Stroller (Pram) features & functions: Things to look for in a stroller

The various stroller features and functions are explained here. A stroller comes with several features that are designed for safety (braking system, padding, etc.), comfort, convenience, ease-of-use (ease of folding, maneuverability), and more.

It makes sense to understand all the functions of a stroller, in case you’re planning to buy a stroller, so that you can choose the right stroller.

Here, in this post, I have explained all the features and functions that are commonly found on strollers.

Safety Features

Child safety is extremely important for products such as a stroller.

Products like strollers and carriages are certified by regulatory bodies who test the various features to see if its safe for use. The best strollers are certified by Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and other agencies to ensure it meets current safety standards. It’s recommended that you buy strollers from reputable brands.

Related: Stroller safety standards and safety tips.

Brakes on a Stroller

Every stroller has a brake that is hand-operated or foot-operated. Most casual strollers have a brake that is used when parking the stroller; joggers use the brake to slow down.

Types of Stroller Brakes

• Foot Brake: You operate it with your foot
• Handle Brakes: Operated with hands
• Active hand brake (Bike-like brake): More sensitive and responsive, situated on joggers, works like the brakes on bikes
• Stroller auto stop: Available on few (smart) strollers, it auto engages if the hands are lifted of the handlebar

On some strollers, activating the two-wheel parking brakes requires two actions – using the foot-operated tabs above each rear wheel; some two-wheel parking brakes can be activated in a single stroke through a bar placed at the rear of the stroller frame.

Some strollers also have an indicator that tells you if the stroller is in the locked position (red) or unlocked position (green).

Every-time you stop, make sure the stroller brakes are on. Many a times, it has been observed that wriggling children can start the stroller wheels rolling again. So out the brakes on, and always keep one hand on the pram when your child is in it. It’s also a good idea to use a a tether strap when holding the pram.

So make it a habit to use wheel brakes often. If the stroller is stopped, you should engage the stroller brakes. Even on surfaces that appear to be flat, the stroller can quickly roll away if you are not paying attention and have your back turned, or if someone bumps into it. However, if the stroller brake is engaged, the stroller will not roll away.

Safety Harness / Straps

Most strollers come with a 5-Point safety harness strap/belt that keeps the baby safe in the stroller.

Related: Safety harness, restraint system, straps

Weight and Dimensions

A stroller needs to be lifted, carried, and dragged into the trunk of your car, through parks, across airports, over the street curbs, upstairs, downstairs, etc. So please take weight into account.

Dimensions
Everybody needs a slimmer model, especially those who travel a lot. Also, it is much easier to get around sidewalks, shopping malls, restaurants, and restrooms with smaller stroller types. However, if you live in the suburbs, drive an SUV, rarely cruise through airports, and enjoy slow and peaceful walks, stroller dimensions may not matter much to you.

Related: Here’s a complete stroller buying guide.

Folding and Collapsibility

Most strollers now come with easy folding mechanism that makes it easy is to fold the stroller, which is useful for storage or for travel. These come with a secure locking mechanism that keeps the stroller from folding accidentally.

It’s important to learn how to operate the folding mechanism yourself, it just makes life easier and you don’t have to be dependent on others.

Related: Various folding mechanisms and how to fold/unfold a stroller

Stroller Seat

The stroller seat needs to have adjustable positions (inclination positioning) so that your little one can eat, drink, watch and sleep comfortably in the seat; these activities may require different seat inclinations.

A reclining seat offers more comfort to the child, and in the case of newborns, the seats need to recline to a near flat position (until they can sit up on their own). The seat’s recline mechanism should be easy-to-use and it should firmly lock into the recline position.

Related: Stroller Seats

Car Seat and Stroller

A travel system includes a stroller that can accommodate an infant car seat. A travel system is the simplest way to ensure stroller and infant car seat compatibility. However, you can always buy an adapter that connects them (in case you decide to buy a normal stroller).

Related:

• Car Seat Adapters for Strollers

Adjustable handlebars

Ideally, the stroller is going to be easiest to use if the handle is at waist height. However, if a parent is extremely tall or short, you’ll need a stroller with an adjustable height handle.

A Lot of strollers now come with height adjustable handles that can be adjusted to suit parents of different heights. For many parents, this is the biggest deciding factor while selecting a stroller.

An adjustable handlebar provides parents with various height options so that they can maintain the best posture while pushing the stroller. You also get more walking space and you can take longer strides. It means you don’t have to worry about kicking the rear of the stroller, which is usually the case with strollers that have a shorter handle height.

This feature is usually not available in entry-level strollers.

However, you can buy extension handles for strollers separately, incase your stroller doesn’t already come with an adjustable handle.

You can also buy stroller grips separately to prevent your hands slipping off the handle.

Stroller Wheels/Tires

Strollers are commonly available in 3-wheel and 4-wheel designs. Four-wheel strollers are better suited for urban spaces and for navigating through crowded places and tight corners. Three-wheel strollers are versatile and better suited for off-roading and running.

If you need a stroller for city use and to stroll near your house or in the park, consider buying a stroller with 4-wheels. If you want a stroller that is easy to steer, and better suited for jogging, hiking, snow, or sand, consider buying a three-wheeled stroller with large wheels.

Most strollers now have wheels that swivel which is great for day to day use. Four-wheel strollers especially are easy to maneuver in tight places and are better suited for crowded places like malls, and cafes.

On jogging strollers, you can lock the front wheels that makes it easier to keep the stroller in a straight line (without a fixed front wheel, the stroller could easily veer off to one side on encountering a crevice on the road, which could be dangerous while running). With the front wheel fixed, you can run faster and you don’t have to keep both your hands on the handlebars at all times.

The size and type/construction of wheels have a direct impact on the maneuverability of the stroller.

For short and slow walks, wheels usually do not play much of a role. However, for a more active lifestyle, you will need a stroller with the right kind of wheels. Also, certain strollers (such as Jogging strollers) have wheels than can swivel or remain fixed.

Related: Understanding stroller wheels / tires

Stroller Canopy

A good-sized canopy protects your little one from the sun and light drizzles.

When it comes to canopy, I believe that “the larger, the better” for me. The smaller canopies are okay for light rains, but the extra-large ones really protect against the sun, especially if it is in a low position.

Most canopies just don’t come down far enough, and that is just too annoying to the kids. Also, go in for something that will last a few years at least, that is all the way from newborn until he/she is a toddler (around two and half to three years).

Related: Baby Stroller Canopies / Hoods / Sun Shade

Storage space on Stroller

Storage Space

Storage space is usually provided under the seat, but some strollers may offer additional space at other locations (behind the seat or on the side).

Storage space and ease-of-access are factors that parents consider when buying a stroller.

Make sure the stroller you choose has good amount of storage space for things like backpacks, diaper bags, shopping bags, etc. The more storage you have, the happier you will be with your stroller.

Related: Here’s how to increase storage space on stroller

Also, you must avoid putting too much weight on the stroller handle. When the stroller basket is loaded with things and when you hang things from the stroller handle, it can put lot of strain on the frame and wheels and cause the stroller to become unstable and tip over.

You can also buy accessories such as tray and cup-holder to hold small things while you’re strolling. You may checkout Child Snack Tray, Parent Tray and Cup Holder to know more.

For a bit more space, you may consider buying Stroller Organizer.

Snack/Food tray and Cup Holder

Although a snack tray may seem like a useful feature, if the food trays height and distance from the seat are not matching with your baby’s height and seating posture, your little one may not fully enjoy stroller rides. So keep that in mind.

Cup holder

You can expect one in a stroller in this price range. A cup holder is a fairly inexpensive, yet extremely helpful stroller feature.

Useful links
Features & Characteristics of Prams and Strollers

Padding and Fabric (Washable / Removable)

You need a stroller that offers an amply padded seat (for comfort) covered with a material that is easy to clean yet durable. Kids can create a lot of chaos and clutter.

If your kids are particularly susceptible to destroying and tearing fabric, you may want to look for a stroller with completely removable fabric covers over the seats.

Removable or not, look for fabric on the stroller that can be cleaned with water and mild soap or washing liquid. While a stylish fabric may look great when new, if it’s not washable the appearance will begin to diminish quickly.

Read more on Stroller seat liners, color packs, fabrics

Different brands offer different quality of materials, so make sure that you check thoroughly before you buy. There are some brands that offer eco-friendly materials, for the environmentally-conscious parents.