When selecting the right stroller, one crucial feature often overlooked is the adjustable handlebar. For parents of varying heights—or even just those who want a comfortable push—it’s essential to have a handle that adjusts easily to suit your needs. Whether you’re tall, petite, or sharing stroller duty with someone of a different height, an adjustable handle can make a huge difference in comfort and ease of use.
In this blog, we'll dive into why adjustable stroller handles are important, compare different brands like iCandy and Bugaboo, and highlight strollers with smooth handle adjustments to make your life easier.
Why Adjustable Handles Matter
1. Comfort and Ergonomics
Strollers without adjustable handles can cause strain, especially during longer walks. If the handle is too high or low for your height, you might find yourself hunching over or stretching your arms, leading to back pain, shoulder strain, and overall discomfort. An adjustable handle lets you find the perfect height, so you can maintain good posture and enjoy pushing the stroller, no matter how long you're out.
- Too Low for Tall Parents: Taller parents may feel back or neck strain from constantly bending over to push the stroller.
- Too High for Shorter Parents: Shorter parents may struggle with a high handlebar, making it harder to control and steer the stroller comfortably.
2. Easy for Multiple Caregivers
If more than one person is using the stroller—whether it’s your partner, grandparents, siblings or a caregiver—having an adjustable handle ensures everyone can push it comfortably. Adjustable handles make it easy to adapt to any height with just a quick change.
3. Better Control Over Terrain
Adjustable handles are not just about comfort—they also offer more control when pushing the stroller on different terrains. You may prefer a higher setting when going uphill or navigating through rough surfaces, while a lower setting works better for flat, even terrain.
Comparing Stroller Handle Adjustments: iCandy vs. Bugaboo
When it comes to adjustable handlebars, not all strollers are created equal. Let’s take a look at how two popular brands—iCandy and Bugaboo—compare in terms of handle adjustment.
iCandy: Smooth One-Handed Adjustment
The iCandy range, including models like the iCandy Peach and iCandy Orange, is known for its effortless, one-handed adjustable handlebar. With a simple squeeze of a lever, you can adjust the handle height smoothly and quickly, making it one of the easiest systems on the market. Whether you need a quick adjustment on the go or you’re switching between caregivers, the iCandy handlebar adapts with minimal effort.
- iCandy Peach and iCandy Orange: These luxury strollers offer a telescoping handle that can extend to multiple heights, ranging from 95cm to 105cm (37 to 41 inches), ensuring comfort for both taller and shorter parents.
- Why It’s Great: The one-handed adjustment makes it easy to quickly change the height without needing to stop or use both hands—perfect for when you're holding your baby in one arm or carrying shopping bags. The iCandy has an integrated ride on board and the quick smooth adjustment makes it easy to let your older ones jump on and off the board as needed.
Bugaboo: More Awkward Adjustment
While Bugaboo strollers, such as the Bugaboo Fox and Bugaboo Cameleon, are known for their high-quality design, the handlebar adjustment process can be a bit more awkward. Bugaboo uses a rotating adjustment mechanism, which can require more effort, sometimes needing two hands and more force to adjust the handle. It’s not as seamless as iCandy’s one-handed system, making it less convenient when you’re on the move.
- Bugaboo Fox: While it does have an adjustable handle, the rotation mechanism can be cumbersome, especially if you need to change the height quickly or frequently.
- Why It’s Less Ideal: The rotating adjustment is not as fluid or user-friendly, which can be frustrating when you’re juggling other tasks or moving between different heights quickly.
Top Strollers with Adjustable Handles
If an adjustable handle is a must-have feature for you, here are some of the top strollers in the U.S. that offer this function, ensuring maximum comfort and ease for every parent or caregiver.
1. iCandy Peach
The iCandy Peach is a luxury stroller designed with comfort and functionality in mind. It features a smooth, one-handed telescoping handlebar that adjusts from 95cm to 105cm (37-41 inches), making it perfect for parents of different heights. The Peach also stands out for its premium design and effortless steering, making it a great option for families seeking style and ease of use.
2. iCandy Orange
The iCandy Orange also comes with a telescoping handlebar that adjusts smoothly, allowing multiple caregivers to comfortably push the stroller. With its easy handle adjustment, it’s perfect for families who need versatility in both stroller configuration and handle height.
3. UPPAbaby Vista
The UPPAbaby Vista is known for its large storage basket and versatile design, but it also features an easy-to-use telescoping handlebar. With just a push of a button, you can extend or lower the handle to fit your height, making it a breeze to switch between users.
4. Silver Cross Dune
Compact yet feature-packed, the Silver Cross Dune has an adjustable handle that moves easily to fit different heights. This stroller is perfect for city-dwelling families who need something that’s both stylish and easy to use, with a handle that adjusts to suit various caregivers.
5. Silver Cross Wave
The Silver Cross Wave includes a multi-height adjustable handle, perfect for taller and shorter parents alike. With a smooth adjustment system, you can quickly change the height to ensure comfort for any caregiver.
6. Silver Cross Reef
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Silver Cross Reef provides the perfect combination of durability and comfort. Its adjustable handlebar ensures that parents of all heights can push comfortably, whether on a paved sidewalk or a rugged path.
7. Bugaboo Fox
Despite its awkward handle adjustment, the Bugaboo Fox still offers a range of handlebar heights that can be customized to suit the user. However, the rotating adjustment mechanism can be a bit more difficult to use than telescoping options like those from iCandy.
8. Mamas & Papas Ocarro
The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is an all-terrain stroller with a height-adjustable handle that ensures a comfortable push no matter your height. This makes it a great option for families who enjoy both city and countryside walks.
How to Choose the Right Handle Height
When choosing a stroller with an adjustable handle, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Try Different Heights: Before buying, test out the handle height to find what feels most comfortable for your posture. Your elbows should be slightly bent, and your arms should feel relaxed while pushing.
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Ease of Adjustment: Look for a stroller with an easy-to-use handle adjustment mechanism. If you’ll be sharing stroller duties with others, a one-handed adjustment like iCandy’s will save time and effort.
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Consider Your Lifestyle: If you enjoy long walks or spend a lot of time navigating rough terrain, an adjustable handle can give you better control and reduce strain on your body.
Conclusion: Adjustable Handles Make Stroller Pushing Easier
Whether you’re tall, petite, or sharing stroller duties with someone of a different height, a stroller with an adjustable handle is a must for comfort and ease. Brands like iCandy, UPPAbaby, and Silver Cross lead the way with smooth, user-friendly handle adjustments that make switching between heights a breeze.
If you’re looking for the smoothest, easiest handle adjustment, iCandy strollers, with their one-handed telescoping mechanism, are the best choice for convenience and comfort. While Bugaboo offers handle adjustments, their rotating system may be less user-friendly, especially for parents needing to make frequent height changes.