Chapter 8 – Choosing the First Stroller

In recent years, new parents have increasingly leaned toward purchasing a combined system, also known as a trio or travel system: a single frame with wheels onto which the carrycot, infant car seat (baby capsule), and stroller seat can be attached. This solution suits the family’s needs at various times of the day, for different activities, and follows the child’s growth through the first years. It’s an important and emotional decision, but it can seem overwhelming, especially because new parents are often entirely inexperienced in the matter. Navigating the countless product options and price ranges on the market is not easy. Of course, you can rely on advice from friends, retailers, or online sources, but every experience is unique and unrepeatable. Every family has its own routines, lifestyle, and living space. What works for one mother doesn’t always work for another.

What are the key elements to pay attention to when choosing a stroller? First and foremost, comfort is crucial, since the real user is the baby. The newborn, in particular, spends a significant amount of their early life in the carrycot, stroller, or car seat. Let’s start with the carrycot.

In the first few months of life, a newborn’s bone and muscle structures are not strong enough to support their own weight. To support healthy physiological development, it’s essential to ensure a fully reclined, horizontal position for as long as possible. This flat position avoids placing strain on specific areas and helps distribute the weight evenly.

It’s also important to remember that the newborn’s respiratory system is still “immature” and “ diaphragmatic ” in nature.

Toward the end of pregnancy, the alveolar phase begins and continues through early childhood (around 18–24 months), leading to the development of the final number of alveoli in the lungs, greatly increasing the surface area for oxygen exchange. Only from 18 months onward does the lung’s development progress proportionally to body mass growth, maintaining a stable ratio between air content and lung volume. In the horizontal position, the ribs and intercostal muscles, contracting in unison with the diaphragm, help stiffen the ribcage rather than expand it during inhalation—thus supporting effective diaphragm activity and proper gas exchange. (5)

That’s why it’s important from day one, to provide the baby with a comfortable resting environment, not only at night but also during daytime walks. The carrycot is ideal for this developmental phase. Babies often sleep for many hours in it and may prefer it over their crib, as it offers a more enclosed and secure space. At birth, a baby suddenly transitions from a cozy, muffled environment to a vast and unfamiliar world. To help ease this transition, it’s important to offer a snug space where the baby can feel the boundaries, providing comfort and reassurance. Nevertheless, the carrycot is sometimes considered unnecessary due to its short-term use, or it may be replaced prematurely by the stroller for convenience or because the baby “no longer fits.” However, babies should be able to remain fully reclined until they can support their backs—typically around six months of age. Research by Professor Thomas Wirth, Neonatal Orthopedics Specialist at the Stuttgart Hospital, Germany (2015–2016), showed that many carrycots on the market are too narrow, often forcing parents to stop using them around three months of age (6).

It’s therefore important that new parents do not give up on the carrycot, as its proper use supports the baby’s neuro-behavioral development. When selecting a carrycot, they should pay attention to these essential features:

• Internal dimensions: The carrycot should be no less than 36 cm wide and 76 cm long to allow for prolonged use, promote muscle relaxation, and enable the so-called “froggy” position.
• Structure: A rigid structure offers better protection from accidental bumps and provides improved thermal insulation.
• Ventilation: There should be a preferably adjustable ventilation system to allow airflow and keep the interior dry and well-ventilated.
• Mattress: It should be firm and breathable. Bamboo fiber is highly recommended as it maintains a proper temperature, is hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.
• Adjustable backrest: Some carrycots feature reclining backrests, useful for curious babies who want to look around and in cases of gastroesophageal reflux.
• Sun visor: The canopy should extend far enough to shield the baby from the sun, especially when it is behind the person pushing the stroller
• Removable and washable interior: The interior must be easy to clean and sanitize. Removable, washable covers are a huge plus.

For strollers, the following features are important:

• Reversible seat: Opt for strollers with reversible seats, which can face the parent or the road. Facing the parent is particularly beneficial during early outings to support gradual separation.
• Reclining backrest: It should offer multiple positions, including a fully flat one for naps. Prefer strollers that allow the backrest to recline independently from the seat. Hammock-style seats may restrict blood circulation in the legs. When fully upright, the backrest angle should be between 100° and 110° to ensure a comfortable seated posture.
• Seat dimensions: Recommended backrest height is at least 48 cm, width at least 32 cm, and seat depth at least 20 cm. A slightly rearward tilt helps prevent the baby from sliding forward.
• External fabric: Should be UV-resistant, with high protection. Large canopies are preferable to shield the baby effectively in all backrest positions. Baby skin is extremely sensitive and even indirect sun exposure must be limited.
• Padding: Backrest and seat must be well-padded to ensure comfort.

As for the car seat (infant carrier), its technical parameters—such as reclining angle—are mostly dictated by safety regulations. However, not all car seats fit all cars equally. Differences in seat shape and layout mean some models are more suitable than others. Always check compatibility and ergonomic fit. Lastly, the car seat should not be used outside the car as a substitute for the carrycot, except for short periods. As noted, infants cannot yet support their head and torso effectively. Some foldable car seats exist, but they generally don’t recline fully in the car and don’t provide an optimal posture, as they are primarily designed for crash protection.

General Functional Features

Once you’ve considered the ergonomic features for your baby, you should focus on the functional and technical aspects that best suit your lifestyle, home, and car. Here are some practical tips:

• Folding mechanism: Choose a frame that folds easily, ideally with one hand. Look for models that stand upright when folded and keep the handle off the ground.
• Dimensions: Make sure the stroller fits through your elevator door and into your car trunk.
• Weight: If you regularly use public transport or have to lift the stroller often, choose a lightweight model.
• Terrain: For walks on uneven ground or in rural/mountain areas, strollers with large wheels are preferable.
• Suspension: Front and rear suspension systems absorb shock and ensure smoother rides for both child and parent.
• Parent height: If parents are very different in height, opt for a frame with adjustable handle height.
• Storage basket: Ensure the storage compartment is spacious.
• Cup holder: Some strollers come with bottle holders to keep drinks handy.
• Washability: Make sure fabric covers are removable and washable.