How do we choose the right stroller for the little one?
One of the most important things you will buy and use for a long time is the stroller, so you need to document yourself well enough before choosing it to make sure that you are investing in a sustainable and useful model.
The main issues we took into account:
1. Safety
The stroller must be solid, there is no risk of tipping over no matter how the child moves in it;
The brake lock system should be quick and easy to use;
Five-point seat belts that prevent the child from slipping when applicable. (the five-point belt supports the baby above the shoulders, at the waist and between the legs, thus being protected no matter what happens);
The belts should be adjustable so that you can fasten them so that the child is comfortable;
It is good to choose a model of centers that does not close / open very easily, in order to avoid its handling by the child;
It should also be checked that the model of the chosen cart does not have corners or other very sharp parts in which the little one can hit or scratch.
2. Type of stroller
The sports stroller - is distinguished by the fact that it is very easy to handle, small, flexible and does not have a very heavy weight. It is designed for those who want to take it everywhere, as it is usually small in size when folded.
The 3-in-1 stroller - as the name suggests, is much more complex, consisting of a landau, shell and sports part. Basically, this model offers you a complete transport solution from birth to the age of three. You will use the landau very much in the first months, the shell is useful for transport in the car (no matter which model of stroller you opt for, you need a shell anyway). The sports part is perfect from the moment the child starts to sit. A 3-in-1 stroller is much more bulky compared to a sports or standard one.
Standard stroller - is designed more for short walks, often without accessories. This type of stroller is not very robust, which is why the shocks caused by the ground are not very well attenuated.
3. Stroller weight
Also note that as the child gets older, he weighs more and you need to be able to lift his weight plus the weight of the stroller.
You have to keep in mind that a light stroller is more maneuverable, easy to transport, to store, but it can also have a big disadvantage in terms of stability, there is, in many models, the risk of tipping over certain movements of the child. On the other hand, a solid stroller has a very high stability, but it will be even harder to transport and handle. Examine this carefully and choose the solution that works best for you, but don't forget that a good stroller is strong enough to be safe for babies, but not too heavy to handle.
4. Stroller wheels
There are parts of the road with unevenness almost everywhere, and in order not to shake the little one, you will have to analyze the wheels of the cart. It is essential that the wheels are strong and sturdy, on these depends the durability of the stroller as a whole, so you need to consider the size, material and number of the wheels.
Large wheels made of rubber or silicone have the role of damping shocks, some models being even equipped with suspensions. This way, the child will be able to sleep very well in the stroller, without being disturbed by the unevenness of the road. The only downside to larger wheelchairs is that they take up more space, otherwise they only have advantages.
5. Accessories
The basket below - you will often go shopping with the little one, so a stroller with a roomy basket underneath will bring you extra usefulness (storage capacity is expressed in kilograms).
Special bag for children's items, which have a fastening system directly on the stroller or on its handles
The cup and bottle holder is an accessory that may seem trivial at first, but later you will be convinced of its usefulness.
Stroller covers (cold weather cover, rain cover), parasol and insect net, which you can also buy separately if they are not included in the price of the stroller, but it would be best to buy them completely so that it fits perfectly.
Stroller covers should be made of the strongest material possible, as they will have to withstand repeated exposure to the sun and wind. The material must also allow air to circulate to avoid the risk of overheating for the child. Keep in mind that you will need to wash them regularly, so choose a model that does not have special cleaning conditions.
6. Handling
The stroller is an indispensable accessory that you will take with you wherever you go with the child, so you need a practical model that can be easily folded so that it can be put in the car.
Choose a model that has several folding steps, so the child can sit comfortably at any time, even if he wants to sit on his back or wants to sleep. Beyond the upper body, the position of the legs is also important, it is recommended that they do not hang. The footrest must also offer the possibility of folding or adjusting depending on the height.
Pay close attention to the quality of the handle, for a better grip and comfort when handling you will have to choose a trolley with a handle that is fully or partially lined. Ideally, the handle should be height-adjustable so that it can be easily adjusted according to the height of the handle.
7. Stroller folding method
The way it folds is also a factor to consider when choosing a stroller, especially if you have a limited space at home or you will need to put it in the trunk of the car quite often. There are stroller with a hand-folding, umbrella or book-type folding system.
So when choosing a stroller, everyone should consider the most important criteria from their point of view and keep in mind that each parent has a different lifestyle. Some prefer to travel more, others, on the contrary, feel scared by too long walks. Some live in a house, others in an apartment, with less storage space. The selection criteria for the stroller must be customized according to each person's lifestyle.
What we chose
After searching and intense documentation we decided to buy a Britax Romer B-Motion 4 plus (link).
Characteristics:
Detachable CLICK & GO® shell or landau receivers
Lightweight frame
Easy folding - one-handed pull, automatic folding locking system, stand-alone when folded and compact in size when folded
Horizontal stretching
Adjustable back and leg support in multiple positions
Wheels - quick release, with light weight that can't be drilled
Upper rear suspension
Height-adjustable handle lined with soft material
Protective design - large extendable canopy, which can be used for any type of weather, for rain or as a sun visor with sun protection of 50+
Protective foot cover for wind or bad weather (removable)
Storage - a spacious back pocket and a basket under the seat
And I bought another trolley from Jumbo, we used it exclusively at sea on the sand and a few times in the country side (sleeping and feeding in it) we gave around 150 Ron.
XOXO
Bebe P & Mami R
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