Umbrella baby stroller
9 min
Not every parent realizes how long a stroller is used. Some children travel in it even until they are 5 years old. It is worth ensuring that the equipment is of the right quality and that it lives up to expectations. What should you pay attention to when choosing a stroller adjusted to your needs? We’ll give you some suggestions!
Umbrella stroller, what kind of stroller is it?
Strollers are designed for children who have already outgrown carrycots, i.e. they start to sit up, which usually happens around 6 months of age. Then a toddler treats walks as a great opportunity to see the world - make it possible and choose a stroller! A stroller is nothing but a type of pushchair in which the child sits, and not lying down as in a carrycot.
Typically, there are two most basic models of strollers - classic and so-called umbrella. The former are heavier, but more functional and better cushioned. Umbrella strollers, on the other hand, are lighter, more convenient and smaller.
Baby stroller - which model to choose?
Not all parents realize how important a baby stroller is. It is in this stroller, and not in a carrycot, that the child stays the longest, even for several years. It has to prove itself in various conditions - in the city, in the forest, during short trips out of the city and plane vacations. It must be comfortable, handy and durable. Above all, it has to be tailored to your needs and your lifestyle. Wondering how to choose a good stroller? Here are some tips!
The most popular are classic strollers that fold in half. They are large, comfortable, rigid, and have appropriately sized wheels. They have solid fasteners for your baby, safety harness, a guard rail, and usually a handy shopping basket. Their disadvantage is the weight and less practical way of folding some models. In this respect, an umbrella stroller is much better. Umbrella strollers are valued primarily for their lightness and portability. They fold easily, have maneuverable wheels made of puncture-resistant foam. This makes their weight lower than that of classic baby strollers. They are perfect for travelling, as they are usually compact in size. They are also chosen by those who need something for 2-3 year old children who happen to complain about too long a walk.
Our umbrella stroller - SIESTA - has a big advantage over other strollers of this type because it meets the standard thanks to which you can transport children up to 22 kg in it, even five-year-olds! It's a real relief when a child weighing 18-20 kg asks us to take him/her in our hands. During the ride the child can even take a nap, because some models have a foldable backrest. And certainly it is not without significance that this type of stroller is simply cheap.
There are also off-road strollers, tricycles and twins on the market. The first ones are optimal for parents who spend their free time actively and outside the city. They are adapted to rough terrain thanks to larger, pumped wheels, better shock-absorption and a more solid frame. They usually have deeper hoods in case of rain or strong sun. An example of such an off-road stroller is our ALL ROAD.
Tricycles are an option for active parents who appreciate compact strollers, as well as their lightness and manoeuvrability. They are ideal for jogging and faster walks. They are characterized by a streamlined shape, increased shock absorption, hand brake and quite large wheels. This makes them much easier to maneuver.
Twin strollers, as you might guess, are a solution for parents blessed with double happiness. But they can also work well if you have two children who use strollers at the same time. There are two versions of this type of stroller - the two seats are placed side by side or one behind the other. The latter option is more convenient, as it makes it easier to maneuver the stroller and gives you a chance to fit into a supermarket aisle.
Strollers for 2, 3, or 5-year-olds?
Strollers are used from about 5 months of age, sometimes up to 5 years. You'll find different models on the market for different weights, such as 20 kg or 22 kg, like our PRIME 2021, XMOOV, and SIESTA umbrella stroller. Some offer strollers that will last a lifetime. However, if you prefer to choose something more tailored, more stable models with good safety features are better for smaller children. For older children, umbrella strollers will work better because they are lighter and easier to fold - if your child decides to jump out of it and walk a little, you can easily fold it up and carry it. They are also great to travel with. For example, you can take our NUBI on a plane, where you can fit it in the overhead compartment.
How much should a good umbrella stroller weigh?
One of the most important features of umbrella strollers is their weight. It is the lightness that makes many people opt for them. How much do baby strollers weigh? The lightest models can be as light as 3 kg, some, slightly heavier, about 8 kg. It should be remembered, however, that the lightness comes from giving up some functions, because they are designed for traveling. Their foam wheels won't necessarily work on every terrain, their hoods are usually not waterproof and don't have UPF50+. What is more, they are not as spacious as classic baby strollers. The set often lacks additional accessories.
Think about how long you want to use a stroller
When choosing a stroller for your child, first of all think about how long you want to use it. Although the answer will not necessarily be up to you - because your child may give it up earlier or demand it for much longer than you assumed - this initial declaration will help you choose the right model. You'll find a variety of sizes on the market - the larger the seat and backrest the stroller has, the longer it will last. Be sure to pay attention to the maximum frame load. You should also consider the quality - the material the seat is made of, the thickness of the tubes in the frame, the brake, the wheels (this could be a key parameter affecting where you will be able to go with the stroller) and the material the frame is made of - aluminum ones are usually lighter. If you are planning a longer adventure with this type of stroller, then you should definitely invest in a better piece of equipment, whereas if you care about a short-term use, then you should rather choose a cheaper model, but never at the expense of safety and comfort during travel.
The most important features of a baby stroller
What elements of a baby stroller should you pay special attention to? There is a whole list of such elements: weight, the way the stroller is folded, how easy it is to maneuver and lift, safety harness, material, basket capacity, leg warmer, wheels, a lie-flat position of a backrest, the width of the hood and the possibility of adjusting the footrest. We write about all of them below.
Weight
The lighter the stroller, the better? Not necessarily, although of course it depends on individual needs. The weight depends on the functionality. But the lighter the stroller, the fewer additional mechanisms it has. A lighter weight may also have other reasons, such as the type of material used for the frame (steel will be heavier than aluminum) or the wheels (rubber wheels are heavier than foam wheels). But if you have to carry the stroller upstairs every day, you should go for the lightest model possible, even at the expense of functionality.
Foldable baby strollers
When choosing a baby stroller, pay attention to its dimensions before and after folding. Will it fit in your car or in the cargo hold of an airplane? Will it take up too much space in your home and fold up to fit in a closet? These are very important questions, the answers to which will allow you to choose the right model. Umbrella strollers are much more ergonomic, but even foldable strollers can be found in compact variants. It all depends on your individual preferences. The folding mechanism is also important. There are different methods: the mechanism may be located in the handle (e.g. CLICK & FOLD, as in our strollers, e.g. VESTO), but sometimes you have to lift the seat to press the right button or pull the lever.
Easy to maneuver
Before purchase, it's a good idea to find out how easy the stroller is to maneuver. Do you need two hands or is one hand enough? If the stroller has two handles on the sides, you won't be able to steer it with one hand, which can be problematic if your baby decides to go out and you want to take him by the handle. On the other hand, if a stroller has a single, horizontal handle for the parent, it is suitable for two or one-handed maneuvering. You should also pay attention to whether the front wheels are swivel, which makes steering more comfortable. It's also a good idea that they have a locking mechanism, which will make it easier to go straight on smooth surfaces.
Easy to lift
Lifting the foreside of the stroller is essential to help to manage higher curbs, for example. Not all sidewalks are suitable for strollers, so this is an extremely important parameter - including those who will be riding public transportation frequently. Strollers that are tilted slightly backward and have better shock absorption in the wheels and on the frame are easier to be lifted. It's a good idea before buying a stroller to see if you have to put a lot of force into this. The easier it is for you, the more comfortable it will be.
Safety harness
Safety harnesses, above all, should be secure which means difficult for a child - even a two- or three-year-old - to unfasten. At the same time, however, the activity should be easy for the parent. The harnesses used in the stroller should be five-point. Remember that the harness cannot be replaced by even the strongest guard rail!
Material
The material of the upholstery may be the key point of the stroller. It is important that it is durable and resistant to abrasion. It's what your baby will be squirming on, so it's important that it lasts as long as possible. At the same time, pay attention to the ease of cleaning. Will the upholstery be removable and easy to clean? The baby eats, drinks and in the stroller, and there is no shortage of puddles and mud around.
Size of the basket
The stroller should be comfortable not only for the baby, but also for you. And if you are in the habit of going shopping with your baby or taking a lot of baby accessories, be sure to pay attention to the size of the basket under the seat. Umbrella-type strollers usually have quite small baskets, but you will also find models for parents who are particularly keen on this element of stroller equipment.
Leg warmer
Some models of strollers have special leg warmers. Their task is to warm and protect the toddler's feet, especially on cold and windy days. This option is worth considering especially by parents who are not afraid of any weather and decide to go for walks in any circumstances.
Wheels
The choice of wheels depends on the way you will use the stroller. Therefore, you should consider whether you will mainly use it on uneven surfaces, for example, on unpaved forest roads - then go for pumped wheels, which are the most versatile. Foam wheels, on the other hand, have slightly fewer shock absorption properties, so they're less suitable for off-road use. The advantage of these wheels is that they are puncture-resistant and don't need to be inflated.
Another element which differentiates wheels are bearings. Not all wheels have them - you'll find them rather in more expensive models. Others are mounted directly on the elements of the frames. Wheels with bearings are more resistant to damage and wear, especially when we plan to use a stroller for a longer period of time.
Lie-flat position of a backrest
This is an extremely important feature of a stroller. Babies often fall asleep while walking. In order to provide them with greater sleeping comfort as well as to prolong their sleep, it is worth choosing a stroller with this function. This makes it very easy to turn the seat into a place for naps.
Wide hood
Various weather conditions may surprise you during your walks. Sometimes strong sunshine and sometimes rain. It is worth being prepared for any scenario. A good shelter for your child is a wide enough hood to protect against rain and wind as well as strong sun. Some hoods are made of waterproof materials and have a UPF50+ filter.
An adjustable footrest
If you are planning to buy a stroller that will last longer, then pay attention to whether it has an adjustable footrest option. Lack of adjustment means less comfort for your child. It is important that your baby has something to hold their feet on. Adjustable footrests provide comfort and a perfect fit.
