Types of sleds and tips on their choice

Traveling with a baby for a walk or in any other situation should be comfortable for both the child and the adult. This question becomes especially relevant in the winter when the sidewalks and roads are covered with snow. For such conditions there are children's sleighs, which today are represented in a large variety of models and configurations.

It is no secret that walks in the fresh air are the guarantee of health, especially for kids, and winter should not be an exception for walks and active games. Sleigh rides are popular fun, which has not lost its popularity today.

Today, sledges are not limited to a single model, there are options not only for outdoor activities with children, but also for movement, where sledges act as a children's vehicle. In addition, the models are designed for different ages, there are options even for newborns.

Manufacturers offer consumers different models in terms of compactness:

• solid sleighs;
• folding;
• transformers.

The first type, as a rule, is distinguished by its dimensions and weight, therefore, it will take a lot of space to store a mobile children's vehicle in the apartment. Some inconveniences can also occur with a solid sleigh in the process of traveling with them in transport or elevator. But these models have a very affordable cost, in addition, such options are often used in families where there are two weather conditions.

Folding more convenient in terms of operation and subsequent storage in an apartment. Such sledges are easy to fold and transport in a car, they have a smaller mass. In such products, children's seating is made of textiles, which provides additional comfort to the child during the trip. There is a possibility of using the sleigh together with the warmed envelope, in the folding models there are seat belts that will prevent the child from falling out during the movement. For parents in the kit there is a special pusher, which facilitates the transportation of children, in addition, the child will be supervised by the parents, as it will go ahead.

Among the disadvantages of this product can be noted restrictions on weight, which is not in the whole sleigh. It is not uncommon for such sleds to refuse to ride while moving on too snowy stretches of road, sometimes a child in outerwear slides and slides down the cloth seat. The handle for parents is made of metal, so from contact with it can freeze your hands faster. And the main disadvantage is the handle, which cannot be removed, it is impossible to ride downhill on such sledges.

The transformer is designed for long-term operation, because in the process of growing up a child, some parts of the sled can be removed as useless, thereby reworking the tool for use by older children. As a rule, it is possible to remove all covers, belts, and even the backrest from a sled, therefore only runners and a child seat will remain from standard equipment.

The modern version of the usual sleigh for the smallest members of the family is the snowmobile, which is equipped with a steering wheel, which allows you to maneuver during the ride, avoiding obstacles.The disadvantages of this tool include its cost.

Snow-scooter is another way of moving around snow-covered streets for children. Feature of the product is the number of runners - instead of the usual two, he has three of them. In addition, as in the version with a snow mobile, the tool is equipped with a steering mechanism. However, such models are recommended for use by children of the older age group. therefore, a one-year-old baby cannot be transported to them.

The stroller will be an excellent way out for traveling in the winter with kids 1–2 years old or very small. This design combines the basic functions of the pram and sled - the top of the product is no different from the usual means of transporting the baby, it may be of different design and configuration, however, instead of the usual wheels, the products are equipped with full-fledged runners.

All parts are made of cold-resistant materials, and the seat for the baby consists of durable fabric that can protect from the weather. Most often, manufacturers complement the model with useful accessories for parents in the form of a heated sleeve or gloves on an aluminum handle. Among the drawbacks, it is worth noting that such models will not always be necessary, since the weather conditions are very unpredictable. In addition, there may be situations when the snow begins to melt during the walk, and the vehicle loses its ability to move.

To eliminate the risk of such situations Designers and manufacturers offer sledges with wheels to parents. This option is equipped with retractable landing gear for the winter, and in the summer or in the off-season wheels are used to move the model. This model allows you to save on the acquisition of a separate sleigh and stroller, combining two functions at once. The strollers are quite maneuverable, so they easily cope with any obstacles on the road. However, these models are not transformed into sleds that can be used for descent from the hills, which is their disadvantage.

The classification of children's sleds is also based on the material used for their release.

Such funds become real assistants in the course of movement to any distance. Sledge consists of a metal frame with the presence of plastic or wooden parts. Quite often, such products are complemented by small wheels. Unlike the usual for all Soviet models, metal products of modern production can have a handle for parents.

As a rule, these funds are quite spacious, so they can easily carry several babies at once, usually they are used when the child is already two years old. Sleds are most often sold with a case that is insulated from the inside with various synthetic or natural materials.

Today, in addition to the usual steel color sleigh, you can find a wide variety of color options, ranging from blue for boys and pink for girls, and ending with universal bright and colorful models.

Aluminum sleds are distinguished by low cost, reliability and durability. The mass of such structures is from 2 to 5 kilograms.

Among the shortcomings of metal sleds, it is worth noting the low level of security, since they often turn over on turns. In addition, the rope for parents involves movement when the baby is at the back, thereby increasing the risk of traumatic situations. Such sleds should be used for riding older children.

Timber slides are expensive options for a winter vehicle for children. Externally, these models are quite attractive, in addition, they can be used for walks with children who are under one year old. Sleds are very durable, therefore they are able to withstand the weight of even an adult In Russia, they are made of birch, foreign manufacturers prefer to use beech for this purpose, which is more resistant.

Such products are surprising variety of appearance, in addition, sleds are made from high strength raw materials, so they are quite plastic. Plastic does not deform under the influence of external factors and mechanical contact with the road surface; therefore, it retains its original appearance for a long time. Usually plastic sledges are a snow scooter with a steering mechanism. Usually models are decorated with drawings and stickers, the color palette allows you to choose plastic sleds for every taste.

Sleds are lightweight and glide perfectly in the snow. However, they also have a drawback, which manifests itself when the air temperature drops to -20 degrees and below. In this case, the raw material becomes fragile, which leads to structural breakdowns. Among the PVC sleds you can find models without a backrest that resemble pots or flat cakes. Usually such options are equipped with a handle. There are also options with brakes.

The best winter mobile tools for snow fun. Models have a higher level of security, because they do not contain sharp corners. For a child, such slides are equipped with handles on the sides, and control is carried out by moving the body mass. The products perfectly tolerate even severe temperature drops, in the summer such sleds can become a full-fledged children's boat.

The main point on which you should rely when choosing a sled, is the age of the child. A child who is under one year old must be transported in a high-backed sleigh. This necessity is caused by the feature of small children to fall asleep on a walk. Children 3-4 years old can already be rolled in lightweight plastic sleighs, a good option would be all the same aluminum sleighs on the rope, which parents will be comfortable to wear, because at this age boys and girls are quite mobile.

In addition to age criteria, it is worthwhile to think in advance about the frequency with which children's sledges will be operated. This is important in light of the presence in the sale of strollers, sleighs and other models that can fully replace the mobile vehicle for the child. For little snow and warm winters can be limited to the acquisition of a simpler and more inexpensive model.

For the smallest, the actual criterion for choosing will be the weight of the sled, since they will need to be carried across the curbs and lifted up the steps. The quality of the raw materials from which the runners are made will be a fundamental factor in the selection of children's sleds. As the operating experience shows, it is the tubular variants that best slide.Wide and long runners will demonstrate good stability, in addition, such sleds will be easier to push in front of you or carry behind your back.

Today, a large number of different manufacturers offer their products on the Russian and foreign markets. Among them are such popular brands as Kristy Luxe Premium, Russian sleighs “TM Morozko” and “Nika”, children's sleigh Sofia.

Timka's sled chairs are in demand among sleds with wheels, these models have been noted for ease of movement on the street and reliability of the structure.

Nika's metal sleds are recommended for purchase as an inexpensive option for riding with slides for children over two years old.

Rich Toys Emi-3 LUXE make good products with a flip handle for use with children from a year on. As for the domestic analogues of such sleighs, the products of the company RT have good reviews. Sleds have a folding mechanism, adjustable backrest, spacious hood. Included is a clutch for hands and a bag for the necessary details.

German sleds KHW have proven themselves on the positive side, since they are made of lightweight and cold-resistant raw materials. In addition, some models have an integrated light module on the body.

Among the most sought-after brands are the Finnish ELKA Kickspark, ESLA Kid sled.

The service life of children's sleds depends on the technique and frequency of use, as well as care for them.

• In order to maximally prolong the operational life of the products for a long time, after each walk it is necessary to clean the case and runners from accumulated snow and dirt. In the winter, chemical reagents are present on the roads, which adversely affect the material from which the children's sleds are made.
• It is necessary to operate the sled only on snow, excluding their contact with asphalt, sand and other areas on the road. Failure to comply with these requirements will lead to the formation of rust and other more serious defects on the runners.
• It is necessary to cross the roadway with the sleds, taking them in hand with the child. If the baby already knows how to walk, it must be moved across the road by the hand. Such precautions will help to avoid contact of the runners with asphalt, as well as prevent accidents on the road.
• If the sled models are equipped with a high handle, you should not hang heavy bags on it, since there is a possibility that the sled will spread from the weight.
• The youngest passengers should wear seat belts.

Sleds are a useful vehicle for traveling with the child in the snow. Today, Russian models are not much inferior in quality and configuration to foreign analogues. As for the model range, the metal sledges, which are customary for all, have a slightly shifted center of gravity, focused on the position of the child on the seat. As a result, when the parent pulls them by the rope, the front end rises, and the back end is too buried in the snow, which complicates movement.

According to reviews of parents who have two children, it is most convenient to use a sleigh with a high pusher handle for their transportation. However, in this case, it is worthwhile to take into account the width and length of the seat in advance so that children in outerwear can freely sit in the sleigh. Ultramodern sleighs with wheels have extremely positive feedback from parents, as they demonstrate increased comfort during use.

In the next video you will find a review of the sledge strollers "Nika Diyam 7."