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.
Viewing window
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.
Harness type
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.
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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.
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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.
Depreciation
The depreciation theme is designed to absorb shocks and bumps from uneven road surfaces. The most popular nowadays are models with
spring systems; you can also meet the shock absorption of the
articulated and
double types, and in quite a large number of pushchairs this function is absent at all. Here are the main features of each option:
— Spring type. Depreciation systems based on classical springs mounted on individual wheels. They are used in all types of pushchairs except classic pushchairs (see "Design"). The simplest models use a single set of springs, while more advanced models may include additional comfort features such as SAS shock/vibration absorption technology. Whatever the case, depreciation systems of this type are simple yet practical, efficient and reliable.
— Articulated type. The type of depreciation used in pushchairs with carrycots - classic, universal, transformers. The frame, on which the carrycot or seat unit is installed, in such models is attached to the base of the pushchair with the help of special bridges, which play the role of depreciation. As bridges can be used belt hinges, such systems can also refer to the articulated. Anyway, this type of depreciation is excellent for carrycots. First of all, the pushchair is as smooth and soft as possible, which contributes to the comfort and deep sleep of the child (and the parent to
...drive the pushchair is much easier, especially on uneven surfaces). Secondly, the carrycot on such a pushchair can be rocked back and forth, lulling the baby. On the other hand, such systems are poorly suited for pushchair frames with swivel front wheels; and the failure of one absorber leads to tilting of the carrycot.
— Double. This term most often refers to the spring systems described above with additional shock absorbers on the frame of the pushchair. Such systems help to maximize vibration reduction and can approach articulated systems in terms of efficiency (see above). On the other hand, the softness of the suspension can be inconvenient when overcoming curbs and other bumps: to raise the front wheels of the pushchair, you have to press hard on the handle.
— Is absent. Pushchairs without depreciation are not suitable for uneven surfaces: in such conditions, the pushchair will be shaken violently, which creates both discomfort for the baby and inconvenience for the parent. On the other hand, such models have advantages over pushchairs with depreciation. First, due to the lack of unnecessary parts, they are much cheaper, and the design itself is as simple as possible and at the same time reliable. Secondly, without depreciation, it is easier to overcome curbs and other obstacles: to raise the front wheels, it is enough to push a small pressure on the handle. Thirdly, such pushchairs rock less on smooth, wave-like uneven surfaces.Number of wheels
The number of points of support provided in the pushchair — in other words, the number of individual wheels (single or twin) on which it rests. These pushchairs are currently in production:
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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 pushchair 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 pushchairs are produced relatively few.
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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 pushchairs. However it is somewhat more expensive and heavier, but these points are generally outweighed by the benefits.
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6-wheel. A variant found among pushchairs
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 saggin
...g under the weight of the kids.
— 5-wheel. A very uncommon and specific variant, also found among pushchairs for twins. In fact, such models are a simplified version of the six-wheel ones described above: in the front of such a pushchair 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.Frame material
The main material from which the frame of the pushchair is made.
— Aluminium. The material used in the vast majority of modern pushchairs 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 aluminium frames, and they are much cheaper. On the other hand, they are quite heavy, so steel is used less often in pushchairs.
— 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 pushchairs.
— 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 pushchairs — 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 aluminium or steel. However, modern pushchairs very rarely have frames made of this material. The fact is that low-cost vari...eties of plastic are not strong enough for this; and high-quality varieties cost accordingly - their price is close to aluminium, 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 pushchairs.
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.
Front wheels diameter
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.
Rear wheels diameter
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.