a child's legs in a stroller from wind, cold and bad weather. While blankets or improvised solutions can be used for the same goal, complete covers offer more convenience as they securely attach to the stroller and stay in place during movement. Additionally, if needed, a blanket can be placed inside the cover for extra warmth. It's worth noting that many strollers, lacking this accessory, allow for separate purchase. This accessory is primarily used with seat units, whereas carrycots rely on a leg-area canopy with a similar function, though it's not classified as a cover.

— Rain cover. A waterproof cover that protects the child in the stroller from rain, snow and strong winds. Usually such a cover is made of transparent material or has transparent inserts — so that the baby can see the world around, and the parent can follow the baby. Rain covers for strollers are also sold separately, but if such an accessory is included in the kit, you do not have to worry about compatibility.

— Mosquito net. Mesh with small cells, which can cover a child sitting in a stroller. The cells allow air to pass through, but trap mosquitoes, midges and other harmful insects, as well as small debris raised by the wind; such protection is especially useful during evening walks in the warm season, as well as when going out in the countryside.

— Bag / backpack for things. A separate bag that is usually hung on the handle of the stroller. In such a bag you can keep various useful small things that need quick access: food, toys and hygiene items for the baby, parent's documents, etc. In most cases, the bag is removable, which provides additional convenience. Note that for some models, initially not equipped with a bag, such an accessory can be purchased separately. And some models are equipped with a backpack — a more convenient option for use.

— Shopping compartment. A device in the form of a basket or container installed at the bottom of the stroller - under the cradle or seat unit. This compartment is convenient for storing purchases and other things that do not require quick access while walking. At the same time, larger and heavier items are placed in the basket/container than in a bag for things (see above); and the low position improves the stability of the stroller. The shopping compartment can be either open or closed. The first option is found everywhere, the second - mainly in elite models (and such strollers can be supplied with two baskets: open and closed, or in different colors). The capacity of a closed compartment is often smaller, but the contents in it are securely hidden from prying prying eyes and protected from dust, dirt and moisture. Compartments for purchases are made from a wide variety of materials: plastic, metal mesh, fabric, etc. Soft materials are generally lighter, but less durable, hard ones are reliable, but can interfere when overcoming curbs and other obstacles.

— Cup holder. A stand on the parental handle to hold a glass or bottle with a drink - for example, milk for the baby or water for the parent.

— Hand strap. Strap on the handle of the stroller, which the parent can put on his hand. This reduces the risk of dropping the stroller: the strap is likely to keep it close to the parent, even if the arms are fully unclenched.

— Hand muff. An accessory that can come in handy when strolling in the cold season. The muff is attached to the handle of the stroller; if desired, you can hide your hands in it so that they do not freeze in the cold. At the same time, the design of the muff is such that it does not interfere with fully holding the handle and driving the stroller.

— Cover for stroller. A protective cover designed for storing and transporting a stroller during non-use hours is typically made from soft materials. It primarily protects the structure from dirt, direct sunlight, and moisture to some extent. While it offers symbolic protection against mechanical damage, more substantial safeguarding would require a case made of rigid materials. However, the need for such intensive protection is rare in practice. Soft covers are favored for their lightweight nature and minimal storage space when folded, making them the most popular choice for strollers. Overall, a complete cover tends to be more convenient, practical, and reliable compared to makeshift packaging.