Stroller selection criteria with shock absorption

When choosing a baby carriage, it is important to pay attention to depreciation. This (at first glance not the most significant) moment seriously affects the comfort and mood of the child. The depreciation system can be of several types, in addition, its indicators are influenced by other factors, such as the size of the wheels. To choose a stroller with good cushioning, you should familiarize yourself with its features in more detail.

A shock absorber is a mechanism responsible for comfortable movement in a wheeled vehicle (in particular, a baby carriage).

Its primary task is to absorb vibrations. They can create any irregularities of the road, pushing into the lower part of the frame of the stroller or collisions of wheels with various objects, such as curbs or steps.

The essence of the work of shock absorbers is similar to the principle of operation of human legs, which, under various irregularities (of course, up to a certain level) retain the vertical position of the body due to the difference in flexion of the joints. Also, the shock absorber of one of the wheels, meeting with unevenness, allows the wheel to rise smoothly, without transferring all the push force to the body of the stroller.

The main difference lies in the ranking of irregularities: that surface, which is felt relatively flat with feet, when moving on a wheeled vehicle will be far from such. In this regard, the shock absorbers are smoother and more sensitive, they serve to completely absorb even small irregularities, but they do not allow to overcome such significant defects of the path as the legs do.

Checking the stroller for depreciation consists of several stages.

• First you need to shake the wheelchair from side to side, as well as push it from different sides, while the cradle should move relative to the chassis smoothly and without the use of force. If the displacement requires pressure, the shock absorbers are too tight.
• Rocking the stroller by the handle shows the quality of the rear shock absorbers.
• Depreciation of the front wheels is more important than the depreciation of the rear wheels (especially in three-wheeled vehicles).

There are several different wheel damping systems. Each species has specific features.

• Simple spring suspension. The shock absorber cuts directly into the wheel rack and serves as a direct compensator for vibrations. Widely used in transformers. The depreciation parameters depend on the size and material of the spring production, the overall design of the stroller.

• Depreciation on the belts. It has the greatest softness: the cradle can swing in different directions (both along and across). Because of this feature is well suited for rocking baby. Distributed in wheelchairs, cradles and transformers.

• Springs or difficult depreciation on springs. The spring system uses a spring, but the pressure is not transmitted in a straight line (as in a simple spring system), but with a slight displacement of the wheel and support column from one axis.This allows you to significantly mitigate shocks and bumps. These strollers are much more maneuverable than the analogues on the springs and are easier to deploy and also tilt from side to side.

• Pendulum or lever depreciation. For work using springs, which have several "joints", which provide a smooth compensation of shocks and blows. Often used in strollers because of their small size, they are also used as rear shock absorbers in modular models.

• Complex modern systems. They may consist of several mechanical units, successively damping shocks and absorbing them almost completely. Such systems of multi-level depreciation allow you to adjust the suspension depending on the characteristics of the terrain on which the walk occurs. For example, the HartanVip 2 stroller has adjustment levels, while the Bugaboo Cameleon already has 4 levels; Peg-Perego GT3 with 3 levels of depreciation can be distinguished from tricycles.

It is necessary to take into account several characteristics.

• Wheel size With their increase, the depreciation and the possibility of the stroller to overcome obstacles are improved.

• The structure of the wheels. Inflatable tube wheels are the most comfortable option with the strongest shock absorption. Also affects the degree of pumping wheels: the higher the pressure in the chamber, the weaker the depreciation.

• Congestion stroller Up to a certain point, workload in direct proportion increases depreciation, but further affects it negatively. This level can be determined from the characteristics of the shock absorber system of the stroller: the harder it is, the longer the increasing load will act positively. Soft shock absorbers provide excellent shock absorption only for lightly loaded wheelchairs.
• Mass of stroller. With its increase, the inertia of the stroller increases, which is directly proportional to the level of depreciation. The greater the mass of the stroller, the better it absorbs.

When choosing a baby carriage, there are many factors to consider: for example, a proven manufacturer with a good reputation, as well as brand rating. In general, there are many models on the market that have received a large number of positive reviews.

A very popular universal stroller for walking is characterized by good quality parts and an affordable price. It is easily transported by public transport, is stored and stored in the car, you can also take it with you to rest on the sea. The stroller is implemented with a minimum configuration, but additional accessories can be purchased. The design of the product stands out simplicity, sturdy frame, reliably working mechanisms.

The benefits of the Peg-Perego Pilko Mini also include:

• good stability, even with a load on one side only;
• folding mechanism is clear and easy to handle;
• All upholstery is removed for washing.

But there are weaknesses:

• it is difficult to carry the stroller with one hand;
• uncomfortable basket;
• small hood;
• there are no pockets for small things.

The cost of Peg-Perego Pilko Mini is about 11,500 rubles.

Great stroller for winter walks. It is equipped with four large chamber wheels, spring damping, a powerful frame, a large hood reaching the bumper, and a cape on the legs. The top of the stroller is trimmed with a waterproof fabric. The large seat allows the child to freely fit even in winter overalls. Patency due to large wheels is very good: snow, pits and drifts are not a problem. The seat can rotate 180 degrees.

Also to the positive features include:

• good maneuverability with a rack spring and rubber wheels;
• the handle can be adjusted in height.

Weaknesses include:

• the bumper is too low;
• large dimensions of the stroller will occupy almost the entire trunk in the car.

The cost of Vikalex Lazzara is 18,500 rubles.

The stroller has large inflatable wheels, which determine its high permeability and allow you to walk with your child without loss of comfort (even over rough terrain). The basket is high, which contributes to off-road walks without catching bushes and other obstacles. Also worth noting is the high quality of the fabric material, large capacity and durable frame.

Other positive features include:

• good protection against precipitation;
• high maneuverability and quiet course;
• capacious seat;
• easy adjustment of the handle height;
• full compatibility with the car seat;
• Covers are removable and can be erased in a typewriter.

The disadvantages of the model can be attributed to the fact that due to the rather large dimensions it is inconvenient to climb onto the curb with the car seat. Britax B-Motion costs 21 995 rubles.

How to choose a stroller with shock absorption, see the following video.