How to choose the perfect pram: Tips and advice

If you live in a building with an elevator, before purchasing a stroller, measure the width at the narrowest point (between the doors) as well as the length. There have been cases where strollers purchased by parents didn't fit through the elevator doors.

You should perform the same measurements with the stroller in the store. The width of the stroller is measured from the wheels. Don't believe salespeople who claim that a particular stroller will fit in every elevator in the world—they are just trying to make a sale.

What Types of Strollers Are There?

Classic Strollers with a Bassinet

This is the most common type of stroller, suitable for children up to 8 months old, as babies primarily sleep in them. However, some more active babies may need to transition to a stroller earlier because they try to climb out of the bassinet.

"Two-in-One" Strollers

These include both a bassinet and a stroller seat option in one set.

"Three-in-One" Strollers

This set includes a bassinet, a stroller seat option, and a 0+ category car seat.

Transformer Strollers

These are strollers where the sleeping area can be converted into a sitting seat for walks.

Strollers for Walking

Designed for children who can sit up on their own.

Requirements for Strollers for Children Aged 0 to 8 Months

The stroller should be lightweight. After pregnancy and childbirth, a mother's body is weakened, so pushing a heavy stroller can be very difficult. Despite the weight indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer, the stroller might feel heavier or lighter in practice. Before purchasing, try pushing the stroller and lifting it as if you were trying to mount a curb. This will give you a better idea of how easy the stroller is to handle. Often, the stroller may seem light at first, but once the baby is inside, the mother may struggle to manage it. In the store, you can place something heavy, like a bag, inside the stroller to simulate the weight of a baby with clothes.

The stroller should be spacious. The bassinet should be wide and deep enough to comfortably accommodate a baby in winter clothing. Depth is also important—the deeper, the better.

The stroller should have large wheels to ensure better maneuverability. Small wheels make it difficult to mount curbs.

The wheels can be inflatable or standard. Inflatable wheels provide a smoother ride, but if you live in typical city conditions, the difference isn't significant. Inflatable wheels have a major downside: they can burst if they hit a sharp object, and you might need a specialist to repair them. Additionally, inflatable wheels require periodic pumping.

For safety, the stroller should have a sturdy frame. A safe frame is what lies beneath the fabric-covered structure of the stroller. It should provide good ventilation.

The material of the stroller should be durable and easy to clean. Some strollers are covered with cotton fabric, which isn't practical because it's difficult to clean. It's also worth noting that blue fabric fades in the sun more than other colors, and light-colored strollers get dirty quickly.

Adjustable handle. The handle should be adjustable in height. This is very practical because it allows any family member to comfortably use the stroller. An adjustable handle also makes the stroller more compact and easier to fit into small elevators.

It's good if the stroller has a large basket or pocket for storing items and groceries. The basket under the stroller should be sturdy and, ideally, deep. It's also very convenient if the stroller comes with a bag that attaches to the handle. If the stroller doesn't include such a bag, we recommend purchasing one.

The inner lining should be easily removable. The lining should be made of cotton fabric, or even better, knit fabric, which is easy to remove and wash. A baby would appreciate a lining with patterns to look at during walks.

If you travel a lot, choose a stroller that is easy to fold and fit into a car.

The stroller should have good suspension.

The brake system should ideally be unified, not separate for each wheel, and located between the wheels.

Which Is Better to Choose: a Bassinet, "Two-in-One," or Transformer?

This is a question that almost all parents ask themselves. Of course, you will have your own opinion.

Many mothers prefer the "bassinet" option.

The first impression is that the "Two-in-One" is a good economical option, but in practice, they turn out to be inconvenient. The stroller seat is placed high, making it difficult for the child to climb in on their own. These strollers are much heavier and less maneuverable than regular strollers designed for walking. It's also harder to monitor a growing child, increasing the risk of the child falling out. There have been cases where children have fallen out and seriously injured themselves due to the high seating position. That's why owners of "Two-in-One" strollers often end up buying a regular stroller afterward.

As for "Transformer" strollers, they are heavier, the bassinet lacks firm sides, allowing the wind to blow through, and parents often have to buy an additional stroller for walking. Thus, the expenses for a Transformer stroller do not justify themselves. These strollers require a bassinet insert for winter, but once the insert is added, there's very little room left for the child.

Three-Wheeled Strollers

Three-wheeled strollers are designed for those who love something unusual or extravagant.

They aren't as practical as traditional models but attract attention.

Three-Wheeled Strollers Can Be:

• Universal – a bassinet, stroller seat, or car seat can be attached to the frame as needed.
• Transformers – suitable for children from 0 to 3 years old.
• Walking Strollers – with an adjustable backrest.

Consider the Following When Choosing a Three-Wheeled Stroller:

• The stroller might move sideways. Strollers with a fixed front wheel lack maneuverability, although they are relatively cheap.
• It's better to choose a stroller with a swiveling front wheel. If needed, the wheel can be locked or left free to rotate.
• All three-wheeled strollers have a handbrake on the handle. In some models, it locks not only the front wheel but also the rear wheels. In cheaper models, this feature is more decorative than functional.

What Are the Disadvantages of Three-Wheeled Strollers?

• These strollers are unstable. For example, when mounting a curb, the stroller might momentarily balance on one wheel, increasing the likelihood of tipping over. The risk is greater if the front wheel is free to rotate and not locked.
• Many of these strollers are designed for young and physically strong parents. Older generations might find it difficult to maneuver such strollers.
• Some models struggle in the snow.

What Requirements Should Walking Strollers Meet?

The Main Requirements for Walking Strollers:

• The stroller should not be too small. Walking strollers don't usually have large wheels. Make sure the wheels aren't too small and unstable. If the roads in your area are in poor condition, opt for models with larger wheels.
• Swiveling wheels are very convenient. Swiveling wheels make the stroller light and mobile, but they are only suitable for smooth, paved roads. If you live in a rural area with uneven roads, these wheels won't work for you.
• Reversible handle. It's great if the handle can be reversed so the child can see the parent's face while riding. This is useful for keeping the child within sight. Unfortunately, strollers with a reversible handle don't have swiveling wheels.
• It's good if the stroller can be reclined to a horizontal position. In strollers that don't recline to a horizontal position, it's difficult for the child to sleep, which is also harmful to the child's spine.
• The stroller's fabric should be easy to care for. The fabric in a walking stroller is just as important as in a regular stroller because the child is older and often climbs into the stroller on their own.
• Essential features: safety bar and armrests. Strollers without a safety bar are dangerous because the child can fall out. In practice, parents often don't use the safety belts provided in all models, and children don't like them either.
• The choice of points 1, 2, 7, and 9 is just as important for regular strollers as it is for walking strollers.

Some parents prefer walking strollers with large (tractor) wheels. These are expensive models, comfortable for use in snow and on rough roads.

However, keep in mind that some of these models won't fit in small elevators, won't fit in the trunk of a car, and are quite heavy.

Strollers for Twins

This information may interest parents expecting twins, as well as those with children close in age.

Double strollers have the same requirements as regular strollers.

Option where children sit side by side, parallel to each other.

According to psychologists, this model is good because both children are equally close to their mother. This cannot be said about strollers where the seats are arranged one behind the other. Parents of twins note that as children grow older, they may start to bother each other and disrupt sleep. This can be avoided by purchasing a stroller with seats arranged one behind the other.

There are strollers with a single shared bassinet for two children and strollers with two connected bassinets. We recommend the second option because each bassinet can be adjusted individually according to each child's needs.

Tandem Strollers: The children's seats are arranged one behind the other.

These strollers are narrow and maneuverable, but the child sitting in the back has almost no view. If you purchase such a stroller, it is advisable to periodically swap the children to prevent any issues.

It should be noted that in these models, it can be challenging to recline the front seat to a horizontal position. Parents also note that children in such strollers often fall asleep at different times—while the child in the front can explore the surroundings, the child in the back has little to see and therefore falls asleep faster. The different nap times can be inconvenient for parents.

Travel Strollers

This section may interest parents who travel frequently with young children.

There are models called "travel systems," where a car seat can be attached to the frame (instead of a bassinet). Thus, when traveling, you can use only the car seat instead of a bassinet. This option is convenient, for example, when visiting a clinic.

Car seats are often sold separately, so when purchasing a stroller, consult with the seller to ensure compatibility with your chosen stroller.

Stroller Accessories

When purchasing a stroller, be sure to consider additional accessories.

Rain Cover: You'll definitely need a rain cover. Some models come with a rain cover included.

It's preferable to purchase a rain cover made of silicone, as it won't tear like regular plastic and won't freeze in cold weather.

Mosquito Net: Very useful during the summer to protect against mosquitoes.

Bag for the Handle: If the stroller doesn't come with a handle bag, be sure to buy one separately. The bag can hold everything your baby needs. It's best if the bag has a washable lining.

Woolen Sleeping Bag (Footmuff) Stroller Toys Sunshade/Umbrella

This is a comprehensive guide to selecting and accessorizing a stroller to meet your child's needs and ensure their comfort and safety.