Comparison Chicco Urban Plus Crossover vs Chicco Trio Activ3 Top 3 in 1

General design of the stroller.

In addition to traditional varieties — classic models (with a carrycot) and pushchairs (with a seat) — nowadays you can also find universal strollers, which are 2 in 1 and 3 in 1, transformers and strollers for sports purposes. Here is a more detailed description of each variety:

— Pushchairs. Pushchairs designed for the sitting position of the kid. The seat for the baby in such pushchairs is called a seat unit; in fact, it is a seat of a special design. In some models, this seat can tilt almost horizontally, which gives the little passenger the opportunity to take a nap. Nevertheless, all pushchairs are intended for more or less grown-up kids who are able to sit up independently — that is, not younger than 6 — 8 months.
Also note that in this category there are the possibility of installing a carrycot. In fact, such models are universal (see below); but if the carrycot is not initially included in the delivery, it is customary to classify the stroller as a pushchair.

— Jogging. A type of pushchairs (see above) designed for parents who value an active lifestyle: a jogging pushchair can be used not only when walking quietly, but also when jogging. Such pushchairs are usually...equipped with three wheels of rather large diameter, and also have a large width of the chassis (see below); all this gives additional stability and passability, including on uneven roads. In addition, the design may include specific features for added comfort and safety, such as a strap that fixes the parent's hand on the pushchair handle or an additional brake that activates when the pushchair is released from the hands.

— Universal. Strollers often come with at least two (or even three) interchangeable units: a lying carrycot for infants, a seat unit for older babies, and sometimes a Group 0+ car seat. Parents can choose which unit to use on the chassis. This option provides convenience throughout the baby's stroller years, starting with the carrycot for the first 6-8 months and transitioning to the seat unit. However, these universal strollers are pricier and less space-efficient than transformers with similar capabilities. On the flip side, separate carrycots and seat units are more convenient and reliable.
It is worth taking into account that some universal models can be supplied in alternative options — for example, " carrycot + car seat". So, when buying such a stroller, it does not hurt to specify the set of accessories supplied with it.

— Stroller-transformer. Transforming strollers allow the seat to convert seamlessly from a carrycot to a seat unit and vice versa, offering the same versatility as universal models. Unlike universal strollers, transformers don't require rearranging the main unit for this reconfiguration, providing several advantages. Firstly, the main block's format can be changed anytime, even on the go, without the need for separate seat units or carrycots. Secondly, the integrated carrycot takes up less storage space compared to two separate units.

— Classic. Strollers that are equipped with carrycots only; some also allow the installation of a seat unit, as in universal models, but if such a unit is not included in the kit, the stroller is considered a classic. Recall that carrycots are intended mainly for children under 6 – 8 months old, who are not yet able to sit normally in the seat unit; in other words, this type of stroller is suitable mainly for the smallest kids. That is why the "classic" nowadays is not particularly popular.

The ability to adjust the tilt of the main unit relative to the stroller frame. This allows you to adjust the stroller to different situations: for example, at the beginning of the walk, the unit can be installed almost vertically, based on a sitting position, and later tilted back so that the baby can take a nap.

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.

A window made of transparent or translucent material, built into the hood that covers the cradle or seating unit. In the version with a walking block, the viewing window is usually located so that the parent can see the baby directly while moving, without being distracted from controlling the stroller. In cradles, the parent can see the child through a window by approaching the stroller from the side of the hood (that is, on the opposite side of the handle); implementations with a window in the front hemisphere of the hood are less common. In addition, a baby lying in a cradle can usually see the outside world through the window (primarily the sky above the stroller). The viewing window can be made in the form of oilcloth or a mesh mosquito net, through the holes of which air freely penetrates, but insects and small debris raised by the wind are retained.

The number of points of support provided in the stroller — in other words, the number of individual wheels (single or twin) on which it rests. These strollers are currently in production:

— 3-wheel. These models usually have one wheel in the front and two wheels in the back. One of the advantages of this design is that even on an uneven surface, all wheels will have contact with the support, none of them will sag, and the stroller will stand stable without wobbling. In addition, 3-wheel models are lighter and cheaper than similar 4-wheel models. At the same time, they are worse to resist tipping on the side, and in general a little less reliable and durable. Therefore, such strollers are produced relatively few.

— 4-wheel. Traditional 4 wheels — two in front, two in the back. This design is more practical, reliable and resistant to tipping over than a 3-wheel one, which is why it is used in most modern strollers. However it is somewhat more expensive and heavier, but these points are generally outweighed by the benefits.

— 6-wheel. A variant found among strollers for twins, in which the seats are installed side by side. The traditional 4 wheels in such models are supplemented by two more wheels that are placed between the seats; these wheels provide additional support, preventing the structure from sagging unde...r the weight of the kids.

— 5-wheel. A very uncommon and specific variant, also found among strollers for twins. In fact, such models are a simplified version of the six-wheel ones described above: in the front of such a stroller there are three wheels (on the edges and in the middle), and only two wheels in the back (on the edges). This reduces weight and cost a bit, but it also reduces reliability, which is why 5-wheel models have not become widespread.

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.

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 stroller has a hand brake.

Any parking brake (whether hand or foot brake) locks the wheels of the stroller, preventing it from moving. This function eliminates the risk of the standing stroller moving on its own, for example down a slope or in a gust of wind. Almost all modern strollers are equipped with a parking brake. Most often it is foot brake (activated and deactivated by pressing the foot), but some models provide manual control — with a lever or button on the handle. This brake is a bit more expensive than a foot brake, but it is more convenient: the control is right in front of the eyes and under the parent's hand.

The diameter of the front wheels installed in the stroller.

At the same time, the front wheels are not as important for mobility as the rear wheels: for example, to overcome obstacles, the stroller is often lifted "on its toes" by tilting it towards itself, with only the rear wheels working. Therefore, the diameter of the front wheels may be noticeably smaller than the rear wheels. It should be noted here that the small size also has its advantages — the wheels are lighter.

Speaking of specific numbers, diameter up to 15 cm is considered very modest, 16 — 20 cm — small, 21 — 25 cm — medium, 26 — 30 cm is larger than average and more than 30 cm is large.