Adjustable footrest
The ability
to adjust the position of the footrest, on which the legs of the baby in the pushchair rest.
A similar ability is found in some pushchairs, transformers and pushchairs of universal pushchairs (see "Design"). The footrest itself is an inclined surface attached to the front edge of the seat. Adjustable footrests are those in which the angle of inclination can be adjusted; in many models, this footrest can even be set horizontally. This makes it possible to choose the most comfortable position for the baby's legs in different situations.
Crotch strap
The presence of a separate
crotch strap in the design of the stroller. Only pushchairs with a bumper (see above) are equipped with such a strap: it is located vertically between the legs of a seated kid, preventing him/her from falling out by slipping under the bumper. In general, this design is similar in purpose to
three-point harnesses (see “Harness type”), however, in a stroller with a bumper and crotch strap, the child is usually less crowded. You should pay attention to the presence of this function when buying pushchairs.
Viewing window
A window made of transparent or translucent material, built into the hood that covers the cradle or seating unit. In the version with a walking block,
the viewing window is usually located so that the parent can see the baby directly while moving, without being distracted from controlling the stroller. In cradles, the parent can see the child through a window by approaching the stroller from the side of the hood (that is, on the opposite side of the handle); implementations with a window in the front hemisphere of the hood are less common. In addition, a baby lying in a cradle can usually see the outside world through the window (primarily the sky above the stroller). The viewing window can be made in the form of oilcloth or a mesh mosquito net, through the holes of which air freely penetrates, but insects and small debris raised by the wind are retained.
Depreciation
The depreciation theme is designed to absorb shocks and bumps from uneven road surfaces. The most popular nowadays are models with
spring systems; you can also meet the shock absorption of the
articulated and
double types, and in quite a large number of pushchairs this function is absent at all. Here are the main features of each option:
— Spring type. Depreciation systems based on classical springs mounted on individual wheels. They are used in all types of pushchairs except classic pushchairs (see "Design"). The simplest models use a single set of springs, while more advanced models may include additional comfort features such as SAS shock/vibration absorption technology. Whatever the case, depreciation systems of this type are simple yet practical, efficient and reliable.
— Articulated type. The type of depreciation used in pushchairs with carrycots - classic, universal, transformers. The frame, on which the carrycot or seat unit is installed, in such models is attached to the base of the pushchair with the help of special bridges, which play the role of depreciation. As bridges can be used belt hinges, such systems can also refer to the articulated. Anyway, this type of depreciation is excellent for carrycots. First of all, the pushchair is as smooth and soft as possible, which contributes to the comfort and deep sleep of the child (and the
...parent to drive the pushchair is much easier, especially on uneven surfaces). Secondly, the carrycot on such a pushchair can be rocked back and forth, lulling the baby. On the other hand, such systems are poorly suited for pushchair frames with swivel front wheels; and the failure of one absorber leads to tilting of the carrycot.
— Double. This term most often refers to the spring systems described above with additional shock absorbers on the frame of the pushchair. Such systems help to maximize vibration reduction and can approach articulated systems in terms of efficiency (see above). On the other hand, the softness of the suspension can be inconvenient when overcoming curbs and other bumps: to raise the front wheels of the pushchair, you have to press hard on the handle.
— Is absent. Pushchairs without depreciation are not suitable for uneven surfaces: in such conditions, the pushchair will be shaken violently, which creates both discomfort for the baby and inconvenience for the parent. On the other hand, such models have advantages over pushchairs with depreciation. First, due to the lack of unnecessary parts, they are much cheaper, and the design itself is as simple as possible and at the same time reliable. Secondly, without depreciation, it is easier to overcome curbs and other obstacles: to raise the front wheels, it is enough to push a small pressure on the handle. Thirdly, such pushchairs rock less on smooth, wave-like uneven surfaces.Carrycot installation
The ability
to install a carrycot on the pushchair — a characteristic basket in which the baby can lie comfortably.
Carrycots are used mainly for very young kids (up to 6 – 8 months), who can not yet sit normally in seat units. And the possibility of installing such an accessory by definition is available in all universal pushchairs (see "Design"). Also, the replacement of the seat unit on the carrycot can be provided in pushchair models. In fact, such pushchairs are also universal – but they are not initially equipped with carrycots, and therefore belong to the category of pushchairs.
Car seat installation
The possibility
of installing a child car seat on the chassis of the stroller. This feature can be very useful on car trips: the car seat can be used both in the car and as a seat unit for a stroller, and the main seat unit can be left at home so that it does not take up space in the boot. Note that some models with this function are initially equipped with a suitable car seat; if it is purchased separately, you should pay special attention to compatibility with your stroller.
Handle height adjustment
Possibility
to adjust the stroller handle in height. This function allows you to optimally adjust the length of the handle to the height of the parent. It will be especially useful if the parents are of different heights, and each of them regularly carries a stroller.
Typically, height adjustment is carried out by lowering or raising the upper segment of the handle, and in advanced implementations
a telescopic mechanism is responsible for it. The retractable handle makes the stroller more adaptable to different situations and conditions. For example, it can be lengthened for more comfortable walking or shortened for ease of use in tight spaces.
Hand brake
The pushchair has
a hand brake.
Any parking brake (whether hand or foot brake) locks the wheels of the pushchair, preventing it from moving. This function eliminates the risk of the standing pushchair moving on its own, for example down a slope or in a gust of wind. Almost all modern pushchairs are equipped with a parking brake. Most often it is foot brake (activated and deactivated by pressing the foot), but some models provide manual control — with a lever or button on the handle. This brake is a bit more expensive than a foot brake, but it is more convenient: the control is right in front of the eyes and under the parent's hand.
Front wheels diameter
The diameter of the front wheels installed in the stroller.
At the same time, the front wheels are not as important for mobility as the rear wheels: for example, to overcome obstacles, the stroller is often lifted "on its toes" by tilting it towards itself, with only the rear wheels working. Therefore, the diameter of the front wheels may be noticeably smaller than the rear wheels. It should be noted here that the small size also has its advantages — the wheels are lighter.
Speaking of specific numbers, diameter
up to 15 cm is considered very modest,
16 — 20 cm — small,
21 — 25 cm — medium,
26 — 30 cm is larger than average and
more than 30 cm is large.