Comparison Valco Baby Snap 4 vs Valco Baby Snap

The number of points of support provided in the stroller — in other words, the number of individual wheels (single or twin) on which it rests. These strollers are currently in production:

— 3-wheel. These models usually have one wheel in the front and two wheels in the back. One of the advantages of this design is that even on an uneven surface, all wheels will have contact with the support, none of them will sag, and the stroller will stand stable without wobbling. In addition, 3-wheel models are lighter and cheaper than similar 4-wheel models. At the same time, they are worse to resist tipping on the side, and in general a little less reliable and durable. Therefore, such strollers are produced relatively few.

— 4-wheel. Traditional 4 wheels — two in front, two in the back. This design is more practical, reliable and resistant to tipping over than a 3-wheel one, which is why it is used in most modern strollers. However it is somewhat more expensive and heavier, but these points are generally outweighed by the benefits.

— 6-wheel. A variant found among strollers for twins, in which the seats are installed side by side. The traditional 4 wheels in such models are supplemented by two more wheels that are placed between the seats; these wheels provide additional support, preventing the structure from sagging unde...r the weight of the kids.

— 5-wheel. A very uncommon and specific variant, also found among strollers for twins. In fact, such models are a simplified version of the six-wheel ones described above: in the front of such a stroller there are three wheels (on the edges and in the middle), and only two wheels in the back (on the edges). This reduces weight and cost a bit, but it also reduces reliability, which is why 5-wheel models have not become widespread.

The ability to install a carrycot on the stroller — 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 strollers (see "Design"). Also, the replacement of the seat unit on the carrycot can be provided in pushchair models. In fact, such strollers are also universal – but they are not initially equipped with carrycots, and therefore belong to the category of pushchairs.

The main material from which the frame of the stroller is made.

— Aluminium. The material used in the vast majority of modern strollers of all price categories. This is due to a number of advantages: aluminium is light and at the same time durable, it does not rust and is not afraid of moisture, it lasts a long time, it looks nice, but it is relatively inexpensive — somewhat more expensive than steel, but noticeably cheaper than more advanced materials like carbon.

— Steel. Steel frames are as strong as aluminum frames, and they are much cheaper. On the other hand, they are quite heavy, so steel is used less often in strollers.

— Magnesium alloy. Premium Material: Stronger and more durable than aluminium, just as lightweight, but at a significantly higher cost. It is extremely rare, in single models of expensive strollers.

— Carbon. Another high-end material: carbon fiber filled with plastic. This combination gives excellent strength - comparable to steel — at a very low weight. However, carbon is very expensive, and these advantages are rarely decisive for strollers — in most cases simpler materials are enough. That is why carbon frames have not become widespread.

— Plastic. Plastic itself is easy to manufacture and relatively cheap; it is also not as cold to the hands in cool weather as aluminum or steel. However, modern strollers very rarely have frames made of this material. The fact is that low-cost varieties of...plastic are not strong enough for this; and high-quality varieties cost accordingly - their price is close to aluminum, or even higher.

— Fibreglass. In this context, "fibreglass" typically refers to glass fibers mixed with plastic filler. Unlike conventional window glass, glass fibers are flexible and strong. The plastic filler enhances durability by offering scratch and tear resistance. The result is a material that is lightweight and very strong. However, fibreglass is prone to brittleness, especially with point impacts, and is susceptible to abrasion. As a result, it isn't widely used in strollers.

A carry handle or strap makes it easy to transport or lift the stroller. Typically, the handle is located on the frame of the product and provides a convenient place to grip the stroller when folded. Similar tasks are assigned to the belt - with the only difference that with its help you can usually hang a load on your shoulder or behind your back, freeing your hands.

The presence of double wheels in the stroller — 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 strollers have single front wheels. This is mainly done to reduce the price and weight.

The diameter of the front wheels installed in the stroller.

At the same time, the front wheels are not as important for mobility as the rear wheels: for example, to overcome obstacles, the stroller is often lifted "on its toes" by tilting it towards itself, with only the rear wheels working. Therefore, the diameter of the front wheels may be noticeably smaller than the rear wheels. It should be noted here that the small size also has its advantages — the wheels are lighter.

Speaking of specific numbers, diameter up to 15 cm is considered very modest, 16 — 20 cm — small, 21 — 25 cm — medium, 26 — 30 cm is larger than average and more than 30 cm is large.

The diameter of the rear wheels installed in the stroller.

The larger the wheel — the better it overcomes obstacles and bumps, the more convenient it is to drive the stroller over mud, snow and other difficult surfaces. For the rear wheels these moments are most relevant: for example, when driving the stroller over obstacles, it is usually tilted towards itself, so that the front wheels are in the air, and the rear wheels have to overcome the obstacle. On the other hand, small wheels weigh less and are easier to move, they are better suited for flat surfaces. So choose a stroller on this indicator should take into account the roads on which it has to be driven. If you plan to move on flat floors, good asphalt and stroller ramps — it is worth choosing small wheels, up to 20 cm. For difficult terrain, driving on mud and snow, regular overcoming steps and curbs it makes sense to pay attention to wheels in 30 cm and larger. And the diameter of 20 — 30 cm is an average option — it is suitable if you have to ride mainly on flat surfaces, but occasionally there is a need to overcome obstacles.

The total weight of the assembled stroller. For universal models (see "Design"), this paragraph usually indicates the weight with the seat unit installed: such an accessory is used for a longer time than the carrycot, therefore its characteristics are considered the most important. In addition, the difference in weight between cradles and walking blocks usually does not exceed 700 – 800 g (there are exceptions, but quite rarely).

Comparing similar models, a lighter stroller may offer more convenience, but it often comes at the expense of reliability or a higher price compared to a relatively heavier counterpart. It's important to note that weight varies based on the stroller type (refer to "Design"). Heavier strollers provide stability, reducing the risk of tipping over. The lightest models, weighing less than 5 kg, refer to pushchairs and single-seat ones. Models in the 6 – 10 kg are also mostly pushchairs, including variations for twins. The 11 – 15 kg range is standard for universal strollers and transformers. Models weighing 16 – 20 kg are notably heavy, while those exceeding 20 kg are rare and found among high-end double-seat strollers.