Folding system
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Book folding system. In pushchairs, this system involves connecting frame parts along a common axis, resembling closing book pages when folded. Despite being somewhat more complex and heavier than umbrella pushchairs, book system offer versatility, suitable for various pushchair types. They work well with both walking seat units and carrycots, accommodate different handle types easily, and significantly reduce height when folded, unlike umbrella structures.
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Umbrella folding system. In the unfolded position, the frame of a pushchair, with its umbrella mechanism, appears as a front wheel support inclined backward, extending to a top handle, and a rear wheel support attached to it, standing vertically. During folding, the rear support pivots at the attachment point and aligns with the front support. Unlike book folding system, the front support remains rigid and doesn't fold independently. Umbrella pushchairs got their name from the handle — which is curved, like an umbrella handle.
The advantages of this type of mechanism are low weight, low cost and quick unfolding/folding. On the other hand, the umbrella structure is not well suited for carrycots, which is why it is used mainly in pushchairs and individual universal models. In addition, curved handles are somewhat less convenient than solid handles (the latter are also found in similar designs, but much less frequently).
Adjustable footrest
The ability
to adjust the position of the footrest, on which the legs of the baby in the pushchair rest.
A similar ability is found in some pushchairs, transformers and pushchairs of universal pushchairs (see "Design"). The footrest itself is an inclined surface attached to the front edge of the seat. Adjustable footrests are those in which the angle of inclination can be adjusted; in many models, this footrest can even be set horizontally. This makes it possible to choose the most comfortable position for the baby's legs in different situations.
Fastening in the direction/against the movement
In strollers with this function, the seat unit can be fixed in one of
two positions, to choose from: facing the parent (against the direction of movement) or facing away from the parent (in the direction of movement). Each option has its advantages: in the first case, the baby can see a familiar face and is less nervous, and when located in the direction of movement, it is more convenient for him/her to view the world around him/her.
Crotch strap
The presence of a separate
crotch strap in the design of the stroller. Only pushchairs with a bumper (see above) are equipped with such a strap: it is located vertically between the legs of a seated kid, preventing him/her from falling out by slipping under the bumper. In general, this design is similar in purpose to
three-point harnesses (see “Harness type”), however, in a stroller with a bumper and crotch strap, the child is usually less crowded. You should pay attention to the presence of this function when buying pushchairs.
Carrycot installation
The ability
to install a carrycot on the pushchair — a characteristic basket in which the baby can lie comfortably.
Carrycots are used mainly for very young kids (up to 6 – 8 months), who can not yet sit normally in seat units. And the possibility of installing such an accessory by definition is available in all universal pushchairs (see "Design"). Also, the replacement of the seat unit on the carrycot can be provided in pushchair models. In fact, such pushchairs are also universal – but they are not initially equipped with carrycots, and therefore belong to the category of pushchairs.
Car seat installation
The possibility
of installing a child car seat on the chassis of the stroller. This feature can be very useful on car trips: the car seat can be used both in the car and as a seat unit for a stroller, and the main seat unit can be left at home so that it does not take up space in the boot. Note that some models with this function are initially equipped with a suitable car seat; if it is purchased separately, you should pay special attention to compatibility with your stroller.
Handle type
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Classic. U-shaped handle (or similar), which is a kind of frame. It is slightly less comfortable to hold with two hands than a double handle, but can be comfortably held with one hand.
— Double.
A pair of separate handles without a bridge between them. The handles themselves are usually curved so that the parent's hands resting on them are in the best, most comfortable position. At the same time, double handles should preferably be held with two hands; it is much more difficult to handle them with one hand than with a classic handle. In addition, it should be noted that this option is considered the most suitable for pushchairs (see "Design"), while for pushchairs with a carrycot it is not very suitable.
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Universal. A design that is a combination of the classic and double handle described above. This allows the parent to choose the option depending on the situation: for example, it is more convenient to hold the stroller with two hands by the "horns", and if one hand needs to be free - you can take the single (classic) handle. At the same time, such a choice is not really necessary for everyone, and universal handles are more complicated and expensive than specialized ones, so they are much less common.
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Round. The handlebar can have a different design: in some models it is an oval loop mounted on a long
...bar, in others it is a kind of "steering wheel" on a frame above the hood. Whatever the case, in some models such a handle is a round: it is directly connected to the front wheels, and when you turn the handle, the wheels turn to one side or the other. This noticeably improves maneuverability, but complicates the design and increases its price. However, there are also simpler designs, where the round handlebar differs from the classic handles only in shape. All these nuances should be specified for each model separately.Handle height adjustment
Possibility
to adjust the stroller handle in height. This function allows you to optimally adjust the length of the handle to the height of the parent. It will be especially useful if the parents are of different heights, and each of them regularly carries a stroller.
Typically, height adjustment is carried out by lowering or raising the upper segment of the handle, and in advanced implementations
a telescopic mechanism is responsible for it. The retractable handle makes the stroller more adaptable to different situations and conditions. For example, it can be lengthened for more comfortable walking or shortened for ease of use in tight spaces.
Double wheels
The presence of
double wheels in the pushchair — when two wheels are installed instead
of one, at a small distance from one another. This somewhat increases the weight and cost, but improves stability, and also has a positive effect on the reliability of the design and patency.
Note that all wheels are not necessarily double wheels - for example, some pushchairs have single front wheels. This is mainly done to reduce the price and weight.