1. Ease of use

Ease of use is tested using three parameters: the size of the stroller, its weight, and its folding mechanism.

Cart size

Some people like their stroller to be very wide, thinking that it is more comfortable for the baby inside. However, reality shows that babies like to lie in relatively narrow spaces that envelop them softly. Furthermore, a stroller that is too wide may not fit in narrow spaces (in some old elevators, for example) and cause you to have to climb stairs (a difficult task in itself with a large stroller) or make annoying detours in various places on the street (for example, when a car is blocking part of the sidewalk). Also, a stroller that is too large may not fit into certain types of vehicles despite its folding mechanism, and it will also not be possible to move around comfortably with it in supermarkets, malls, stores, etc.

The weight of the stroller and its folding mechanism

Comfortable baby strollers should not weigh more than 10 kg. It should be taken into account that a higher weight will make it very difficult to move it from place to place, especially if you live in a building without an elevator. The folding mechanism of the stroller you choose also has great significance in terms of comfort, so that it can be easily put into the car. To this end, it should be equipped with a folding mechanism that is as convenient as possible, preferably with the option of folding and unfolding with one hand. It is better to choose a stroller that is easy to fold and unfold with one hand, which leaves a free hand to hold the baby. It is also worth choosing a stroller with a handle, so that it can be easily moved when folded. It is also important to make sure that there is a buckle or something that will allow you to lock the stroller when it is folded so that it does not open when you want to pick it up. You should also take into account the type of wheels of the stroller and their size. Nowadays, strollers with large wheels are common, the advantage of which is their good traction on uneven surfaces, as well as their improved ability to climb sidewalks and stairs. In terms of ease of use, it is recommended to choose a stroller that will fit comfortably in the trunk of the car or the elevator in your building, that will not be too heavy to the extent that you are supposed to carry it up the stairs, especially if the mother is the one who will be with the stroller most of the time, so it is important that it will be easy for her to lift and put in the trunk of the car herself, or carry if necessary, and that it will be easy to fold and move.

2. Comfort for the baby

It is important that the stroller is comfortable for the baby. To ensure this, choose a stroller that will protect the baby well from sun, cold, and rain, has nice and comfortable padding, a stable and supportive backrest, and preferably a footrest for the child who is already sitting.

Protection from sun and rain:

Strollers include a sun canopy. Choose a canopy that covers a large area and provides better protection from the sun for your baby, and is also rainproof. To prevent your baby from being exposed to wind and cold, choose a stroller with high, sealed sides.

Upholstery:

When choosing a stroller, check whether the upholstery is pleasant to the touch and indeed provides a comfortable and safe bed for the child, and whether you do not encounter any bumps or depressions that may cause discomfort. The upholstery should be washable, and preferably be simple and easy to remove and assemble.

Backrest:

All strollers, except simple strollers for older children, include a rigid backrest that can be adjusted from reclining to sitting. It is important to check the stability of the backrest and make sure that it does not tilt at an angle or sink to one side or the other.

Footrest:

It is recommended that the stroller be equipped with a footrest, on which the child can comfortably place his feet in a sitting position.

Bunk bed for an additional child:

If you have a small child at home, a dedicated bunk in the back of the stroller can be useful. On short trips, the child can stand on it, so one stroller can be used for both children.

3.Storage media

Every stroller has a storage basket, it is important to consider its size, especially when babies are very young during the winter. The basket serves as a storage place for a blanket. When the baby grows a little, you will find yourself putting toys in the basket for him to play with, and if you go for a trip to the grocery store, you should have a place to put groceries, especially if you have a stroller with one handle. At the same time, it is important to pay attention when the stroller is in the reclining position, whether there is easy access to the basket. Remember, the larger and more accessible the basket at the bottom of the stroller, the better! The basket in the stroller will be your best friend and will be used to carry the baby carrier, which is a must-have item every time you leave the house, drinks, toys, a bag, shopping. Additional storage options available in some models include various pockets on the back of the stroller and on the sides, a bottle or cup holder, and more. In some models, a tray for the parent is installed in the back of the stroller, and some models come with a dedicated bag.

4. Safety and durability

safety:

Make sure that the stroller is approved by the Israeli Standards Institute. The Israeli standard requires a rigid backrest, good and strong brakes on at least two wheels on the same axis of travel, shock absorbers on at least the rear wheels, safety straps with five anchor points (shoulder straps, waist straps connected to the chassis, and a crotch strap), and safety measures to prevent the stroller from folding when the baby is inside. The Israeli standard does not require this, but it is desirable that the stroller have a front bumper, which will serve as an additional means of protection against the baby sitting inside falling.

resistance:

To get an impression of the stroller's durability, you will need to examine it carefully, checking the hinges, connections, wheels, brakes, and other parts of the stroller. Make sure they are not loose or weak, and also perform the inspection while folding, unfolding, and driving the stroller. If there are any detachable parts, from the cradle to upholstery parts that can be easily disassembled in a store, try to disassemble them and see that the various connectors are effective and strong and do not tend to tear or come apart. Also try to check the quality of the paint on the chassis.

5. Price

Before you start looking at strollers and getting excited about the variety of options available, set a budget and only then look for the best product that you can buy within that budget. There's no point in purchasing a stroller that's too expensive and going into the red or having to give up other important things that you wanted to buy before the baby was born. On the other hand, it's important to remember that, as in any other field, quality in baby strollers costs money and it's often worth investing a few hundred more shekels to avoid repairs and additional expenses later. However, there's no reason not to find a good, quality stroller at a fair price. Compare prices between the different models according to your set budget. Sometimes you'll find that there are even new, high-quality baby strollers sold at affordable prices, so the price doesn't necessarily mean you can't buy a new stroller. The main factors that affect the price of a stroller are: the type of stroller and its assembly, the number of parts included in it, the type of upholstery, the variety of adjustment options, sun and rain protection, and more. The warranty for strollers is usually one year, and some strollers have a longer warranty. Sometimes a one-year warranty is provided for the chassis and certain parts of the stroller. Check what the warranty includes and the availability of spare parts such as wheels, a storage basket, etc. Remember, if it is a stroller for your first child, it is recommended to invest in a quality stroller made of strong materials and a well-known brand with a warranty, so that it will accompany you for several years and you can pass it on from child to child. A branded stroller may cost a little more, but you will see a difference in the plastic, the quality and thickness of the upholstery, the folding comfort and the functionality of the stroller, compared to cheap and simple strollers. In this case – what costs cheap costs expensive, and it is better to invest a little more to choose a stroller that will serve you for many years.

In conclusion , a recommended stroller for babies will be one that is considered lightweight, that can be folded or handled with one hand without assistance from another person, a price that is reasonable in the eyes of the parents and, just as importantly, they will receive recommendations for the stroller from other parent pairs who have used it and know it. For each person, the concept of a recommended stroller for a baby will be different and the criteria will be different, but there are strollers that are considered particularly successful, so it is worth asking friends or family members who have older babies, and if you trust their opinion, it can provide an effective and important direction of thought that will also lead to the right choice in the end. It is worth taking the time to be patient and check and examine.