Most new parents try to purchase a stroller for their child that will not only be functional and convenient for the baby, but also compact and portable. And often it is the last two points that are not checked immediately upon purchase, but we are talking about how to quickly fold a stroller, be it a transformer or a stroller.
Many of us live in apartment buildings and often a walk with a child ends with hassle, namely, how to fold the stroller so that it gets into the elevator. And here the fun begins: without checking this system in advance, you can get confused at first and spend a lot of time putting it together into a more compact form. However, don't despair! We will tell you how to quickly assemble the stroller, because the design of the mechanisms is practically the same in different models.
Types of strollers
Strollers are divided by age:
- cradle - for newborns, used up to six months;
- walking (cane or book) - the next stage, when the baby has already sat down;
- modular - a cradle or a walking module is installed on the chassis;
- transformer - universal, for the entire period of use, from 0 to 4 years.
Each type is assembled differently and also depends on the manufacturer.
But in all cases there is a general principle.
Advantages and disadvantages
- The transformable stroller has excellent maneuverability. The designers equipped the lightweight vehicle with large-diameter wheels and a massive chassis, which made it possible to overcome any part of the road, regardless of snow, bumps and other asphalt irregularities. At the same time, even the lightest version of such a stroller has a decent weight, which makes it difficult for residents of multi-story buildings to operate it. If the elevator fails, getting this “all-terrain vehicle” up the stairs can be quite a difficult task.
- The transformable stroller is strong and versatile. Some mothers still prefer classic models of lighter vehicles, because they are designed specifically for newborns: balanced chassis travel, perfectly selected cradle parameters. Despite this fact, transformable strollers are no less in demand, since they are universal transport for both infants and older children. Their sleeping place is also quite comfortable. Over time, you can raise the backrest to the desired level and get an excellent stroller for walking.
- Transformable strollers are not as warm as classic bassinets with a plastic frame. The transforming module is made of textiles, but the stroller usually includes a carrying bag in which the baby will be warm and comfortable. These models also have a more voluminous hood, which can often be lowered all the way down to the bumper, and also have a good rain cover to make walks in autumn and winter weather as comfortable as on warm summer days.
- Additional equipment. Any trip should be enjoyable for both the child and his mother. The transformable stroller has a number of convenient accessories: a viewing window, a mosquito net, a rain cover, a spacious shopping basket and a pocket for necessary small items - all this saves parents’ nerves and makes use more enjoyable.
READ ALSO: At what age can you use a sled stroller? READ ALSO: 2 in 1 transformable stroller
Basic Actions
- First, the wheels are put on the chassis. Most strollers have latches in place. Therefore, carefully insert the axle into the hole in the center of the wheel and check how it rotates and whether it is loose. After this, snap the fastener into place.
- Apply the brakes to continue.
- Pull the handle. If it is not already on, insert it into the holes that are located on the pipes protruding above the base. Wait for the characteristic click.
- Pull the handle towards you so that the lower part “opens up”.
- Wait for a click or put on the fasteners (for older models).
- After the chassis is assembled, you can install the cradle or walking block. Here the actions depend on the type of stroller.
How to choose?
It is best to purchase a stroller before the baby is born, since the moment of birth cannot be planned in advance. It must be selected taking into account living conditions (floor, presence of an elevator in the house), financial capabilities, technical characteristics, and also in accordance with the gender of the child. Thanks to modern technology (ultrasound), you can find out the sex of a child with almost 100% accuracy.
As a rule, for a girl they take a pink or just a light-colored stroller, and for a boy a blue or green one.
In the store you can try to push and lift the stroller. If there is no feeling of comfort, then it is better to refuse this option.
Particular attention should be paid to the material from which the body and frame are made. Light alloy steel is considered the best option. It is lighter and stronger than iron
It is lighter and stronger than iron
It is very important that the legs and stands are not made of plastic
If we talk about the material for the external cladding, then it is better to give preference to polyester. This is an environmentally friendly fabric that does not let the sun's rays through, does not get wet and does not burn. It has excellent thermal insulation qualities, does not fade or fade. Another advantage is the wide variety of colors.
Eco-leather would be a good option. Of course, it has few colors, but it also has a number of advantages. It does not allow moisture to pass through, is easy to clean (any dirt can be wiped off with a regular damp cloth), and is also not blown out.
For interior upholstery, linen or cotton are the best options. They will not allow moisture to accumulate and will not create discomfort for the baby.
You should choose your wheels especially carefully. There are 2 options: inflatable or solid. It is very difficult to say that one option is better. It all depends on the condition of the roads along which the stroller will travel. If the asphalt surface is in good condition, then you can safely take the first option. But sometimes they will have to be pumped up.
If the roads have obvious defects (cracks, a lot of sharp debris), then you should take solid rubber wheels. They are not afraid of nails, broken glass, or holes.
Many stroller owners do not recommend purchasing models with plastic wheels. They quickly wear off on the asphalt and lose their shape. Because of this, the stroller begins to shake. Moreover, such wheels may simply crack over time. Their only advantage is that in winter they cope better with snowy roads than rubber ones.
A good option would be a hybrid, where the plastic body has a rubberized rim. Their size matters a lot. The larger the wheels, the more convenient it will be to move. Small wheels will constantly get stuck, stuck in snow and mud.
It is very convenient when the wheels can be detached. They can be removed and washed. This way, the stroller will not leave dirt in the hallway.
Wheels must have brakes. Their reliability must be checked in the store.
The back of the stroller should be rigid and not sag from the weight of the child. Otherwise, the baby may develop problems with the spine.
The lifting and lowering mechanism must operate smoothly and properly, without jamming or squeaking.
It is worth giving preference to transformable strollers, where the handle can be thrown over and change the height. An adjustable handle to suit the parent's height will add additional comfort while walking.
A nice addition would be the presence of additional accessories in the form of a mosquito net, raincoat or insulating fabric cape. If they are not included in the kit, then it is advisable to purchase them in addition, since during a walk the child should not experience discomfort from mosquitoes, raindrops or drafts.
The choice of stroller must be approached very seriously and responsibly. First you need to look at all the models, evaluate their advantages and functionality
It is very important that the baby feels comfortable and pleasant to be in it.
Transformer
A place to lie down must be provided for the baby. Under the handle it should be possible to attach a semicircle in the legs, which will turn the seat into a cradle. For some models, you need to pull the cover on top - from the outside. A carrier is placed inside.
If you are assembling a seat, place a fabric jumper for the legs on the crossbar that secures the child
. Insert the crossbar into the holes on the sides of the frame; they should snap into place. Pull the footrest from below and adjust its position. The backrest is adjustable at the back.
If you want to change the fit and move the handle to the other side, pull the two latches on the sides towards you.
They only move up. Once the entire part of the handle has begun to move freely, transfer it to the other side. And wait for the click again.
The basket is standardly fastened with buttons, just “hook” it to the frame from below and fasten it.
When folding the stroller, pull the handle back and lower the hood.
Top 5 most popular models
1. Transformable stroller RIKO Master PC
The model is made in a sporty style. The stroller's configuration is designed for all occasions. The carrier envelope has a silk lining that is easy to clean if necessary. The back angle is easily adjustable, there is a removable hood with a viewing window for ventilation, as well as a foot cover, a mosquito net and a rain cover. The five-point seat belts are equipped with rigid locks, which allows mothers not to worry about their baby. The reversible handle is height adjustable. The wheels are inflatable and rotate 180 degrees. The stroller is easy to maneuver and is equipped with a two-way shock absorption system.
The average price of the RIKO Master PC model is 8,400 rubles. (2012)
Reviews from parents
2. Transformable stroller Teddy Iness PC
The stroller is distinguished by its lightweight frame, elegant design and convenience. The spacious carrycot can be used as a crib when parents are on the go. The handles of the portable cradle are stored in pockets, which is very convenient. The stroller version can be installed facing the mother or facing the direction of travel. The backrest is adjustable and can be set in four positions. The footrest is also adjustable depending on the height of the child. There is a removable bumper that serves as a handrail. Large chrome wheels with a shock absorption system ensure quiet running and good maneuverability on any road.
The average price of the Teddy Iness PC model is 7,500 rubles. (2012)
Reviews from parents
3. Baby Care Manhattan Air model
The stroller is equipped with a large reversible handle. The child can sit either facing or with his back to his mother. There is a window in the roof with a zipper, which is much more convenient than plastic windows. The hood can be closed all the way to the bumper, which is very convenient if you are caught in bad weather while walking. The basket is large and roomy, it is always accessible, regardless of the position of the backrest. The hood has a large pocket and several small ones. Decorated with pleasant embroidery on the fabric.
The average price of the Baby Care Manhattan Air model is 10,000 rubles. (2012)
Reviews from parents
4. Silver Cross Sleepover Sport convertible stroller
Sleepover is a large transformable stroller with a warm carrycot and excellent equipment. The set includes a raincoat, a foot cover, and a bag with a changing mat. The lightweight chassis made of high-quality material ensures complete comfort for the baby and his mother.
The average price of the Silver Cross Sleepover Sport model is 12,500 rubles. (2012)
Reviews from parents
5. Graco Quattro Tour Sport stroller
The stroller has a modern design, has a soft, comfortable suspension with spring shock absorbers. It is easy to fold and can be fitted with a car seat. A good option for those who love comfort, functionality and compactness.
The average price of the Graco Quattro Tour Sport model is 8,500 rubles. (2012)
Reviews from parents
Modular “2 in 1”
Carefully inspect the top of the wheel block. Usually it indicates with arrows where to turn the mount to install the cradle or seat unit.
On most strollers you need to do the following:
- Turn the hooks on the frame on both sides clockwise.
- Insert the block bayonets into the holes.
- Turn the hooks clockwise again.
Selection rules
When choosing a 2 in 1 transformable stroller, first of all you need to pay attention to:
- Weight.
Having received information from the seller about the weight of the model you like, you should try to lift it right in the store and roll it around the sales floor. After this test, it will be possible to draw the first conclusions about whether such a vehicle is suitable for you. When assessing your physical capabilities, you should take into account several more circumstances: the floor to which you will need to lift the stroller; Is it possible to leave her at the entrance at least until her husband returns home; the presence of an elevator (as well as its dimensions and trouble-free operation); - Frame material.
The most durable are steel ones, the most reliable are cross ones. It is advisable to refuse plastic ones; - The size of the wheels.
When choosing a stroller, you should know that large wheels have the best cross-country ability: they are not afraid of poorly cleaned roads (the hardest time for walking with a baby is the period of late autumn, winter and early spring) and bumpy roads. Small wheels (besides, they will always get stuck in slush or snow) are afraid of strong shaking. Quite quickly they will begin to creak and become loose. Before you go to the store, you need to measure the width of the doorways in the elevator and in your apartment and compare the result with the width of the wheelbase. Perhaps the model you like will not fit into the dimensions of your home; - Wheel material.
Rubber wheels are good for use in the warm season. Thanks to their excellent shock absorption, the stroller will roll smoothly without causing the slightest discomfort to the baby. In winter, they will begin to get stuck in the snow, while plastic wheels will pass through it without any difficulty. You can consult the seller about the possibility of replacing wheels; - Depreciation system.
Preference should be given to a stroller whose basket is suspended not on springs, but on belts. Thanks to the soft suspension, the maneuverability of the vehicle is improved: it is easier to turn, overcoming curbs and all kinds of elevations; - Availability of a portable cradle.
With its help, a sleeping baby can be taken out of the stroller and brought into the apartment without interrupting his sleep. When you go visiting with your baby, you don’t have to worry about where he will sleep when he gets tired. Thanks to the cradle, which increases the thickness of the stroller walls, the baby will be much warmer during a winter walk; - Handle design.
It is better to choose models that have a height adjuster: transformable strollers usually have a lower fit, so it will not be difficult for tall parents to increase the length of the handle.
Even during pregnancy, every expectant mother first of all pays attention to strollers. Of course, your baby’s first transport should not only be comfortable and of high quality, but also easy to use.
Children's stores sell many models of different colors and functionality, but not all of them are comfortable for everyday use. What are the pros and cons of the transformer, is it difficult to assemble?
Walking
There are canes and books. Walking sticks are lightweight, compact strollers that are usually not disassembled at all, but simply folded.
Remove the safety lock from the back; it can be a regular hook that secures the stroller. Pull the handles towards each other to fold and in the opposite direction to unfold.
Some manufacturers have a hidden lock. If you don't find anything like a fastener at the back, look under the handles or under the armrests.
Large books are collected according to the principle of transformers.
When folded, pull the handle and wait for a click. There are slots on the sides for the crossbar. You can put a cover on your feet, which is often attached with buttons.
To unfold the “book”, follow these steps:
- Stand behind the stroller.
- On the sides of the frame, pull the levers that fix the structure in the unfolded position.
- At the same time, press your foot against the bar from below.
- The stroller will fold and you will hear a click.
Video
You can clearly see how the process of replacing a tire and front (steer) wheel tube goes, using the Zippy stroller as an example:
The following video shows how to replace a tire and rear wheel tube using a Zippy stroller as an example:
Both videos are taken from YouTube, user Malysh Service
That's all. We hope that our article will make it easier for you to repair a baby stroller wheel. Walk in good health and enjoy life!
We get asked this question quite often. Let us tell you in more detail how to do this ( step by step
).
Step 0
: Remove the front wheel of the stroller by pressing the metal tongue (indicated by the green arrow in the photo):
Step 1:
Unscrew the left and right wheel mounting screws (photo 1).
Step 2:
Disconnect the wheel from the mount.
Step 3:
Remove the decorative wheel caps (it’s convenient to first remove the “heart” petals, then easily pry up and detach the plastic caps.
Step 4:
Unscrew the small screws securing both sides of the wheel disk (a simple screwdriver is not enough here - you need a special “star” attachment of the appropriate size ).
Step 5:
Disconnect the “half” of the disk to free access to the camera.
Step 6:
Remove the camera from the tire. Then we do everything carefully - in the reverse order, but with a new camera. The size of the front wheel camera of the Tootis Zippy stroller is 10 inches .
Photo 1:
Note: the question is often asked, “how to change the camera in the front wheel of a Verdi Zippy stroller?” Answer: the process of replacing the front wheel camera of a Verdi Zippy stroller and similar strollers (Anmar Zico, etc.) is similar to replacing the wheel camera of a Tutis Zippy, for with the exception of one important point: to change the camera in the front wheel of the Verdi Zippy stroller, you will have to solve one difficult task - remove the locking cap from the wheel axle. Instead of a screw, the Verdi Zippy stroller often has a locking cap, which makes the task of disassembling the wheel quite difficult. It looks something like this:
We solved this issue in the following way: we slowly pry up this cap with a screwdriver from different sides, slowly, for a long time, a little at a time, until it comes off the wheel axle (preferably with two flat screwdrivers on different sides). Then they disassembled the wheel and then everything went according to the scheme. When putting it back together, it is advisable to replace this hat with a new one (but where can I get it?), if there is nowhere to get it, then as a last resort, put on the old one, tapping it gently with a hammer. Of course, it won’t hold as firmly as a new one, but if there is no way out, then you’ll have to do it this way. After everything, you need to check whether it reliably “locks” the front wheel axle. In any case, it will be correct
find such a new part or
contact a service center
.
When treated with care, baby strollers last a long time and are passed on from one family to another many times. A small child has to be walked regularly at all times of the year in any weather, overcoming bumps in the roads and obstacles. Young parents don’t always get around to lubricating the wheel bearings periodically, so due to wear and tear on the wheel bushings, they break over time.
The stroller becomes stiff and moves to the side when rolling. And if the locking ring holding the wheel is broken, then it constantly falls off the axle while driving and it becomes impossible to walk the child. You can buy new wheels and lock washers as spare parts, but saving your family budget you can repair them yourself.
Assembly Recommendations
When assembling a stroller without instructions, follow a number of rules.
- Carefully examine all parts to see the markings.
- Don't use too much force - if something doesn't fit, you're trying to assemble it incorrectly.
- If the wheel does not fit on the axle, turn it a little - it usually has a shaped tip that is inserted into the corresponding slots in the wheel.
- Before assembling or disassembling the stroller, wipe it down, preferably lubricating the wheelbase.
- Before folding, remove the cradle from the transformer and all foreign objects from the basket and stroller box.
- Always lower the stroller hood as far as possible before folding.
- When transporting the stroller, hold it by the special handle. If there is none, for the metal parts of the frame.
Convenient to carry
The compactness of the baby stroller makes it easy to carry. Usually the weight of such transport does not exceed 5-8 kg, so even fragile mothers can cope with this task. For comfortable transportation, modern models have special fittings. Such devices are presented:
- belt;
- with a pen.
Both options are really practical. They make parents' work easier. Therefore, when choosing the option that is suitable for you, also take this factor into account if you plan to take a cradle on wheels with you on trips.
Tips for caring for your stroller
The stroller has many moving parts, some of which are made of plastic. Improper use will lead to damage and the stroller will have to be repaired or replaced.
To avoid such trouble, follow these recommendations.
- Keep your vehicles clean. Wipe it down after every walk. Clean all hard-to-reach areas once a week. Do dry cleaning periodically.
- Keep all parts dry. After walking in the rain, wipe all metal parts with a dry cloth and dry the fabric parts.
- Use soapy warm water to clean.
- Clean all moving parts regularly from dust, sand and debris. Lubricate them periodically with machine oil.
- Inflate the inflatable wheels periodically, make sure that they are not deflated when you go for a walk.
- Before storing the stroller, thoroughly clean it and perform a thorough maintenance.
Washing methods
Washing stroller covers - most often it is recommended to wash the covers in a machine at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees, and without spinning. Mattresses cannot be washed in a machine; the inside of the mattress may become deformed.
It is very convenient to clean and wash the stroller outside the city; many parents simply water it with a hose, after removing the mattress, and then dry it right there in the sun. But there are pitfalls here: if the fabric dye is not permanent, then the fabric may fade or fade in the sun. Drying in the sun is not recommended; it is better to just find a windy place.
The washing gel is suitable for both machine and hand washing of covers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytadvertiseru
How to wash a baby stroller in urban conditions? Let's take a closer look at this issue.
Before cleaning the stroller at home, you should pay attention to the fabric from which the elements are made. Parts made from raincoat fabric can be washed either by hand or in a washing machine
Machine washable
Machine washing of modern nanofabrics should be carried out only in a gentle mode after placing such elements in a special bag.
If the stroller is equipped with reflective stripes, then such parts can only be washed by hand in medium-temperature water. The powder for them is used for children's things or for colored products. It is strictly contraindicated to bleach such a cover or use fabric softeners and fabric softeners.
After washing, the covers are dried on the stroller frames in assembled form so that the fabric does not shrink. During drying, the stroller is placed on a ventilated balcony. It should not be placed indoors closer than 1 meter from heating appliances.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with cleaning after renovation with your own hands: quickly and efficiently
Handwash
Hand washing the stroller is done with detergents for children's clothes or laundry soap. The removed parts are soaked for an hour in warm soapy water, and only then washed. After washing and rinsing in running water, the covers are laid out horizontally to dry. Then you stretch the still wet elements onto the frames and assemble the stroller. After this, it is set out to dry completely in a ventilated room or on a balcony.
Many mothers advise cleaning the stroller using a foam cleaner for car interiors and seats. It not only removes dirt and rust from the stroller, but also cleans the covers from old stains. Spray the entire upper part of the stroller from the can, leave the foam for a while, and then simply remove it with a sponge. Finally, rinse with clean water. It is not necessary to buy an expensive aerosol; there are now many domestic, inexpensive cleaners on sale.
Joie Pact Flex
It's quite narrow, so it's easy to find a corner where it fits perfectly. This stroller has swivel wheels, which means a smoother ride than other models. Therefore, it is not even suitable for the smoothest roads. It is used from birth as it folds out and provides a flat surface. A travel bag and rain cover are also included. If necessary, the rear wheels fold down and the structure becomes completely flat.
