Choosing the right stroller for your baby

3 in 1, all-terrain, cane: choosing the right stroller is not really… child's play! This essential purchase when a toddler arrives can turn into a puzzle as the variety of models, options and accessories are so great. And all the more so since, each year, manufacturers offer new products at very different prices. As aesthetics are only a detail during the purchase, it is above all important to focus on practicality and handling, but above all on safety.

• Attention to the type of stroller chosen: some, called "2 e  age," not accept children as from 6 months. It is sometimes possible to add a nacelle, as an option, to overcome this limitation.
• The type of stroller depends on your habits: in the city, a compact model will be more recommended than in the countryside.
• When making your choice, do not hesitate to test the stroller to verify that its ergonomics suit you.
• The price of a stroller can reach sky-high, but decent models exist from around a hundred dollars.
• For safety reasons, avoid buying a second-hand stroller.
   

CHOOSE A STROLLER ACCORDING TO ITS PROFILE

I am looking for a very comfortable model, for the first months of the child.

The combined duo or trio stroller is the most suitable in this case. Admittedly, it is generally bulky. But if we want to give priority to comfort (the baby is installed as in a pram) and we are more of the type to travel a lot, it represents a logical choice. By purchasing the complete kit, carrycot, and car seat, we cover all possible situations, whatever the age of the child. Once the carrycot is placed on the frame, we obtain a pram. The carrycot (usable up to 3-4 months) can also be used as a bassinet at home or as an extra bed. Thanks to a special kit, the carrycot becomes a car bed, very useful for long journeys. The car seat (which is suitable for up to 9-12 months) is very practical for moving quickly from the stroller to the car, but is not suitable, due to the fragile backs of babies, to long trips. Still, a combined stroller represents a real investment. 

I did not need a stroller 2 e  age of 9 months to 4 years.

It all depends on the use you want to make of it: rather city or rather all-terrain. In the first case, we will choose a cane model, ultralight (maximum 9 kg) and compact (width less than 55 cm), which can be found at very affordable prices. They are especially perfect for public transport and their one-handed folding makes them easy to handle and store. If the idea is rather to take long walks in the countryside or in the forest, it would be better to opt for a large stroller. The size of its wheels will be a definite asset for improving grip, absorbing shocks, and going everywhere. Some even have a brake on the handlebars. Recall that strollers 2 e  age do not allow sufficient inclination for infants.

OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE ON STROLLERS

Faced with a childcare market in decline for several years, a consequence of the drop in the birth rate and the development of second-hand products, manufacturers are betting on options to push prices up. Those strollers thus climbed by 3.5% in 2018, according to the GfK institute. These options allow the use of the stroller at all ages with additions. Thus, the carrycot, a small extra bed that can be attached to the frame of 3 in 1 stroller, ensures a fully reclined position for babies up to 3 months and avoids the purchase of a pram. The shell option is intended for children who can support a slightly more seated position. It can be used as a car seat until the 1st infant's birthday, which is convenient to switch from stroller to car without waking the child. After 6 months, the child can easily be seated in the stroller: these options, which have a definite impact on the bill, are therefore only useful for a short time.

Some models offer little extras, such as the personalization of the various elements (color of the frame, seat and soft top cover, etc.), adjustment of the depth and height of the seat, the presence of a strap for carrying the stroller on the shoulder, or removable sidewalls that create a "cocoon" for children.

HOW MUCH DOES A STROLLER COST?

The variety of prices for strollers is impressive. Our 2019 comparison shows that the quality of a model does not depend on its price: the stroller that we have the best rated is sold around 200 and outclasses models at 400, 700, or even 900. The price difference is mainly due to the on-board options. An expensive stroller will offer, for example, an adjustable handlebar, a very covering sun visor with UPF50 + sun protection, an adjustable leg rest ... No guilt to have, therefore: choosing a cheap model will not make your parents or grandparents unworthy!

ERGONOMIC CRITERIA TO CHECK BEFORE PURCHASING

Most of the products in our selection have convinced our panel of users and experts but it is recommended, before cracking, to try the coveted model in the store. This is an opportunity to notice that the handlebars of a particular stroller hinder tilting the backrest, that the brake of another is placed between the double wheels, which makes its release difficult, or that the raising of the backrest of a third requires both hands. If these criticisms seem to be of the order of detail, they can be annoying on a daily basis. Ease of use also goes through maintenance. As everywhere a baby goes, the stroller is indeed not immune to dirt ... The covers of some are machine-ready while those of other brands are only washable by hand,

Another point to check the weight. That of the strollers in our test is between 4.7 and 13.4 kg. This counts when it comes to storing the stroller in the trunk of the car or climbing stairs.

There are three types of folding: cane or umbrella (folding lengthwise), "concertina" (square folding), and chisel (square folding, wheels on the same side). Check the dimensions of the folded stroller, this is important when traveling by car. Strollers often claim a one-handed fold, but not all of them.

FOCUS ON SAFETY STANDARDS

The safety of strollers is paramount. It is verified according to the EN 1888 standard which covers durability (rolling test on an uneven surface with a minimum weight of 15 kg), the good hold of the harness (360 ° rotation with dummy), the efficiency of the brakes, and the stability. on an inclined plane, there is a risk of pinching, injury, and the detachment of small parts. This standard, reinforced in 2012 compared to its previous version of 2003, applies to all models marketed from autumn 2013. If it is unlikely to find older products on the shelves, this may be the case when buying second-hand: it is therefore not recommended to get a second-hand stroller without finding out about its date of manufacture. You can check it by the name of the manufacturer and the serial number,

SOME BASIC RULES FOR SAFE USE

• Check the general condition of your stroller regularly.
• Avoid buying it in a flea market: these strollers, which have been used a lot, are often no longer compliant.
• Never leave your baby alone in his stroller. Falls are the leading accidents, ahead of pinching and compressions (of fingers, for example).
• Never place a child in a stroller in a seated position until they are sitting up on their own (between 6 and 9 months).
• When stationary, always check that the locking device is properly engaged.
• Always use the straps, belts, and harnesses installed, and explain to your child that it is not a question of going around in their stroller without being strapped in.
• Do not overload your stroller with two children when it is only intended for one, or by hanging too many things on the handlebars: this could throw it off balance and tip it over.
• In very cold weather, remember to cover the baby's hands, feet, and head well because while you walk, he remains motionless and is, therefore, more vulnerable to the cold.