Rating of baby strollers: the best models from modern manufacturers
The acquisition of the very first vehicle in the life of a child is a very important and responsible matter. The choice is complicated by multiple subtleties, which are described in this article.
Kinds
Before you choose a stroller for children, you should first determine its appearance. Conventionally, there are several classic versions of wheelchairs, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses:
- Cradle. This kind of stroller is designed for children from the first days to about six months of age. It consists of, in fact, a cradle - a cradle with a hard bottom, and stands on wheels. For convenience of movement, the cradles have a handle, and a basket is provided at the bottom of the cradle for storing various children's clothes. Almost all wheelchairs of this type have large wheels and are equipped with a shock absorption system, which ensures an easy course, even when off-road. Many models are sold with mattresses with orthopedic effect.
The lack of a cradle is that it will last for a very short time - the baby will quickly grow out of it, and the problem of its transportation will again become urgent. In addition, such strollers often have a fixed construction, which makes it impossible to travel with them in public transport or by car.
- Transformers. The meaning of such a stroller is that the backrest in it is height adjustable. Thus, it easily turns from a cradle into a sedentary version. This type is convenient because it has a longer service life. In such a stroller baby can travel from birth and up to 3-4 years. However, doctors are critical of this option due to the fact that it lacks an anatomical surface, which is very important for ensuring healthy and proper sleep. In a wheelchair, the child moves a little and can freeze during the cold season. Many models have a special warm case that is worn on the feet of the baby and protects it in the winter.
- Modular construction. These are the so-called “2 in 1” or “3 in 1” models. They are most popular and sought after by their parents due to their versatility. As a rule, such models have several items in a set at once: portable cradles that are removed from the wheels and turn into a carrying bag, a walking block, and a car seat. As in the case of the cradle, the modular version of the stroller has one or two front swivel wheels, which are responsible for maneuvering turns. In addition, some manufacturers produce options for wheelchairs with adjustable height, as well as folding models that can fit in the trunk of the car.
The only drawback of the modular option is that too many items take up a lot of storage space, and this is a real problem for small-sized apartments where young parents often live. Also, many moms complain that such models weigh too much, and with a child inside, the stroller becomes very heavy.
- Strollers canes. This option is convenient because it has a folding mechanism and takes up very little space when folded. To look closely at the cane version is already closer to one year old when the baby is already sitting and standing confidently. The cane is a metal base with a cloth stretched over it. For the convenience of the baby stroller is equipped with a protective visor that will save him from rain and sun.One of the advantages of the cane is that it is very light and can be folded and unfolded with one hand. Thus, mother can keep both the baby and the stroller at the same time.
The minus of the cane is that, even when folded, it is too long and often does not fit in the trunk of the car. In addition, such a plus, as a small weight, has the opposite effect - the design is often unreliable and often breaks in the Russian off-road conditions.
- Strollers for twins and triplets. They are purchased for twins or the weather. Places such strollers occupy much less than two separate strollers, they are much cheaper, and it is much more convenient to control a walk with one transport than with two. Such models can be in several versions - when two places are located side by side, one after another, opposite each other, at different levels or change direction.
If the walking places of the latest models are located nearby, the mother takes the stroller in front of her and sees both children at once. However, this design is too wide and often does not go into the doorways and the elevator. In this respect, the option of the stroller, when the blocks for several children are arranged in length, is more convenient. But here, the mother does not have the opportunity to observe two babies at once.
Also, the disadvantages of double and triple strollers can be attributed to their great weight and dimensions. Because of this, they are very inconvenient to manage - they have poor maneuverability. For the same reason, they can not be placed in the trunk of the car and any other transport. And in order to climb the floor, you need a freight elevator.
Selection features
The rating of baby strollers is affected by a number of different subtleties that ultimately affect the final choice of parents. This is not only a well-known brand, but also a device, a price, and various convenient options, as well as the presence or absence of additional accessories. Consider some of the details that are worth paying attention to when buying.
Wheels
Modern strollers traditionally have three or four wheels. Less common models with six wheels. Three-wheeled carriages are famous for their maneuverability, but at the same time they are very unstable when an obstacle arises - a curb, hollows, ramps and other irregularities. Four-wheel models in terms of reliability and control are more reliable and preferred. However, they are often too cumbersome and not all of them have a folding mechanism.
Strollers for twins or triplets often have six wheels. For optimum load distribution, the front or rear wheels can be doubled. Such designs are distinguished by reliability, but they also have considerable weight.
Manufacturing material
For the production of wheels usually use plastic with high wear resistance. In more expensive models, steel is used - it is considered a more reliable material. The frame of the stroller is also made of steel and other metals. Sometimes there are combined designs.
Tires for wheels can be solid or inflatable. The first option is made of plastic or rubber. Plastic can be distinguished by its solid structure, loud knocking and small diameter wheels. Such strollers are low cost and low weight. Most often, this option is used for strollers, canes and other summer and hiking models. The lack of plastic is that it is quickly erased and does not provide driving comfort to the proper extent.
Chamber (or inflatable) tires are made exclusively of rubber. They are larger in diameter and provide a softer travel stroller. Such tires will not rattle, in contact with the road, and are able to overcome any obstacles on it.
As for the covers, they can be removable or not. For their tailoring, a synthetic-based fabric with water- and dirt-repellent properties is used. To protect against cold, the stroller is insulated with a layer of foam rubber. For interior use only natural fabrics. Since they will be in contact with the child, they must be hygroscopic and not cause allergies.
Well, if the inner cover is removable, so it was easy to keep clean.
Mechanism
Models with the ability to change the position of a module or pen are very popular with moms. This allows, if necessary, to turn the child around while walking, depending on the weather conditions, facing you or vice versa. In addition, there are various folding mechanisms. In addition to the cane, strollers can be folded like a book when the seat and back are folded together with the chassis. This mechanism has many strollers, cradles and transformers.
Virtually all types of wheelchairs, with the exception of the most simple and cheap, have a mechanism for changing the position of the back. Depending on the model and manufacturer, the wheelchair can have 2-6 different positions - for sleeping, resting and active waking. The slope is carried out smoothly, without jerks, so as not to frighten the baby.
Availability of additional elements
Sometimes the pleasant little things that come with the stroller, come in very handy. A removable table with a stand for the bottle, which is fixed directly on the body of the stroller, will allow you to feed the baby without pulling it out of it. In addition, it performs the function of a bumper - protects the child from falling and from accidental impacts. The winter cover which is fastened to the chassis is irreplaceable at cold.
The raincoat will play the role of an umbrella and protect against possible precipitation. It is made of transparent polyethylene, worn on the stroller as a whole, without interfering with the inspection of the surroundings. The mosquito net will be a barrier to insect attack. A visor or hood with an adjustable angle of inclination will also protect against precipitation, wind and too aggressive sun. Bag for things baby is made from the same materials as the stroller, clips on to the handle. This position allows you to have everything you need at your fingertips.
Luggage baskets are available in almost all wheelchairs. They can be made of mesh, fabric or metal. It is better not to put anything heavy into the mesh compartments - the fabric is not very reliable. Fabric baskets are a bit more durable, and in addition to the paddle and the sandbox molds, you can put a small amount of other items. If there is a metal basket in the stroller, you can safely go shopping - it is able to withstand a rather impressive weight.
Wheel covers are a very convenient change if you plan to take a stroller with you when traveling in a car or on a bus. Other additional pockets and compartments for storing such trifles as wet wipes, diapers, a spare bottle and other items needed by the child can be found in almost all models.
Security
This item needs special attention. Seat belts vary in the number of attachment points to the stroller. Double sided strap locks the baby around the waist. This is the easiest way to mount and it is found mainly in small wheelchairs with low seating and small wheels. Three-point mounting is more preferable because of its reliability. It fixes the baby not only horizontally, but also diagonally. This protection mechanism is intended for children after a year. He does not hinder the movement of the baby and at the same time does not allow him to fall out of the stroller.
Five-point protection is 5 seat belts that fasten at one point in the waist. Two of them girdle the baby, two more support his shoulders and one passes between the legs of the child. This option is considered the most reliable and is suitable both for those who have just learned to sit, and for older children. The same system is used for the car seat, which can be bundled with a stroller.
In addition to seat belts, you must also pay attention to the height of the sides, so that an overly active baby does not fall out of the stroller. It is also necessary to check the presence of clamps for the wheels so that the wheelchair could not roll itself down the slope.
Convenient management
In order for the vehicle to be obedient and not present unpleasant surprises on the road, with the purchase you need to pay attention to the shock-absorbing frame, wheel size, the possibility of adjusting the height of the stroller, as well as the presence of handle adjustment and a convenient folding mechanism.
Ideally, the stroller can be folded and laid out with one hand, since the other hand can be occupied by the baby. It is better to do it right away so that the dirt does not stick into the mat structure
Design
Many married couples of newly minted parents, coming to the store, arrange the whole debate because of what color and design to choose. Due to their natural practicality, the popes insist on a dark variant, arguing that their position is less dirty. They offer black, navy or gray. For mothers, these colors often seem bleak and they insist on bright colors, especially if the stroller is chosen for a girl. In addition, many believe that in a dark carriage in the summer will be hotter than in the light.
When choosing a design it is best to pay attention to the material from which the outer sheathing is made. Today you can choose a budget model with a fabric cover. At the same time the fabric is treated with a special protective impregnation. Such a cover really gets dirty a little and is well washed, but the fabric always remains a fabric and needs to be cleaned periodically. Therefore, in the fabric performance, many tend to less markovye flowers.
If funds allow, you can look at models upholstered in eco-leather. Now this material is very fashionable and clothes, shoes and other accessories are also sewn from it. It is very practical - any stain is removed from the surface with a damp cloth in a matter of seconds. Therefore, in this design, you can safely choose and beige tones, and even white.
As for the statement that in a dark wheelchair it will be hotter than in a light one, this is a very common misconception. In fact, the color does not affect the temperature inside the vehicle. Many modern models have mesh inserts that are well ventilated.
Manufacturers
When choosing a stroller, many parents rightly pay attention to the company that manufactured this product. Traditionally, preference is given to European brands that have a proven reputation. We will conduct a brief review of firms producing children's goods.
Open the list of leaders of German companies. About German quality as a national trait lay down legends. The list can be quite impressive. We list only some of the most famous brands in Russia: Concord, Hauck, Noordline, Teutonia, Zekiwa.
At the same time, the wheelchair should not necessarily cost a hefty sum - among these and other German marks one can find quite a budget option of excellent quality.
English brands, in addition to practicality, offer a stylish and interesting design that will not leave indifferent any parental heart. Some firms work in tandem with German manufacturers (Britax, for example). Also, Happy Baby, Bloom, Cosatto, Maclaren proved to be a good idea. Lonex and many others.
Italian products are considered very stylish - it is not for nothing that Italy is considered the trendsetter. Buyers value their products for their original design and practicality. Many brands (such as, for example, Chicco, Inglesina, Peg Perego) offer a variety of additional accessories with the stroller. Made in the same style as the stroller, they make up a single ensemble and look very organic.
Dutch products are considered very convenient for both the child and his mother. They are no less practical than the German, and no less attractive than English products. The most popular brands are Bugaboo, EasyWalker, Maxi-Cosi, Mutsy, Nuna, Quinny.
Quite good reviews and leave on the Norwegian stamps. Their products are valued for style and for various technical options.Among the most popular brands include Esspero, Noordi or Stokke.
However, the products of these brands are elite and their price is appropriate.
Polish manufacturers are also trying to keep up with their European colleagues. Their products are in demand not only because of their low cost, but also because of their reliability and practicality. In addition, their products are better adapted to the Russian climatic conditions and roads. The most famous brands in Russia are Anmar, Bogus, Cacper, Camarelo, Lonex, Tako.
There are their fans and Chinese manufacturers. Their main advantage is in their affordable price for the middle class. However, the quality is often appropriate. If you choose Chinese brands, you should pay attention to the brand Jetem, Seca or Geoby.
Fans of the domestic industry can recommend the company "Apex", "Mir detstva", "Leo", "Rant" or Little Trek. Many mothers, who have a priority in price, choose Russian producers and claim that they are satisfied with the quality and design of the purchased goods.
Top 10
Designers of leading brands of children's products are constantly finding something to surprise their little consumers and their parents. We give examples of the 10 most unusual design solutions for baby strollers.
- Stroller with a creative design in the style of the Batmobile, created by American designers, led by Tim Baker. His team specializes in creating unexpected designs specifically for fans of comics and moviegoers. And even if the baby for whom such a vehicle is bought is too small to appreciate it, his dad will surely be delighted and his mother will not have to persuade him to walk with the child.
- Stroller for brutal kids from the automaker Skoda with no less brutal name "Mega Man-Pram". A feature of this model are the huge wheels of an all-terrain vehicle, thanks to which the height of the stroller is about 2 meters. This structure resembles an SUV rather than a baby pram for a baby: vehicles have real rear-view mirrors, high-beam headlights and a hydraulic suspension — all grown-up.
- The stroller “Mad Max” is another model based on the movie. She came up with a British carpenter. The peculiarity of this stroller is that, thanks to the real engine it has, it can reach speeds of up to 85 km / h. And so that the driver does not lag behind the passenger sitting in the cradle, there is a special platform. The handle of the stroller also has a cup holder - apparently, for coffee lovers at high speed.
- Taga bike stroller can be transformed in seconds from the stroller to the bike and back. Now cycling classes can be combined with a children's walk. This is a premium class model, but it will serve your baby from the first months of life and almost to the school itself.
- Stroller backpack from the Australian firm QuickSmart created specifically for the most active parents, for whom the birth of a child is not a reason to refuse to travel. The stroller has a seat with cushions and three small-diameter wheels, making it easy to fold and fit into a backpack. The model can withstand loads of up to 15 kg.
- The egg carriage is the result of the creation of designer John Nott. This transport is made of aluminum plates and looks more like a rocket. The stroller looks rather unusual, but the question of the comfort of such a move remains controversial: in winter it will be cold from the metal, and in summer it can get very hot. Both are unlikely to enjoy the baby.
- Stroller "Babyoom" - a multifunctional transforming model that can be converted into 4 types of transport that are necessary and often purchased separately: a carriage, a bicycle, a car seat and a trolley for going to the store. Having paid once for a carriage, you can no longer worry about where and what company to take the rest.
- Ugo stroller - One of the best in terms of baby's safety.It's all about its design. In the rear wheels of the product are mounted braking devices that block their movement in case the wheelchair moves more than 2 meters from the parent. The parent has a sensor that sends a signal to the wheels. If the distance increases, the signal stops flowing and the wheels move.
- Smart Baby Cas Stroller looks really looks like a suitcase. The design is a closed system with a transparent lid. Inside, the stroller is equipped with an air purifier and Led-screen, which allows you to watch the child from a distance. The auto-push button - the dream of all moms - will work if the baby cries, and the mom is far away. In addition, there is an auto-nanny who can wash the baby if necessary.
- Stroller "Abedo" repeats the design of the famous car brand Mersedes Benz. The cradle can be removed from the wheels and transformed into a car seat. Wheels can also be folded and placed in the trunk. The frame is made of light carbon, and the cradle is shaped like a sea shell, as if reminding the baby of the time when he was inside the mother.
Tips
In conclusion, some universal tips that will help make the right choice of stroller:
- Best on the roads behave strollers with inflated wheels. Plastic slips and quickly becomes useless. Rubber wheels should be pumped up as needed. If this is not done, the mechanism may be unbalanced.
- It is also better to choose connecting elements not from plastic - there is a risk that some part will break at the wrong time. Metal weighs more, but also more reliable. To extend the life of the mechanism, all metal parts must be periodically lubricated.
- The cradle and the warm envelope - the details are undoubtedly useful, but they are required in the first six months. If the baby is born in the summer, by the winter he will grow out of them, so there is no point in overpaying for them.
- The car seat will need to be just after half a year. And the need for it will not disappear for a very long time. Therefore, if there is an opportunity to buy it in a set with a pram, do not miss it.
After each walk, bring the wheelchair in order - wash the dirt off the wheels and wipe the cover if it is dirty. It is better to do this immediately, so that the dirt does not enter the structure of matter.
How to choose a pram, see the following video.