Discover the different types of strollers: from luxury to budget

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: July 19, 2022

A pram (also called a (child) carriage) is a car in which children can be transported. For the little ones, who can't sit up yet, there is a small crib with a windshield on top. For children who can already sit, it is a seat that can often be folded into a sleeping position, this shape is usually called a stroller or buggy.

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Strollers: The ultimate means of transport for your little one

Why a stroller?

A stroller is the perfect solution for your little one when he or she is a bit older. From about 6 to 9 months old, your child can already sit in a stroller. The stroller has a spacious seat that you can adjust to different positions, and a belt to keep your child in place.

Advantages of a stroller

• Your child is more comfortable in a stroller than in a buggy.
• Your child can already see a bit more of the world in the stroller.
• The stroller is easy to transport.

Disadvantages of a stroller

• You cannot use the stroller right from birth.
• The stroller is relatively heavy compared to a buggy.

Strollers: an overview of all types and brands

Combi wagon

The combi wagon is the most popular option among parents. You can use this stroller from birth and later convert it into a stroller with seat. It also usually fits a car seat, but you need separate adapters for this.

Stroller

A stroller is suitable for children from the moment they can sit independently, usually between six and nine months of age. These wagons are usually large and heavy, unlike a buggy.

Duo car

The double stroller is ideal for two children of the same or different ages. Are you having twins? Then you need a duo-combi car that fits two carrycots.

Stroller for sports activities

This wagon is specially made for sports activities and has a carrycot, but there are not many models on the market.

Famous brands

The most famous stroller brands are:

• Bugaboo
• Joolz
• Canes
• Nun
• Maxi Cosi

These brands all sell combination cars that you can use from birth until your child is about four years old. A combi stroller consists of an undercarriage, a stroller insert and a carrycot. Take your baby with you in the carrycot for as long as possible, because it is better for motor development.

buggy

A buggy is a kind of stroller, but much lighter and smaller. The wheels are much smaller and the seat is often lower to the ground. A buggy offers little support for babies, so it is better to only use a buggy if your child can sit independently and safely. Buggies are easy to drive, foldable and convenient for short walks.

Stroller

If you don't transport your baby in a pram for the first few months, but in a sling or baby carrier, for example, you can also purchase a stroller alone. These wagons are sturdier, have good suspension and are very suitable for outdoor activities on multiple terrains. When buying, look carefully at the lying position, so that your child can lie as horizontal as possible when he wants to sleep.

Strollers: What are the differences?

If you are looking for a stroller, it is important to know what the differences are. There are many different types of prams, such as combi prams, which vary in price from about 400 euros to 1.200 euros. But price isn't the only thing to consider. There are also differences in color, material and specifications.

Color and material

Strollers come in many different colors and materials. You can choose a classic stroller in black, or a vibrant color such as pink or blue. You can also opt for a pram with a cotton or leather fabric.

Specifications

The specifications of a stroller can also vary greatly. For example, some strollers fold very compactly, while others require more space. The tires can also differ. Some have better tires, which make the stroller ride better.

Test in store

If you are going to buy a stroller, it is wise to test the different models in the store. This way you can determine which stroller best suits your wishes and living situation. This way you can be sure that you are making the right choice.

10 Golden Tips for Choosing the Perfect Stroller

Test, Test, Test!

Test whether your combi wagon can be easily folded in and out and whether it is easy to (dis)assemble. Make sure that the cart is stable and that it has a main lock so that it cannot collapse suddenly. Also check that the car has a good brake that works on two wheels.

Do not use the cradle as a fixed sleeping place

Do not use the crib as a permanent place to sleep, because not enough air can get through the walls of the cradle. Don't want to wake your child up after a walk? Then put the car in a cool place and lower the hood.

Lying Down is Better for Motor Development

Walk as long as possible with your child lying in the pram. It is better for motor development to lie flat as much as possible. So only switch when your child can sit independently, or when he no longer fits or rolls over in the pram.

Protect your Child against the Sun and the Wind

To protect your child against the sun or the wind, special cloths are available for sale, or you can attach a cloth to the hood of the pram yourself. Make sure that there is enough fresh air in the car, so never close the hood completely with the cloth. Are you sure that your child gets enough fresh air? Instead, use a parasol against the sun.

Look at the Dimensions of the Carry Cot

An 80 centimeter carrycot should be at least 10 centimeters deep at the edge and 15 centimeters deep in the middle. For a carrycot that is larger than 80 centimeters, 13 centimeters at the edge and 18 centimeters in the middle apply. Also pay attention to the size of the mattress. This should be at least three centimeters thick.

Check if the Car Fits in your Car

Before you buy the car, check whether it fits (folded) in your car. This will prevent you from coming home with a car that is too large and that you cannot transport.

Why choose a stroller?

The perfect solution for your baby

From about 6 to 9 months it is time to take your baby with you in the stroller. Your baby can sit upright in it, but even if your baby is not sitting firmly yet, but has outgrown the carrycot, you can transport it in the stroller. Most strollers have a reclining position, so you can use that if your child can't sit yet. Also useful if your baby falls asleep during the walk!

Choose the right stroller

There are strollers with three or four wheels. Three-wheeled vehicles are more manoeuvrable. You can also opt for pneumatic tires – useful on rough terrain, such as forests and beaches, or swivel wheels. Swivel castors are especially convenient in the city. Most trolleys with castors can also be locked for longer stretches. Also nice, especially if you and your partner are not the same height: an adjustable push bar.

Accessories

Various accessories are often available with the car, such as a rain cover, matching diaper bag or footmuff. You usually have to pay separately for this. If you have an older child who cannot yet walk for long distances, you can mount a ride-along board on your car. Which shelf is suitable for your car depends on your brand of car.

Use until your child is four years old

You can use a stroller until your child is about four years old. So when your child starts to sit up on their own, it's time to shop your stroller. Choose a three-wheel cart for maneuverability, pneumatic tires for rough terrain or caster wheels for the city. Don't forget the accessories and a ride-along board for older children. Then you are ready for the next walk with your little one!

On the road with the stroller? Do a security check!

When you go out with your little one in the stroller, it is important to do a safety check. Here are a few things to check before you go:

Stability

Make sure the car does not tip over easily.

Belts

Always secure your child with the straps in the stroller so that he cannot fall out. Even if you use a footmuff, you use the straps.

Bags

Put your bags in a net or a basket under the trolley instead of on the push handle.

Remmen

Test the brake properly and use the brake. If your cart has caster wheels, see if you can secure them; in some cases it is safer to secure the wheels so that the carriage does not roll away.

Rain cover

Do you use a rain cover on the car? Make sure that your child still gets enough fresh air. The rain cover should have an opening to allow fresh air to enter.

Zon

The sun shines? Make sure your child is well protected against bright sunlight.

Once you've followed these steps, you're ready to go. Don't forget to check regularly that everything is still in place, so that your little one can enjoy the walk safely and comfortably.

Differences

Stroller Vs Buggy

Buggies are ideal for transporting your child through the city. They are small, light and easy to maneuver. They are also suitable for transporting a child from birth. Strollers, on the other hand, are more suitable for longer distances. They have a longer wheelbase, making them more stable and easier to steer. They are also suitable for transporting a child from birth. If you are looking for a means of transport for short distances, choose a buggy. Do you want to cover longer distances? Then a stroller is the best option.

Stroller Vs Combination

Strollers are ideal for long walks, with a comfortable seat for your child. They are usually light and easy to maneuver. A combi stroller is a combination of a pram and a stroller. It has a flat carrycot for your baby and a pushchair seat that you can use later. This way you can take your child in the car from birth, and later when he or she is a bit bigger, you can use the stroller seat. Buggies are small, light vehicles that you can easily take with you. They are ideal for short walks, but do not have a carry cot or pushchair seat.

Conclusion

There are different types of strollers, but the stroller is perhaps the most suitable for babies from 6-9 months. It is more comfortable than a buggy and your child can sit well in it thanks to the adjustable seat and belt. There are five different types of prams: the combination pram, stroller, buggy, duo pram and pram for sports activities. The combi stroller is the most popular among parents because you can use it from birth and later convert it into a stroller with a seat.

If you're having twins, you'll need a duo pram that fits two carrycots. The most famous stroller brands are Bugaboo, Joolz, Stokke, Nuna and Maxi-Cosi. These all sell combi strollers that you can use from birth until your child is about four years old.

If your baby rolls over in the carrycot or pulls itself up on the edge, the carrycot is not deep enough and therefore no longer safe to use. Then you can convert the car into a buggy or stroller.

In short, if you are looking for a pram, the combi pram is the most logical choice. This is suitable for babies from birth to about 4 years. If you don't want a combi stroller, you can also opt for a stroller. This is suitable for babies from 6-9 months.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.