Adjustable Handle Height

In many facets of life, people have different comfort levels as it pertains to certain situations. Each time my husband and I swap as the passenger and driver in the car, we have to take time to adjust the seat and mirrors. When I go to take a shower, I have to change both the temperature and water setting to my preferred warmth and intensity. And again when it’s time for bed - fan or no fan? Are curtains open or shut?

What we didn’t realize this would come up with is in our stroller. From the outside looking in, it seems quite “one size fits all”. But we quickly learned the opposite to be true.

What exactly is an Adjustable Handle Height?

Adjustable handle height is an extra element that some strollers have that allows you to choose where the handle sits. For those who are on the taller side, there is the ability to raise it. And for those who are shorter, the handle can be brought down to a comfortable position fit for them.

Do you need a stroller with an adjustable handle height?

Try to think about the particular times that you are planning to utilize the stroller, who will be primarily using it, and for how long.

Is the stroller mainly being used by you, or will your spouse, or your mother, or any other family members be using it often as well?

Are any of you extremely tall? Extremely short?

Are you planning to go for long excursions (hiking, running, shopping) that will have you using the stroller for an extended time?

After thinking about those questions, it’s smart to keep in mind the pros and cons that come with the feature:

Adjustable Handle Height Pros & Cons

Pros:

• You can provide a higher level of comfort to yourself and others utilizing the stroller in that the handle can adjust to everyone’s particular heights.
• For those who plan to utilize the stroller for long periods, a properly positioned handle can alleviate wrist, arm, and back pain due to the handle otherwise sitting too high or low.

Cons:

• There isn’t really a disadvantage to having an extra feature like the adjustable handle height. Just keep in mind it isn’t found on most basic strollers, and the strollers who do have it are usually a bit more pricey.

What else do you need to know?

• Two Main Types

  There are several different mechanisms/types of adjustable handle heights.Most popular types are:
  TelescopingRotating

• Presets & Positions

  Not all adjustable handle height features are created equal. Some may offer more presets and positions.

• Ease Of Use

  Some mechanisms are a bit hard to handle, making it a pesky task to change the height, while in others it's a breeze.

• Height Range

  Some stroller brands may have different heights than others. Whereas one brand may raise to what is a comfortable height for you, other brands may not raise to that level.
  Tip: You can usually find the exact range of heights in the official manual that comes with the stroller.

To Summarize

In conclusion, the adjustable handle height option is much like any other feature available to stroller users. You will need to assess what your particular needs are and how frequently that feature would be utilized.

From our experience - there is no harm in having an extra feature like this one. Worst case - you won't use it.

But you should probably insist on an adjustable handle height if:

• You or your spouse (or anyone else who will be a main user of the stroller) are very tall.
• You’re opting for a jogging stroller, with the purpose of going on long jogs. Having the extra comfort this feature provides is probably a good idea and might prevent potential injuries.

Otherwise - you can probably put your focus on other features.