How to choose a stroller for a newborn

Congratulations! You will soon have a child or you have already become parents, which means that soon you need to start walking on the street (read more about walking with a baby on the street here). And now you are thinking about which stroller is better to choose. So, our article is just about how to choose a stroller for a child.

As a rule, a stroller is listed as the first item on the list of dowry for a child. However, the lack of experience makes the choice of "vehicle" difficult. And only when mom happens to lift the purchased stroller to the third floor herself, because she does not enter the elevator or literally drag it along in the snowy winter through the snowdrifts, all the shortcomings will be revealed. Therefore, the question “which stroller to choose for a child” should be given due attention.

When choosing a stroller for a newborn, it is important to remember that the baby cannot yet be in an upright position or sit for a long time (this is possible from 6 months), which means that a “lying” option is suitable for a newborn. A feature of strollers for newborns is a flat horizontal surface. If the surface has bumps or depressions (for example, this is observed in strollers with cradles), you need to lay a hard mattress.

"Transformer" (universal stroller) or "classic"?

Surely you have heard such terms as a “transformer” stroller (or a universal stroller) or a “classic” stroller. What are their differences and which one is better to choose? Let's figure it out.

Both options are good in their own way. "Transformer" (or universal stroller) from the "lying" option easily turns into a walking one - "sitting". At the same time, you can unfasten and remove everything superfluous, by this, by the way, making the stroller as light as possible, as well as attach the “missing” details. In such a model of an "SUV", the handle is thrown from one side to the other.

It will not be difficult for you to turn the stroller against the wind, turning the baby to face you or, conversely, to provide the child with a complete overview of the area. Stroller-"transformer", as they say, for all occasions. In addition, it is foldable and does not take up much space. So, the “transformer” stroller is perfect for you and will delight you with its versatility, but there are a few “buts”. This is a lot of weight and poor maneuverability, and also such a stroller is not very high and it will be difficult for tall parents to use it. The surface of the carrycot is uneven, but this can be easily corrected with a hard mattress.

Some people confuse the so-called "3 in 1" strollers with "transformers". But this is not the same thing, "3 in 1", rather, "classic". Its frame does not fold, but always remains in one position. You can simply take out the portable carrycot and replace it with a walking option, which is also a child seat for the car. The stroller does not change dimensions. It is quite bulky and it is not convenient to travel with it in transport. But it is taller and more maneuverable, these are pluses.

Heavy or light stroller?

An important issue will be the determination of the possible weight of the future stroller. If you do not have an elevator in your house or the stroller will not fit into the elevator, you will face many difficulties. In this case, it is recommended to take a lighter stroller. Otherwise, the presence of a large number of additional options will make the stroller simply unbearable for a woman. So, the now popular "transformers" are much heavier than the classic and "static" options.

A few important points to consider in order to choose the right baby stroller

What should be the size of the wheels?

Late autumn, winter and early spring are the most inconvenient times for walking with a stroller. Try to imagine how long and often you will be on the street with your baby, what roads your routes will take. If the roads along which the route runs are not cleaned well, they have a lot of potholes and potholes, then it is better to choose a stroller with large and reliable wheels. Otherwise, the wheels will get clogged with snow or get bogged down in slush and you, literally, will have to drag it along with you. In addition, there is more shaking from small wheels: they quickly become loose, creak and move apart in different directions.

Pay attention to the lateral distance between the wheels. It will not be superfluous if, when going to the store, you measure the width of the doorways in the apartment and the elevator, and then the distance between the wheels.

Also remember that in warm season more comfortable rubber tires. And in winter, tires can do a disservice, making it difficult to move through the snow. Thinner plastic wheels seem to cut through the snow and ride better.

By the way, the wheels can be changed (check this when buying a stroller).

Springs or springs?

Much more maneuverable strollers on springs or belts than on springs. It is easier to turn, tilt the stroller towards you at the entrance to curbs and other elevations.

With or without carrycot?

Strollers with a portable carrycot are much more convenient and practical. The cradle can be brought into the house and not wake the baby, it is also convenient to go with her to visit. Don't forget the hard mattress for the bassinet.

Why do I need a stroller?

For older kids, a stroller is needed, it is light and comfortable for walking in warm weather. How to choose a stroller? An ideal option is a stroller-cane. It folds up in one moment, takes up minimal space and does not weigh much. So getting on the bus if you have a stroller in one hand and a baby in the other is quite realistic. By the way, there are also winter options for a stroller-cane. Of course, they are not as warm as "transformers" or "3 in 1", but by dressing the child warmer, you can solve these nuances. But the stroller will be much easier.

Car seat

By the way, if you have a car, you can not buy a separate car seat. After all, the chair is included with the 3 in 1 stroller option. However, it should be noted that a good one has five points of attachment of straps to the seat, a steel base, soft finishes on the edges, wide, durable and soft straps. To the seat itself in the car, the chair must be fastened with car belts. Check if all this is in the chair from the 3 in 1 set.

And if you are thinking about which stroller to choose for the winter, we advise you to pay attention to the wheels (we wrote about this above). In any case, for winter walks with a newborn, we recommend buying an envelope so that the baby does not freeze in a stroller during the cold season. Feet are warm and comfortable in it.

The handles are also warm, as in a regular jacket. On the head - a hood, and for greater convenience - a zipper from top to bottom. Doctors advise to give preference to those envelopes that are made of environmentally friendly, warm and breathable sheepskin. Of course, if the child is not allergic to sheep's wool.