After organizing, buying the furniture and designing our baby’s room, new questions arise about the accessories and elements that we need to be prepared before the arrival of our son or daughter. Some products can be bought when the baby is born, but there are others that cannot wait such as the crib and the baby carriage, the stroller is an item of great practicality and comfort when it comes to going out with our little one.
In this article you will find relevant information along with a table of contents, where you will discover the most important aspects that must be taken into account when buying baby carriages .
This is a long article. If you have the possibility and the time to read it in full, believe us that it will be of great help to you; If, on the other hand, you do not have the time or you cannot read it from beginning to end, you can click on the links of the topics of your interest that are in the table of contents and, if you have any questions, leave your comment. We assure you that we will answer you with good information.
1. Types of baby carriages
In the market you can find different types of baby carriages, this depends on the brand. Each of them handles different designs and some are very similar. The main types of cars and the most recognized are the following:
Crib car
It is a model focused on newborns, very similar to a crib, it has a padded interior. Depending on the brand and design, it can come with a full hood. Like its handlebar, it can be inverted, so the baby can travel head-on or looking at whoever is wearing it. The wheels on this model are smaller, lighter and swivel, which makes it easier to maneuver.
Advantage
- It is foldable.
- It allows the baby to rest as if he were in his crib.
Disadvantages
- It is heavier and its size is larger, which can be uncomfortable when it is stored or transported in the car.
- He does not bring a car seat.
As an example we can show you this Strolex car with a very modern and elegant design, its rims are 360 °, it has 3 levels of recline that adapt to the needs of the baby according to his age and it easily becomes a crib for the baby to have a comfortable rest. You can find it in the market for a value of USD 258.44. You can get more information here.
Rocking car
Very similar to the crib car, it is designed to give the baby rest and comfort on their trips.
Advantage
- Two products in one.
- The baby will travel more comfortably.
Disadvantages
- It is heavier and not very transformable to store.
- Due to its size, it may not fit well in some places, since its dimensions are large.
Look at what a cute design! By simply turning the wheels upwards, it becomes a comfortable baby rocking chair and is compactly folded to carry or store. You can find it in the market for a value of USD 120.39. For more information enter here.
Twin car
As its name implies, it is a car designed for twins, twins or brothers who are of a similar age and can still be transported by car. There are different models, some that allow the two children to sit next to each other, or for one to go in front of the other. The great advantage of this latest model is that it can fit through all doors, since it measures the same as a traditional stroller. However, they are much longer, so it may not fit in the elevator, in addition to having a somewhat greater weight. The important thing is to find the option that adapts and suits the needs of the parents.
Advantage
- 2 children can be transported in a single car, which facilitates the transfer and care of adults towards the little ones.
- Provides more comfort when going out.
Disadvantages
- They are larger, heavier, transport is difficult in small cars or public transport and they do not adapt to all entrances and elevators.
- Cars cannot be separated and used one by one.
We find this model on the market, very functional and with a totally modern and elegant design. You can place the cars in various positions so that they always look different. They are in the market for a value of USD 428.34 – 434.94. For more information enter here.
Umbrella car or walking stick car
The main characteristic of this model is that it is completely foldable, easy to close and very light. The recline on some models is not always very wide. It is not recommended for newborns or very young babies , because these models usually do not have support for your back. It is very useful in emergency situations or to carry children when they are very tired. This car can be easily transported in the car and is easy to close.
Advantage
- It is very comfortable to travel and transport, mainly when used in public transport or emergency exits.
- usually has wheels that rotate 360 °, which gives it greater mobility.
- closes easily, as it has a compact design.
Disadvantages
- It usually does not have a recline.
- Some do not provide enough support for the child’s back. For this reason, its use is recommended for children 6 or 7 months and older, when they already have a firm back.
As an example of this type of car, we can show you this model that you can buy on Aliexpress . It is an ultralight and easy to fold design and you can find it for a value of USD 35.67. For more information enter here.
Tricycle car
This type of car has a combination with a tricycle, is comfortable for your little one, is more interactive and easy to carry, and provides children with independence and stimulation of their lower extremities.
Advantage
- Makes family outings more fun and interactive.
- Stimulates children’s motor skills.
Disadvantages
- Some models are not foldable, making it difficult to transport them by car or public service.
Look at this very modern design. You can find it in the market for a value of USD 61.92 . It is a very functional 3-in-1 car: it serves as a baby stroller, a movable seat and a tricycle when the baby is older and can use it alone. For more information enter here.
Stroller
They fit the needs of parents who like to go for a walk with their children. Large and firm and adapt very well to uneven surfaces such as trails, sand, hills, among others. Have two rear wheels and one front, as well as a brake that is operated from the handle. Not all models include a car seat.
Advantage
- They can be used on uneven surfaces.
- They are resistant and withstand long trips.
Disadvantages
- They take up a lot of space due to their size.
- heavy, so their mobility in small or closed spaces is difficult.
- not easy to fold.
This Summer Infant brand design features a wide seat base and multi-position recline to give your child a comfortable ride. The fully adjustable and removable canopy is designed to protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays, and the large storage basket offers a convenient place to transport your essentials. You can find it for a value of USD 69.99. For more information enter here.
Sports cars
Nowadays, sport is a fundamental part of people and being a father does not mean that you should give up routines and personal tastes. That is why we can now find baby car models on the market that adapt very well to the tasks of sports parents, satisfying two needs at the same time: going for a run and walking the baby. These sports car models have large wheels, which adapt to all types of terrain and their structure is like a tricycle, which gives it more stability. In short, this type of car is perfect for sports families.
Advantage
- It allows parents to maintain their physical activity and at the same time share with their children.
- Children can enjoy the outdoors and great comfort.
Disadvantages
- They are heavier.
- Some models do not fold easily.
The car you’ll see below is an off-road design, perfect for parenting sports days. The baby will go comfortably in his stroller while mom and dad go about their activity. You can find this design in the market for a value of USD $ 395.34 – 408.54. For more information enter here.
2. Space and weight
Where are you going to keep it? Size matters, so think carefully about where you have at home for the stroller, check that it enters the elevator, ask the nursery if they have any regulations in this regard (many only allow cars with umbrella folding).
Regarding the weight, we give you the same recommendation: consider if you have to climb stairs regularly, if you are going to load or unload it often or if you want to travel with the cart on your back.
If this is your first child and you plan to have more, don’t skimp: you need a stroller that will last. If you are not going to wait long between one and the other, there are individual cars that allow you to add an addition to make them twins.
Taking into account that we are going to handle the weight of two babies, we should choose a twin stroller that is light, but also has a solid structure to avoid complications.
3. Security
Baby carriages have come a long way since the 18th century. As time has passed, baby carriages have undergone such a transformation that they adapt to the needs of children and their parents and their safety standards have too.
The most important thing is to follow the basic instructions provided by the manufacturer. Any car today is safe as long as it is used properly. To continue with a safety line, it is also important to check that the stability it provides is adequate for the activity to be carried out, that the car meets all the needs required by the baby and its parents.
Each car comes with its user manual. It is important that parents are always informed to avoid accidents due to misuse of the product. You must know such essential things as for example if our car is better adapted to take the child in the direction of travel or, on the contrary, face to face with his companion. We must also be clear about the level of recline according to the baby’s age to avoid damage to their back. You should always check the brakes, because over time they can wear out. And most importantly: great care must be taken with the parts that can be closed or folded to avoid pinching.
4. Recommendations to keep in mind when buying a baby carriage
- If it is urban, you are interested in a light and manageable baby carriage. With a simple chassis it will be able to move on asphalt terrain. You may like the classics with the big wheels, vintage style.
- If you use public transport a lot, you want the stroller to be small, light and easy to fold. This, which is a general rule, becomes essential if you plan to make a longer trip by bus, train or plane.
- If your environment is more rural, pay special attention to the quality of the wheels. The baby carriage will also need good cushioning, strong finishes and a chassis that is as robust as possible, to withstand terrain with a certain unevenness. If you are in the habit of taking walks on the trails, do not neglect these factors or the chair will not last long.
- If your car has a small trunk, calculate the space well to fit the folded structure plus the usual luggage. Also check that you can handle the weight of the entire stair climbing cart.
- The essential thing is a good hood, which protects well from the sun and is easy to put on and take off; also that it has good ventilation, especially on very hot days. At the other extreme, most cars include a rain bubble, but if not, you will have to buy it to protect the child from bad weather.
- Choose a model that suits what you are looking for, from a good brand, and you will avoid any type of problem, even if you use it intensively.
- Babies are fragile and delicate. It is precisely for this reason that they need first class utensils and products that guarantee their maximum comfort and safety.
- The car’s brakes should be easy to activate and deactivate.
- The carrycot must have the appropriate dimensions; in this way you can ensure the protection and comfort of your baby.
5. Main parts of baby carriages.
The chassis
The skeleton of the cart is the one that will allow you to use everything else. It has to be sturdy, with good finishes and reinforced joints, especially in the areas where it is folded. It is generally made of aluminum or stainless steel. The paint on this part of the cart is non-toxic and resistant to atmospheric agents. It is chrome, semi-chrome or mixed (chrome + paint), the joints of its parts are in plastic and its dimension may vary depending on the design and model of the cart you buy.
The carrycot
Although you will not use it for a long time (in principle, up to six months), the carrycot allows your baby to travel comfortably lying down and very protected from the outside world. Being so small, he will appreciate it.
Some pushchairs allow you to tilt the chair 180º, which may prevent you from buying the carrycot, although it will not be exactly the same.
The chair
It is what you will use the longest, so make sure, first, that it is as comfortable as possible: that the padding convinces you, that the footrest is adjustable, that it has a safety harness that is easy to remove and put on.
Most pushchairs carry the baby in the direction of travel, but there are some that allow you to choose if you prefer to face you, at least while they are small.
Group 0
Many baby carriages allow a Group 0 to be attached, also called a Maxi-cosi or egg. It is a kind of hybrid between stroller and car seat, for children from newborn to 9 kg.
Some types of cars come with 3-in-1 service, which consists of a stroller, a detachable crib, and the car seat, also called a child restraint system, which is perfect for when your baby is traveling in the car.
The car seat ensures the containment of the child, its protection and a better retention in the event of an accident, also allows it to have the best position to be more comfortable during the trip.
The car seat belt is not suitable and safe for a child as it has been designed for an adult passenger.
Handlebar
The handlebars tend to be increasingly ergonomic and many models incorporate the possibility of being adjusted in position and height. The optimal height is the one in which the handlebar is at the height of your navel. They must be robust and comfortable.
There are two types of handlebars:
- Bar
- Easier to operate with one hand.
- It influences the folding.
- Handle
- There are models that allow you to orient them.
- More common in strollers.
The wheels
Depending on the material (plastic, rubber), it can make the ride smoother and more comfortable. There is no standard; depending on the model we can find 3, 4, 6 or 8 wheels.
Wheels are smaller on four-wheel models. The rear ones are fixed and the front ones, mobile, with the possibility of fixing them if traveling on uneven terrain. Its driving is more comfortable on regular surfaces.
The stroller or 3-wheel chair has the largest tires and is better suited to uneven terrain such as the field. They are very typical; they are called sports chairs.
Choosing one model or another depends on the preferences and lifestyle of the parents.
Wheel types:
- Small or urban wheels: ideal to be used on regular terrain (usually 4-wheel models).
- Large wheels: as a general rule, they are located at the back of the stroller. They are useful for passing obstacles, such as stairs. They tend to adapt better to uneven terrain (usually in 3-wheel models).
- Inflatable wheels: the advantage over the previous ones is that their cushioning is a little better, they are also usually used in irregular areas.
The breaks
Strollers have a “parking” brake that is used to stop them on an inclined surface.
Although they work quite well, it is not advisable to leave the child in the stroller when it is on a slope.
Types of brakes:
- With the foot: they are a bar or a pedal.
- By hand: they are on the handlebar.
Additional add-ons
The essential thing is a good hood, which protects well from the sun and is easy to put on and take off; also that it has good ventilation, especially on very hot days. At the other extreme, most cars include a rain bubble, but if not, you will have to buy it to protect the child from bad weather.
Finally, check that the storage bag convinces you, both in terms of accessibility (making it easy to reach) and in the space available.
7. Quality and price
The first thing to take into account before buying a baby carriage is the decision of how much money you want to invest in this product, since the model you can buy depends on this. Remember: more expensive does not necessarily mean better. There is a large stroller available for all pockets and needs.
To do this, you must choose a car that has a good security system that includes, at least, a five-point harness to hold the baby and a locking system on the wheels that you can activate easily.
In the market we can find a variety of cars with great designs and models. Next, we will show you some options that we recommend for their quality, safety and price.
3 in 1 stroller for baby
A car full of design, modern and very comfortable. It is from Chcyus brand , it comes with a newborn car seat and an elevated view. It is foldable, its fabric is waterproof, its design highlights elegance. You also have the option of turning into a bassinet. You can find it on Aliexpress for a value of USD 130. For more information, enter here.
Yaraca baby stroller
A modern car model, with triple suspension system, its rear wheel is inflatable, it can be used as a high chair for dinner, it can be used in movement face to face with the person carrying the baby or face with the environment. Its front wheels are universal 360 °, it is easy to fold for storage. You can find this car on Aliexpress for a value of USD 173.62. For more information enter here.
High landscape ultralight baby stroller
An ultralight car ideal for light and practical walks, its 4 wheels are balanced, its folding is complete, which allows it to be easily stored anywhere, its recline adapts perfectly to the needs of newborn babies. You can buy this product on Aliexpress for a value of USD 36.89 . For more information enter here .
3Dpac ™ CS + ™ Folding Compact Stroller
It has full-size features in a sleek, compact design! With a compact one-handed freestanding fold, this lightweight stroller will quickly become your everyday tool. This compact design allows you to effortlessly close and store it in your trunk or garage. Unlike most convenience strollers, this multi-stage stroller will transform, along with your growing child, from baby to big child with its car seat compatibility. No adapters needed! You can buy it for a value of USD 149.99. For more information enter here.
Read more: What Type of Baby Crib Should I Get?