Which wheels are best for a stroller: review, pros and cons of each option

June 3, 2019
Children under one year old
Anastasia Moroz

When there is a child in the family, you inevitably begin to think about the comfort of this little man. However, you also want to create comfortable conditions for yourself. That is why you need to choose things that will suit both mother and baby. This is where the question arises, which wheels are best for a baby stroller to make it convenient to move around with it.

What is the difference?

When choosing a stroller for your child, you may come across different types of wheels. Their choice will depend on a number of characteristics that you prefer to observe. Let's figure out together how wheels can differ and which wheels are better for a stroller.

The first difference is by type: inflatable (pneumatic) and non-inflatable. Here the name speaks for itself. They can either have air inside or be made of solid material.

The next characteristic is diameter. Typically these are 10, 12 and 14 inch wheels.

And finally, the difference is in the material from which the rim is made (i.e., the wheel disk). Plastic or metal can be used for these purposes.

Spacious storage compartments

A spacious, easily accessible shopping basket makes shopping with your child much easier. Basket sizes vary. Choose one that can hold a large bag of diapers. If you choose a model with a reclining seat, make sure you can reach the basket when the backrest is fully reclined.

The bottom of the stroller should be at a sufficiently large distance from the ground, it should not drag when the basket is fully loaded. Some strollers have elastic storage bags on the back of the stroller or in place of the shopping basket. Do not hang heavy bags on the handle; the stroller may tip over if overloaded! Read our safety tips.

Pros and cons of inflatable wheels

Which wheels are best for a stroller if the roads in your area are bumpy and full of potholes? In this case, inflatable wheels will smooth out road unevenness well. In addition, they have better maneuverability. In the event of a breakdown, such wheels are easy to replace, since it is quite easy to find a tire or tube in stores.

However, everything cannot be good, there are always disadvantages. Inflatable wheels have such disadvantages as frequent puncture of the tubes and damage to the tire, high cost and heavy weight.

Silicone, gel, tubeless wheels.

Silicone wheels are made of durable rubber and without a tube. They contain foam or gel inside. The main and main advantage of these wheels is that they do not require maintenance. In terms of smoothness, they are slightly inferior to inflatable wheels, but, as a rule, they are used in combination with shock-absorbing elements of the frame. The advantage is that they have a large diameter and good cross-country ability. One of the disadvantages is the likelihood of snow sticking in the first minutes after leaving a warm room, since the wheel remains warm for some time.

Pros of gel wheels:

+ does not require maintenance;

+ not bad depreciation.

Minuses:

- snow may stick.

Characteristics of non-inflatable wheels

The positive aspects of non-inflatable wheels include their relative strength, lower price and lighter weight. Unlike inflatable wheels, these wheels do not puncture on the road, and therefore the tires need to be changed less often.

But such wheels will not absorb bumps on the road, which can also lead to faster wear of the wheels. A stroller on such wheels rides very poorly on soft ground, so if such roads predominate in your area, then it is better to give preference to inflatable wheels.

If the wheels are worn out, then in the case of inflatable ones, you can change either the rim or the tire. For non-inflatable wheels, the entire wheel has to be replaced because the rubber wears out over time.

In addition, spare parts and components for such wheels are quite difficult to find. Therefore, if you do not know which stroller with which wheels is best to choose, then analyze the area in which you live and the roads on which you will travel.

Optimal wheel sizes

The optimal size of the “gears” is determined by the area of primary exploitation. If parents walk with their child mainly on a flat surface, then a maneuverable stroller will be required. This feature is provided by small plastic or rubber wheels. Large “gears” are suitable for driving on difficult terrain.

For urban conditions, you can purchase strollers with 10-inch “gears”. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the road surface.

Twin wheels

Sometimes you can see double wheels on strollers. They are called paired. The installation mechanism is as follows: instead of one wheel, two are attached to the fulcrum point, with a small distance between them. The stability of such a mechanism is better, however, the weight becomes greater and the price increases. The cross-country ability and reliability of such a stroller become an order of magnitude higher.

Which wheels are better for a stroller: single or double, depends on how much money the family has and on what roads the stroller will be driven. It often happens that the rear wheels are single, and the front wheels are double; in addition, they can also be swivel. Here again, the choice is yours.

Cup holders for child and parents

Many stroller models have two cup holders - one for you and one for your baby. This is a very useful feature of a baby stroller. But keep hot drinks away from your baby. A stand for parents usually combines a cup holder and a pocket for keys or a holder for a mobile phone and other compact digital devices. If you bought a stroller without a parent stand, you can purchase various kinds of small bags and covers that attach to the handle of the stroller. It is better if these are accessories recommended by the stroller manufacturer.

Swivel wheels and their fixation

Most strollers have swivel wheels. They can rotate around their axis, thus following the movement of the stroller. On the one hand, this is very convenient; you don’t need to make a lot of effort to turn the stroller. On the other hand, this can cause inconvenience, for example, in a supermarket, where the floor is too smooth and the wheels usually become sideways and make it difficult for the stroller to move.

For such situations, wheel locking is provided. Sometimes fixed wheels are much more convenient than swivel ones. If maneuverability is required again, the clamps can be returned to their original position. In this situation, you can decide which wheels are best for the stroller in a matter of minutes.

Brakes

Good brakes are very important for your child's safety. All strollers have a parking foot or hand brake, which should prevent the stroller from rolling away if you stop. The hand brake is more convenient to use; with its help you can not only stop the stroller, but also slow it down. Many stroller models have two parking brakes that are activated by plastic teeth that engage the rear wheel sprocket. Some baby strollers, combination strollers, and umbrella strollers have a “linked” two-wheel parking brake that is activated in one motion—pressing your foot on a bar at the rear of the stroller chassis. Other stroller models have a foot pedal above the rear wheel.

Avoid models that can injure your feet when you apply or disengage the brakes while wearing light shoes or barefoot.

Cane strollers and book strollers

Strollers have different folding options. One of them is the so-called book. When assembled, the backrest and seat fold together, wrapping around one chassis, like pages in a book. These strollers can have any wheels. Compared to a cane stroller, this design is not entirely compact, since even after assembly it remains quite bulky. Thanks to this assembly, the models are equipped with a solid handle, which allows you to control the stroller even with one hand. After all, when folding the stroller, the handle does not undergo transformation.

The assembly mechanism for cane strollers is slightly different. In them, the supports that support the front and rear wheels are attached at an angle, and therefore rotate at the connection point when folded. Thus, the rear support moves towards the front and the angle turns into a straight line. When assembled, the stroller looks like a pair of canes with fabric in the middle, which, in fact, is the seat. The cane assembly mechanism allows you to assemble and disassemble the stroller more compactly and quickly.

However, there are also disadvantages. One of them is two separate handles instead of one. This makes it much more difficult to control the stroller with one hand. They may also lack the ability to adjust the backrest. That is, you will not be able to give it a horizontal position if the child falls asleep. These are quite significant disadvantages, because of which this model is less often chosen.

As for the wheels on walking strollers, they can be completely different, but most often they are paired wheels with swivel mechanisms at the front. Which wheels are best for a cane stroller is difficult to answer. After all, different manufacturers use all sorts of options and combinations.

Plastic wheels, polyurethane, PVC wheels.

Typically used on strollers and cane-type strollers. The main advantage of these wheels is light weight and wear resistance. Shock absorption in strollers with such wheels is carried out by the frame. The downside is that in cold weather they freeze and become hard.

+ do not require maintenance.

- small diameter of wheels, which makes it difficult for the stroller to pass through snow, sand and off-road.

Recently, well-known manufacturers of baby strollers, such as Adamex, Bebe Mobile, Bexa, Tako and many others, began to produce strollers with gel wheels.

Why were such innovations needed and why did manufacturers and consumers dislike classic wheels?

1) wheels covered with a dense layer of foamed cast rubber.

2) inflatable wheels consisting of a tube and a tire.

Let's look at all the pros and cons of each option. Wheels coated with foam rubber have poor shock absorption, resulting in a harder ride, but, on the other hand, due to such wheels, the use of the stroller becomes less problematic, it has less weight and a lower price compared to similar models on inflatable wheels.

As for inflatable tube wheels, they certainly absorb better, providing a softer and smoother rolling, but they also have their own problems. They need to be constantly pumped up, since the chamber tends to deflate during operation. And if the wheel is inflated, for example, using a car compressor, or even worse, the wheel is inflated in a tire shop, then it can simply “explode”, smashing the disk to smithereens. As a result, you will need to look for a similar wheel somewhere, and it is unlikely that you will find the original version; you will most likely have to be content with the Chinese analogue, which is different from the rest of the original wheels of the stroller. Also common problems with inflatable wheels are tube punctures, tire cord loss, nipple defect, etc.

What about gel wheels? This is the same inflatable wheel with a disk and tire, but inside, instead of a tube and air, there is an elastic and technological gel that is resistant to wear. Such wheels absorb as well as inflatable tube wheels, so they have the same smooth and soft ride. But at the same time, they do not require absolutely any maintenance: they do not need to be pumped up, they are not afraid of punctures, herniated tubes, or problems with nipples, like inflatable wheels. So, we conclude that manufacturers of baby strollers, equipping their models with gel wheels, provide us with an invaluable service. Now you can walk with your baby on any off-road terrain without fear of any problems with the wheels, while rolling your baby in a stroller with a soft and smooth ride.

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Wheels for winter

In the cold season, the choice of wheels on a stroller should be even more careful, because you will have to drive through snowdrifts and ice. Children born during the cold season should be placed in bassinets in winter. The wheels on such strollers are usually inflatable and of large diameter. Since these strollers are quite heavy, they need massive wheels.

Strollers are extremely difficult to use in winter. The wheels of such strollers are weak for winter weather. Plus they are quite cold. Children who can already sit and walk in strollers can switch to sleds in winter. It will be much more convenient. But if the child is not yet old enough, it is better to ride in a cradle in winter. This will make him both warmer and more comfortable.

So, it’s up to you to choose which wheels on a stroller are best for winter. After all, the main thing is that your child is comfortable and that the walk is enjoyable for both you and the baby.

Stroller handle

When buying a stroller, it is important to evaluate its handle. It’s great if the handle can change position relative to the stroller (flip), if it can be adjusted optimally for your height and if it folds without causing inconvenience when transported in the trunk of a car.

The height-adjustable handle can be extended in height or bent at an angle. The reversible handle allows you to change the position of the baby and the direction of his gaze (at you or at the world around him). Pediatricians advise positioning the cradle so that you can see the baby’s face, and he, therefore, yours. This position gives the baby a feeling of confidence that he is not alone and there is someone to protect him. But older babies from eight months should sit facing the direction of travel. This allows them to fully explore their surroundings. The reversible handle is convenient, but the stroller unit and cradle in baby strollers with such a handle are usually several centimeters narrower.

Which wheels should you prefer?

After weighing all the pros and cons, you can choose one of the options. The choice is yours. However, the most common types of wheels are inflatable. Despite the complexity of their maintenance, they are preferred more often. Judging by user reviews, these wheels create comfortable conditions for walking with your baby.

Which wheels are better for a stroller, taking into account their diameter? Here it is recommended to take strollers with combined wheels, i.e. of different sizes. The front ones are usually chosen to be 10 inches in size, and the rear ones are 12 inches. This is the most popular option. If they break, they are easy to replace, since the selection is quite large.

Despite this, 14-inch wheels lead in cross-country ability. But they are usually preferred by owners of bassinets rather than strollers.

Folding/unfolding the stroller

When buying a baby stroller, you should find out how it folds and how much space it takes up when folded. This is an important factor if you plan to frequently transport the stroller in a car, and also if there is no space at home to store it. Strollers that remain upright when folded can be conveniently placed in a closet or hallway. But make sure that the child cannot reach the stroller and knock it over. Make sure your child is away from the stroller when folding or unfolding it.

The best strollers fold compactly in seconds with one hand. This mechanism is necessary so that you can fold/unfold the stroller while holding the child in your arms. 4Moms has released the first robotic stroller with an automatic folding mechanism.

Minor nuances when choosing a stroller

A shopping basket is a necessary accessory for mothers, allowing them to avoid carrying ten bags in their hands. But winter strollers with baskets are too bulky; the basket makes navigation difficult, which is especially noticeable on snowy days. But if it is removable, no problems arise. Take care not only of your baby’s comfort, but also of yours.

The handle for movement should be as comfortable as possible, check this right in the store. And at the same time – for strength, height adjustment and the ability to move to the side.

Price . Not all that glitters is gold and not everything expensive is a guarantee of good quality. You can pay for a brand and ignore a comfortable, eco-friendly, cute stroller from a less famous manufacturer. Put comfort first, cost second.

Price and warranty period

Since today manufacturers offer us a huge variety of different baby strollers, the price range for them is very wide. The cheapest models are those made in Russia and Poland. More expensive baby strollers are German, Dutch, and English. It is believed that strollers from Europe are much better quality than domestic ones.

Every parent wants their baby stroller to last as long as possible. Therefore, at the time of purchase, find out about its warranty period and where to contact if a breakdown occurs. Typically, the warranty period for a stroller ranges from three months to one year.

The most important thing is that the soul “lies in” with the baby stroller. If you are satisfied with everything about the stroller and it attracts you externally, then take it and don’t hesitate. Consultants of the online store “First Stroller.RF” will help you choose a baby stroller, taking into account all your wishes and requirements.

Wheels for strollers. Types, how to choose?

There are a lot of surprises in the life of every parent. Including unpleasant ones, for example, a damaged wheel on a baby stroller. What to do? Where to run? Where can you buy wheels for a stroller? And this is where the problems begin. And it’s not even a matter of the presence or absence of a certain model, but, on the contrary, a wide variety of choices. You just need to walk into a store to understand that there are a huge number of types of wheels. We will tell you how not to get lost in this variety and choose the best ones in this article. This information will help you confidently navigate the range and wisely choose what is right for your conditions and your stroller.

Which stroller to buy: expensive or not

Mucus in baby's stool

The price of a stroller does not always correspond to the quality. The child uses transport while lying down only for the first 6-8 months. Then the baby wants to sit and watch the world around him. You will have to change the cradle for a walk. Before choosing the most expensive stroller, you need to look at all the parameters, especially the dimensions and weight, because you will have to carry your child in and out for a walk several times a day.

You can choose a good budget option that will satisfy all the wishes of your parents. It doesn’t really matter to a newborn what kind of stroller to sleep in: expensive or cheap, the main thing is that it is comfortable and does not put his health at risk.

Which stroller is best for newborns in winter? Almost any, the main thing is to think about its location in the hallway, capacity in the elevator and the trunk of the car. Currently, manufacturers take into account all the wishes and feedback of young mothers and try to create an ideal option for the family.

Brown stroller

Rating: TOP 8 best winter strollers

Strollers for the winter are designed for long walks in low temperatures. It is very important for every mother to get where she wants to go with her baby, but at the same time, the child does not freeze in his stroller. Therefore, special attention is paid to dense upholstery and maximum insulation of the cradle.

The baby is protected from the piercing wind by wide side screens, and good shock absorption from strong shocks. Large wheels are another important element that ensures maneuverability and high maneuverability in conditions of snowy sidewalks and unclean roads. Strollers designed for winter are more powerful, but they are just as easy to drive as summer strollers.

How to choose

A good winter stroller has many nuances that need to be taken into account when choosing a product. There are several important criteria, the main ones:

Weight, dimensions . These parameters are especially important for residents of small apartments. Large strollers are easier to overcome snowdrifts, steps, and curbs. However, lightweight models have proven themselves well on narrow staircases, in the absence of lifting mechanisms. Attention! It is advisable that the weight of the stroller does not exceed 15 kg.
Insulated cradle with multi-layer upholstery made of material that does not allow moisture to pass through, protecting against heavy snowfalls.
Big wheels . They provide easy maneuverability, both on snow cover and during slush and dirt. The best choice is wheels made of rubber or polyurethane.
Comfortable handle . It should be durable, wide, and height adjustable. This will allow parents to safely drive children's vehicles on snow-covered sidewalks and roads. The ability to flip the handle will help protect the baby from the headwind.
The presence of a voluminous hood and rain cover to protect against snowfall, wind, and moisture penetration into the stroller.
Removable grocery basket . In winter, this accessory can become a hindrance when moving. The basket is replaced with a bag, hanging it on the handle.
Hand brake . Its presence will help to securely hold the stroller while ascending/descending steep paths and ramps.

Care

Care must be taken to ensure that dirt, clay and sand do not get stuck in the wheel mounts or the chassis itself. Clear the stroller of stones as thoroughly as possible before entering the apartment. Deeply embedded stones can be removed using tweezers. Unsightly marks may remain at the site of the removed stones, which disappear over time.
Stuck stones can cause rattling noises and in some cases affect the functionality of the stroller. To eliminate such problems, it is recommended to use silicone spray. Move and lubricate the problematic parts of the wheel, rub in the spray thoroughly. It is advisable to do this in the evening so that the stroller remains lubricated all night to achieve the full effect.
Do not forget to lubricate the wheels with machine oil - preferably once every three months or as needed. Remove the wheels from the stroller and clean and lubricate the hubs, rims and spokes. Also lubricate the wheel axle and then carefully attach the wheel in place. Lubricants can be purchased at a car or bike shop. Removable wheels must be taken care of especially carefully.
If your stroller has inflatable wheels, do not place it on a plastic surface. This can cause permanent stains. You will avoid punctures if you roll the stroller carefully, avoiding broken glass, nails and other sharp objects, and place it on a soft surface at home.
Caring for a stroller with inflatable wheels is similar to caring for bicycle tires. Stock up on a small kit for repairing small punctures (thinner or gasoline, glue, patch material). Change the camera and make sure you fix the cause of the damage. If you can't fix the puncture yourself, go to a bicycle repair shop (the repairs are usually cheap there) or a stroller store. If your wheels often puncture, it is better to change your tires to more durable ones. Do not forget that the wheels should always be well inflated. The pump is suitable for a children's bicycle. You can contact your nearest tire shop for this service.

It's a rare mother who carefully considers the wheels when buying a stroller. However, this criterion should not be neglected if you do not want to regret your purchase. After all, it is the wheels that provide the stroller with a smooth ride and high-quality shock absorption.

The wheels of different strollers vary greatly. Before purchasing, you need to decide how many wheels of what size the stroller should have, how they will be attached, and what type of wheels is right for you. It depends on what surface you are going to roll the stroller on.

Sources

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