Comparison pushchairs

General design of the pushchair.

In addition to traditional varieties — classic models (with a carrycot) and pushchairs (with a seat) — nowadays you can also find universal pushchairs, which are 2 in 1 and 3 in 1, transformers and pushchairs for sports purposes. Here is a more detailed description of each variety:

— Pushchairs. Pushchairs designed for the sitting position of the kid. The seat for the baby in such pushchairs is called a seat unit; in fact, it is a seat of a special design. In some models, this seat can tilt almost horizontally, which gives the little passenger the opportunity to take a nap. Nevertheless, all pushchairs are intended for more or less grown-up kids who are able to sit up independently — that is, not younger than 6 — 8 months.
Also note that in this category there are the possibility of installing a carrycot. In fact, such models are universal (see below); but if the carrycot is not initially included in the delivery, it is customary to classify the pushchair as a pushchair.

— Jogging. A type of pushchairs (see above) designed for parents who value an active lifestyle: a jogging pushchair can be used not only when walking quietly, but also when jogging. Such pushchairs are usu...ally equipped with three wheels of rather large diameter, and also have a large width of the chassis (see below); all this gives additional stability and passability, including on uneven roads. In addition, the design may include specific features for added comfort and safety, such as a strap that fixes the parent's hand on the pushchair handle or an additional brake that activates when the pushchair is released from the hands.

— Universal. Pushchairs often come with at least two (or even three) interchangeable units: a lying carrycot for infants, a seat unit for older babies, and sometimes a Group 0+ car seat. Parents can choose which unit to use on the chassis. This option provides convenience throughout the baby's pushchair years, starting with the carrycot for the first 6-8 months and transitioning to the seat unit. However, these universal pushchairs are pricier and less space-efficient than transformers with similar capabilities. On the flip side, separate carrycots and seat units are more convenient and reliable.
It is worth taking into account that some universal models can be supplied in alternative options — for example, " carrycot + car seat". So, when buying such a pushchair, it does not hurt to specify the set of accessories supplied with it.

— Pushchair-transformer. Transforming pushchairs allow the seat to convert seamlessly from a carrycot to a seat unit and vice versa, offering the same versatility as universal models. Unlike universal pushchairs, transformers don't require rearranging the main unit for this reconfiguration, providing several advantages. Firstly, the main block's format can be changed anytime, even on the go, without the need for separate seat units or carrycots. Secondly, the integrated carrycot takes up less storage space compared to two separate units.

— Classic. Pushchairs that are equipped with carrycots only; some also allow the installation of a seat unit, as in universal models, but if such a unit is not included in the kit, the pushchair is considered a classic. Recall that carrycots are intended mainly for children under 6 – 8 months old, who are not yet able to sit normally in the seat unit; in other words, this type of pushchair is suitable mainly for the smallest kids. That is why the "classic" nowadays is not particularly popular.

The type of pushchair is indicated by the number of seats in it.

— Single. The traditional, most popular option is a pushchair for one kid. Some of these models allow the installation of an additional second seat unit (see below), which turns them into doubles; however, by default, even in such a pushchair there is only one place.

— For twins. Pushchairs with two seats in which you can seat twins (or just two kids of the same age and physique). Seats in such pushchairs can be located either side by side or one behind the other, in the latter case they can be installed at different heights.

— For triplets. Pushchairs with three seats — for triplets or three kids of the same age. It is very rare to have triplets at once, so there are few pushchairs of this type. The seats for the kids in them are usually arranged as follows: two side by side and one separately, in front of or behind them.

— 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.

— 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).

The ability to adjust the tilt between the seat and the backrest of the stroller. This helps to find the most comfortable position for the baby and adjust the seat to different situations: for example, at the end of a long walk, the backrest can be tilted back for a tired baby to take a nap.

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.

Pushchairs in which the handle can be moved from one side to the other — in other words, put it at both the rear and front wheels. Simply put, the reversible handle makes it possible to carry the baby both forward-facing and parent-facing. Such an opportunity can be provided both due to the swivel fastening of the handle, and due to the fact that the handle is made removable.

This function is useful in light of the fact that the optimum handle position will also be different for various formats of use of the stroller. Thus, when the child is awake sitting in the seat unit, it is best to push the stroller forward, so that the little passenger can freely see the world around him/her. And when a small passenger sleeps on the unfolded seat - it is best to turn the stroller facing the parent; the same position is standard for the carrycot. In addition, the reversible handle can be useful in some daily situations: for example, to go down a steep hill, it is better to turn the stroller back to front, and the easiest way to do this is to use the reversible handle.

It is worth taking into account that when you reverse the handle, the front and rear wheels change places, and a long movement "backwards" can be uncomfortable. In some models this moment is compensated by automatic switching of wheels: when you change the position of the handle, the wheels also change (the front wheels are fixed straight, and the rear wheels are unlock...ed, turning into swivel wheels). However, the availability of this function should be specified separately.

A feature used in walking seat units where the child is sitting. The bumper bar is a horizontal handrail installed in front of the baby seat. The child can hold on to such a handrail; in addition, such a device reduces the risk of falling out of the stroller, and for additional security, the bumper bar can be supplemented with a crotch strap (see below). To make the stroller more convenient to store, transport and clean, the bumper bar is often made removable; in some models, it also serves as a carrying handle (see above).

A window made of transparent or translucent material, built into the hood that covers the cradle or seating unit. In the version with a walking block, the viewing window is usually located so that the parent can see the baby directly while moving, without being distracted from controlling the stroller. In cradles, the parent can see the child through a window by approaching the stroller from the side of the hood (that is, on the opposite side of the handle); implementations with a window in the front hemisphere of the hood are less common. In addition, a baby lying in a cradle can usually see the outside world through the window (primarily the sky above the stroller). The viewing window can be made in the form of oilcloth or a mesh mosquito net, through the holes of which air freely penetrates, but insects and small debris raised by the wind are retained.

Type of seat harnesses provided in the pushchair.

— Two-point. A simple harnesses that strap the seated baby around the waist. A rather inexpensive and at the same time quite practical solution. The main disadvantage of the two-point harness is that the baby can slip under it and fall out of the pushchair; however, to avoid this, many models include a bumper bar (see above) as well as a crotch pad — a protective partition between the seat and the bumper.

— Three-point. Three-point harnesses typically consist of two straps running over the shoulders from top to bottom, and one strap running from the bottom to the top, between the legs. The central fastener is commonly positioned at the abdomen. These systems are both straightforward and more dependable compared to point-to-point systems.

— Five-point. The most reliable and safe type of harnesses in contemporary pushchairs are the five-point systems. These include the three-point harnesses described earlier, with the addition of two waist harnesses, significantly minimizing the risk of a baby slipping out. However, five-point systems are more complex and may be challenging to use, and a fussy baby may not appreciate the multitude of harnesses.