Comparison Chicco Miinimo 2 vs Chicco Lite Way 3 Top

— Book folding system. In strollers, 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 strollers, book system offer versatility, suitable for various stroller 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 stroller, 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 strollers 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 strollers 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).

— 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 strollers with a carrycot it is not very suitable.

— 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.

— Round. The handlebar can have a different design: in some models it is an oval loop mounted on a long b...ar, 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.

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.

Strollers in which the rear wheels are mounted on completely separate stands, without any additional bridge between them.

The main advantage of rear wheels without an axle is that the legs of the parent following the stroller do not touch the bridge between the wheels. In addition, this feature slightly increases the mobility (allows the stroller to pass between the wheels lying on the road objects, without clinging to them with the axle).

The type of wheels installed on the stroller.

The most popular in our time are rubber wheels, including air-filled ones. Plastic wheels are used mainly in inexpensive strollers to further reduce the cost, while gel ones, on the contrary, are considered a very advanced option. Polyurethane wheels and EVA foam-filled wheels are also widely used. Here is a more detailed description of each of these varieties:

— Rubber. Rubber solid tires, found in many modern strollers, are popular due to their affordability, quiet operation, and smooth ride over bumps. While less effective on uneven surfaces compared to air-filled and gel wheels, solid rubber tires are cost-effective, low-maintenance, damage-resistant, and suitable for various wheel diameters, including small ones.

— Air-filled. Air-filled rubber tires, commonly featured on strollers, offer a softer ride and facilitate easy maneuvering on uneven surfaces and high curbs. Despite their higher cost, they require periodic maintenance to ensure proper pressure and protection against cuts or punctures. However, users find air-filled wheels manageable, as they are thick and less prone to damage.

— Plastic. Plastic wheels, commonly featuring both tire and rim made from this material (though s...ome have metal rims), are known for their simplicity and affordability. However, they lack durability, reliability, and effective vibration dampening due to their hardness. Typically found in low-cost strollers with small wheels designed for flat surfaces.

— Gel. Wheels similar in design to air-filled tires (see the relevant paragraph), but filled not with air, but with a special gel. The main advantage of this option is its insensitivity to small punctures and cuts: coming out, the gel in the tire in contact with air almost instantly solidifies, effectively sealing the damage. In addition, such wheels are virtually maintenance-free — they do not need to be inflated. The disadvantages of gel tires include high cost and somewhat higher rigidity than air-filled tires (although in terms of softness of running such wheels are still noticeably superior to rubber and even more so to plastic ones).

— Polyurethane. Solid polyurethane tires offer excellent maneuverability, shock absorption, puncture resistance, and durability. They are unaffected by extreme temperature changes and are cost-effective, making them a common choice for various stroller types.

— EVA. Wheels made of microporous foam rubber, specifically EVA material, offer high elasticity, excellent cushioning, and wear resistance. Lightweight and puncture-resistant, these wheels provide a smooth stroller ride. However, they may stiffen in cold winter weather.

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.

— Seat unit. A seat unit serves as the child's sitting area, suitable for use from 6 – 8 months onward when the child transitions from lying in a carrycot to sitting comfortably. All stroller types feature seat units (see "Design"), except for classic and transformer models. Classic strollers inherently use a carrycot, while transformers use a unique device known as a "carrycot-transformer" (see below).

— Carrycot. A traditional carrycot is a basket with high sides in which the child is lying down. Such baskets are intended for children in the first months of life - usually up to 8 months, no more; from an older age it makes sense to use a seat unit (see above). Carrycots are used in all types of strollers, except for pushchairs and transformers (see "Design") - the first type is completed only with seat units, the second uses the so-called " carrycot-transformers" (see below). A special kind of traditional carrycots are carrying carrycots (they are also described below).

— Carrying carrycot. A variation of the carrycot (see above) designed to be easily carried separately from the stroller. To do this, the design provides an appropriate handle. At the same time, not every carrycot that has a carrying handle (see above) belongs to this category of accessories: "carrying" are called only those carrycots that initially allow long-term carrying in the hands and...have various design features that facilitate such transportation.

— Carrycot-transformer. In fact, it is a carrycot, which, if necessary, can be turned into a seat unit for a child who can sit up.

— Car seat. A specialized seat designed for the safe transportation of small children in cars is essential for compliance with safety regulations in many countries. Car seats are typically provided with strollers for babies up to 12 months and weighing up to 13 kg. However, a separate seat for older babies must be purchased. Before buying, it's important to check the specifications of the car seat, particularly the method of attaching it to the car.

— Foot cover. A cover designed to protect a child's legs in a stroller from wind, cold and bad weather. While blankets or improvised solutions can be used for the same goal, complete covers offer more convenience as they securely attach to the stroller and stay in place during movement. Additionally, if needed, a blanket can be placed inside the cover for extra warmth. It's worth noting that many strollers, lacking this accessory, allow for separate purchase. This accessory is primarily used with seat units, whereas carrycots rely on a leg-area canopy with a similar function, though it's not classified as a cover.

— Rain cover. A waterproof cover that protects the child in the stroller from rain, snow and strong winds. Usually such a cover is made of transparent material or has transparent inserts — so that the baby can see the world around, and the parent can follow the baby. Rain covers for strollers are also sold separately, but if such an accessory is included in the kit, you do not have to worry about compatibility.

— Mosquito net. Mesh with small cells, which can cover a child sitting in a stroller. The cells allow air to pass through, but trap mosquitoes, midges and other harmful insects, as well as small debris raised by the wind; such protection is especially useful during evening walks in the warm season, as well as when going out in the countryside.

— Bag / backpack for things. A separate bag that is usually hung on the handle of the stroller. In such a bag you can keep various useful small things that need quick access: food, toys and hygiene items for the baby, parent's documents, etc. In most cases, the bag is removable, which provides additional convenience. Note that for some models, initially not equipped with a bag, such an accessory can be purchased separately. And some models are equipped with a backpack — a more convenient option for use.

— Shopping compartment. A device in the form of a basket or container installed at the bottom of the stroller - under the cradle or seat unit. This compartment is convenient for storing purchases and other things that do not require quick access while walking. At the same time, larger and heavier items are placed in the basket/container than in a bag for things (see above); and the low position improves the stability of the stroller. The shopping compartment can be either open or closed. The first option is found everywhere, the second - mainly in elite models (and such strollers can be supplied with two baskets: open and closed, or in different colors). The capacity of a closed compartment is often smaller, but the contents in it are securely hidden from prying prying eyes and protected from dust, dirt and moisture. Compartments for purchases are made from a wide variety of materials: plastic, metal mesh, fabric, etc. Soft materials are generally lighter, but less durable, hard ones are reliable, but can interfere when overcoming curbs and other obstacles.

— Cup holder. A stand on the parental handle to hold a glass or bottle with a drink - for example, milk for the baby or water for the parent.

— Hand strap. Strap on the handle of the stroller, which the parent can put on his hand. This reduces the risk of dropping the stroller: the strap is likely to keep it close to the parent, even if the arms are fully unclenched.

— Hand muff. An accessory that can come in handy when strolling in the cold season. The muff is attached to the handle of the stroller; if desired, you can hide your hands in it so that they do not freeze in the cold. At the same time, the design of the muff is such that it does not interfere with fully holding the handle and driving the stroller.

— Cover for stroller. A protective cover designed for storing and transporting a stroller during non-use hours is typically made from soft materials. It primarily protects the structure from dirt, direct sunlight, and moisture to some extent. While it offers symbolic protection against mechanical damage, more substantial safeguarding would require a case made of rigid materials. However, the need for such intensive protection is rare in practice. Soft covers are favored for their lightweight nature and minimal storage space when folded, making them the most popular choice for strollers. Overall, a complete cover tends to be more convenient, practical, and reliable compared to makeshift packaging.

Exceeding the recommended weight limit for strollers, though not immediately harmful, can eventually lead to breakdowns. Most universal strollers are designed for a 15 kg weight limit, suitable for a three-year-old kid. However, there are also more heavy duty strollers available, considering the varying weights of children and operating conditions.