How important is the choice of a stroller?

The stroller is one of the first and most important purchases that you should make as soon as the child is born. Therefore, when the time comes to choose and buy the right children's vehicle, you should be fully aware of what you are looking for.

Criteria for choosing a stroller

Type

The strollers that are available in the commercial network are basically several types:

Combined / standard

This type of stroller is one of the most popular because it is multifunctional. Modern combined vehicles are quite maneuverable, comes in different shapes and sizes and are easy to drive on almost any terrain. Most models can be transformed from a baby basket into a seat or carrying basket.

This allows the stroller to be used for a much longer period of time without any problem. The combined strollers have large, comfortable tires, good shock absorbers, a deep basket, luggage storage space and all the extras you can think of. The downside is that they are a little heavier than some other types of strollers and are uncomfortable if you use public transport regularly.

Popular brands of combined strollers:

• Zizito
• Chipolino
• Graco
• Hauck
• Kikkaboo
• Peg Perego
• Britax and others

Folding type "umbrella"

Folding types of strollers are designed for children who can by themselves stand alone. The models are cheap, quite light, very maneuverable and can fold and unfold with just one hand.

If you stop by this type of stroller, be sure to pay attention to whether the model you have chosen has a 3 or 5-point seat belt. It is also good to have a footrest, a sunsade, a luggage bag and a basket.

The stroller must also have a function that allows it to be placed in different positions. The disadvantage of this type of vehicle for children is that their tires are small and made of plastic, which makes them less maneuverable and not very comfortable to push, especially on poorly made sidewalks in our country. Their other main disadvantage, apart from the small wheels, is that most models do not have good suspension and shock absorbers.

Brands that offer strollers in excellent quality:

• Hauck
• Zizito
• Cam
• Cybex
• Chipolino
• Graco
• ABC Design and others

Jogging strollers

As their name suggests, this type of stroller is designed for children whose mom or dad runs regularly and while doing so they want their children to be with them. Usually this type of children's vehicle has one wheel at the front and two at the rear. Their tires are large rubber and filled with air, which allows the stroller to move faster than other types.

They have very good shock absorbers to reduce vibrations from the road and brakes that are activated by foot. The new models of jogging strollers also have a system for locking the front wheel.

All strollers of this type are well secured and have a 3 or 5 - point locking system, which ensures the safety of the child during jogging. In addition, they have all the necessary additional accessories that can provide the necessary comfort for the little ones.

This type of stroller is ideal for long trips on uneven terrain or in the park, but because it is heavier and bulky they are not suitable if you use public transport often. It will be difficult to maneuver with them on the streets or in crowded shops.

Popular brands of jogging strollers:

• Chipolino
• Peg Perego
• Britax
• Zizito
• Graco
• Cam

Age of the child

Newborn

For babies and children up to 6 - 8 months, who still can not stand alone, a suitable choice are the combined strollers. This type of baby vehicle has a deep and comfortable basket in which the baby can lie comfortably without straining the muscles of the neck and shoulders.

Over a year

For children who are already standing and completely alone, all types of strollers are suitable. In this case, it depends only on what type, brand and model you will choose.

Lifestyle

Consider your lifestyle and where you will use the stroller most often. For example, if you take daily walks on the streets of the city or in the mall, then you will be very comfortable with a lighter, slightly bulky and well-maneuverable stroller.

If you are going to walk in the park or on uneven terrain, then a stroller with larger tires and good shock absorbers would be a good choice. If you often travel by car, then the stroller that will be most comfortable for you is the standard 3 in 1 stroller, which you can quickly transform into a car seat.

Price

Currently, the retail network offers a diverse range of models and brands of strollers, and their prices range from less than BGN 100 to several thousand. That's why it's a good idea to set a budget that you can afford before spending on a model and brand.

Our advice is not to get an extremely cheap stoller, but also not to try to buy the most expensive model and brand possible. Choose a children's vehicle from the middle price range, but from a brand that you know and that you are sure offers children's products with high quality and reliability.

What to pay special attention to?

Certificate

Check the stroller model you like for a sticker that shows that the product has been tested and certified as safe and of good quality. This is very important because you will be driving your child in it every day and you must be absolutely sure that the product has successfully passed all the mandatory tests and has a CE certificate.

Wheels

Here, as just mentioned, you can choose whether the stroller has large wheels filled with air or smaller, plastic wheels. The decision is yours, but to make the right choice you should not forget that the big wheels are more comfortable for long walks on uneven terrain, while the small wheels of strollers are preferred for city walks and shopping.

Shock absorbers

Regardless of the stroller model, it must have very good shock absorbers that absorb vibrations from the road and provide the child with the necessary comfort.

Brakes

The best option is for the stroller to have brakes that lock both wheels at the same time. This way it will remain still and stable and there is no danger if you stop for a moment and distract yourself from going alone.

Frame

It would be good if your preferred stroller has a strong, stable, but if possible light frame. If it is lighter, it will be much easier to drive and even lift the stroller when necessary.

Currently, frames made of aluminum are very relevant, as they are both strong, stable and light.

Storage basket under the cart

It will be very useful when you go for a walk with a baby. So, do not forget to pay attention to the stroller on which you stopped if there is such a basket and how deep it is.

Telescopic handles

The comfortable handles of the stroller will relieve the load on your hands, and if they are telescopic you will be able to adjust them in a way that is comfortable for you personally.

Accessories

Modern stroller models have additional accessories such as a luggage / clothes bag, cup and bottle holders, sunshades, rain covers and much more. When choosing a stroller for your child, you only need to consider what accessories you need and buy a model that offers them.

If the model does not have all the necessary accessories, request for them at the store and buy them additionally.

Matter

Babies and young children get extremely dirty and only a few days after you buy the stroller you will notice that there are already food stains, fingerprints from greasy hands and what not. In order to keep your child's vehicle always clean, pay special attention to the material.

Choose a fabric that can be easily cleaned. It is easier and better if all the upholstery can be removed and washed in the washing machine.