Carrycot carry handle
The carrycot carry handle for carrying is mounted on the carrycot and makes it easy to carry it from place to place — for example, if you need to remove the carrycot for cleaning and then put it back. The handle can have a different shape — in the form of an arc attached to the sides of the carrycot, in the form of a hood cutout, etc.
Reversible handle
Strollers in which the handle can be moved from one side to the other — in other words, put it at both the rear and front wheels. Simply put, the
reversible handle makes it possible to carry the baby both forward-facing and parent-facing. Such an opportunity can be provided both due to the swivel fastening of the handle, and due to the fact that the handle is made removable.
This function is useful in light of the fact that the optimum handle position will also be different for various formats of use of the stroller. Thus, when the child is awake sitting in the seat unit, it is best to push the stroller forward, so that the little passenger can freely see the world around him/her. And when a small passenger sleeps on the unfolded seat - it is best to turn the stroller facing the parent; the same position is standard for the carrycot. In addition, the reversible handle can be useful in some daily situations: for example, to go down a steep hill, it is better to turn the stroller back to front, and the easiest way to do this is to use the reversible handle.
It is worth taking into account that when you reverse the handle, the front and rear wheels change places, and a long movement "backwards" can be uncomfortable. In some models this moment is compensated by automatic switching of wheels: when you change the position of the handle, the wheels also change (the front wheels are fixed straight, and the rear wheels are unlocke
...d, turning into swivel wheels). However, the availability of this function should be specified separately.Frame material
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 aluminium 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 aluminium 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 aluminium, 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.
Wheels
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.Front wheels diameter
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.
Rear wheels diameter
The diameter of the rear wheels installed in the stroller.
The larger the wheel — the better it overcomes obstacles and bumps, the more convenient it is to drive the stroller over mud, snow and other difficult surfaces. For the rear wheels these moments are most relevant: for example, when driving the stroller over obstacles, it is usually tilted towards itself, so that the front wheels are in the air, and the rear wheels have to overcome the obstacle. On the other hand, small wheels weigh less and are easier to move, they are better suited for flat surfaces. So choose a stroller on this indicator should take into account the roads on which it has to be driven. If you plan to move on flat floors, good asphalt and stroller ramps — it is worth choosing small wheels, up to 20 cm. For difficult terrain, driving on mud and snow, regular overcoming steps and curbs it makes sense to pay attention to wheels in 30 cm and larger. And the diameter of 20 — 30 cm is an average option — it is suitable if you have to ride mainly on flat surfaces, but occasionally there is a need to overcome obstacles.
In box
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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).
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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).
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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.Chassis width
The distance between the side wheels of the stroller; this generally corresponds to the overall width of the stroller. If the front and rear widths are different, the greatest distance is indicated, usually on the rear wheels; the same wheels are used to measure the width of three-wheeled models.
In general, the wider the chassis, the more stable the stroller is and the more difficult it is to tip it over. On the other hand, greater width can cause problems in tight spaces such as narrow hallways and doorways, elevators, etc. The narrowest modern strollers have a width
of up to 45 cm, the widest —
more than 70 cm (these are mainly models for twins or triplets , where two seats are side-by-side). Models
46 – 50 cm are also considered quite narrow, a width of
51 – 55 cm can be called small,
56 – 60 cm — medium,
61 – 65 cm — more than average,
65 – 70 cm — large.
Carrycot dimensions (LxW)
Dimensions of the carrycot provided in the kit.
Partly the rule "the bigger the better" works here: a large carrycot gives a good reserve for the period of growth of the baby, in winter you can put the baby dressed in warm clothes in it, and in summer the extra space in the carrycot provides good ventilation. On the other hand, large carrycots are more bulky, weigh more and cost more.