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Buggies: The seating comfort of some models is not convincing
Photo: NoSystem images / Getty Images
For children aged around six months, buggies can be a space-saving and maneuverable alternative to combination strollers.
Stiftung Warentest tested twelve models for issue 3/2024 of the magazine “test”.
Three buggies performed well, five received a grade of inadequate.
According to experts, they contain chemicals that should not be used in children's companions.
The test winner is the
Maxi-Cosi Soho
with an overall grade of 2.2.
It impressed in the test with a particularly high backrest.
“It provides excellent support for the head of even four-year-olds,” writes Stiftung Warentest.
The buggy can also be folded with one hand and has a transport lock.
Thanks to the comparatively large wheels, it rolls a little better on cobblestones, in the sand and in the forest than the competition's models.
With a price of around 330 euros, the Maxi-Cosi is the cheapest buggy among the well-rated ones, but the rain cover costs around 40 euros extra.
Just one wheel length behind, the
Joolz Aer+
rolls to the finish with an overall grade of 2.3.
When folded it is particularly small and has a carrying strap, according to Stiftung Warentest.
However, when it comes to seating comfort, it performs slightly worse than the test winner.
The Joolz is also more expensive, costing around 460 euros.
Rain protection costs around 30 euros additionally.
The Bugaboo Butterfly
also costs 460 euros, but includes rain protection
.
With an overall grade of 2.4, it is the third buggy rated as good in the test.
The testers particularly emphasized the safety loop on the handle.
It is practical on hills and mountains.
The Bugaboo also offers children two options for placing their feet.
At least, because the testers complained about the fact that the footrests in all the buggies examined were not adjustable: "So sooner or later the little passengers have to bend their legs or let them dangle loosely in the air."
The buggies from the brands ABC Design, Baby Jogger, Easywalker, Moon and Hauck are rated as defective.
The reasons for this include substances with cryptic names such as fluorotelomer alcohol 8:2 FTOH and fluorotelomer alcohol 6:2 FTOH.
These water and dirt repellent chemicals are used for waterproofing.
The fluorine compounds are not harmful to children.
“But during production, during use and after disposal, the substances end up in the environment and from there into the food chain,” writes Stiftung Warentest.
“People take them up in this detour.” Even in the “Child-friendly design” test category, none of the five models get above the grade of satisfactory.
You can find more information and the complete test results at Stiftung Warentest.
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