How to choose a lightweight trolley?
Trolleys are complicated products and parents usually don’t have much experience of how to choose them until they’ve used them themselves. Even for an experienced parent, it is not always easy to choose the right stroller. I know people who have bought five different trolleys in total because they were not happy with them.
As a parent, I would like to give my opinion on how to choose a lightweight pushchair that suits your needs.
Why do you need a trolley?
Usually, all-in-one trolleys are big, heavy and difficult to assemble and disassemble. These features can cause a number of inconveniences when travelling or living in a big city. For example:
- Assembling the trolley is complicated and takes a long time
- Your trolley may not fit in the boot of a taxi if you are carrying luggage at the same time.
- You must check-in at the airport on your way to the car park.
- A trolley can be damaged or lost during an air journey.
- Check-in for large luggage takes a long time
- Lifting a trolley up the stairs can be difficult
- Difficulty getting around with a wheelchair on the metro and on trains or other public transport vehicles.
A pushchair is more comfortable and easier to travel with, especially if you’re alone.
The pros of a trolley:
- The trolley is quick and easy to assemble and disassemble, even when you have a baby in the other hand.
- Compact size eliminates the problem of putting the trolley in the boot with the rest of your luggage.
- A trolley can be taken to the airport, no check-in required.
- The trolley can be stowed in the overhead overhead storage compartment on the aircraft.
- The trolley will not be damaged during the flight and will not be lost.
- The trolley is easy to carry up stairs
- It’s better to use a trolley on the metro, trains and in small shops.
How to choose a good lightweight trolley?
The most important features of a great light truck are:
- The trolley must be compact. You should be able to push the trolley onto the plane and it should fit in the overhead compartment of most planes. It should be possible to get the trolley on the plane without check-in. This is a very important point, as many trolleys get damaged or lost during the flight. It also allows you to use the trolley at the airport while waiting for your flight.
- The trolley must be lightweight. A good trolley should not weigh more than 6.5 kg.
- It must be possible to assemble and disassemble the trolley easily.
- The child must be comfortable in the pushchair. The main factors that make a child comfortable in a pushchair:
- The size of the seat must be similar to that of a normal pram. A roomy seat is important because children do not like cramped conditions and this allows them to take toys or take a nap in the pushchair.
- Wheels with suspension. In order to minimise rattling and vibration, suspension wheels are essential and make the driving experience more comfortable for the child.
- Adjustable backrest. You can adjust the angle of the backrest according to whether your child wants to sit or sleep.
- Long arm. Thanks to the long armrest, you can protect your baby from strong light and cold winds while sleeping. Even better, the arm has UV protection and is waterproof.
- Thick seat upholstery. This seat is softer and more comfortable for your child.
- Soft and smooth fixing straps. Hard fasteners are not good for the baby’s skin.
- Removable front wing. Children like to hold on to the front rail when sitting.
5. The trolley is easy to use. All the features of the trolley should be convenient to use. A cup holder as well as a luggage basket are important.
6. Similar functions compared to a standard trolley.
7. Good design and nice looks.
8. Durable and stable trolley designed to last.
9. Quality materials.
10. Possibility to add a safety cage to the stroller frame.
11. Safety. All trolleys should have passed safety certification requirements such as EN1888 (European).
