What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller can help you safely bring your wiggly toddler to adventures. It should come with five-point harnesses to keep your child secure and lockable swivel wheels that cannot be pushed away.

Think about a pushchairs travel systems system for your baby that is attached directly to your car seat. You could also consider an adjustable model that can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even tripled with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket with plenty of room and is accessible.

Safety

Choose a model that has safety features that meet the strictest standards If you want your child to be able to stroll in the stroller for a number of years. Included in this are size and age compatibility as in a stable design with restraining straps, secure seats shells and sunshades. Choose a five-point harness that uses straps that go over shoulders, between the legs and at the crotch to stop your child from falling out of the stroller during the event of a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to further enhance your child's safety.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they meet safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This assures that it won't tip over when it is in use. The top strollers have a lockable, secure brake system that can be activated like the case of a vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals to ensure they're easy to operate but difficult for children to remove. If possible, choose an elastic harness. It has strong magnets to hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to secure, but difficult for infants to open. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that wraps around the frame and an opening for a safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to stop your child from getting trapped.

To avoid pinching hazards, fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Always make sure that the hinges do not have protrusions and have no sharp edges. Place bags in the storage area or in the basket under the stroller to prevent the risk of entanglement and to decrease the risk of the stroller accidentally tipping over while in motion. Never hang purses or diaper bags from the handles of your stroller. This could be a risk of strangulation for your child.

Pick a stroller that has an extendable canopy that will protect your child from the harsh sun. A tray for snacks and a bottle or cup holder will keep drinks and snacks close to the ready. A bag clip or a tote will help you carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had when they were infants. A wide seat with ample padding and recline options will ensure that they fit comfortably in their stroller and remain relaxed during outings. A model with adjustable footrests and canopy will also allow for their height to change. Other crucial aspects to consider are solid frames, a five-point harness, and braking system that ensures security.

A double stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or Toddler Stroller children with similar ages. Select a double stroller that has a reversible seating position so that they can ride facing forward, facing the parent, or facing each the other. A reversible chair can also aid your children in bonding when they go for a walk. Based on your needs you might want a stroller that has a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and beverages in reach.

The best stroller for toddlers should be simple to maneuver and fold. A stroller that has swivel front wheels and a well-designed suspension system will help you navigate crowded streets and rough terrain. Other features worth looking for include an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. You might also prefer a hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when your hands are full.

No matter if you're on an easy stroll around town or on a long vacation, the perfect stroller can keep your family and you comfortable while exploring. From an ultra-compact, self-folding design to a huge storage basket these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you want.

I spoke to five experts in the area of strollers and parenting. These included Lisa Trofe (executive director of the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association), Kyleyn Gosewisch (customer care specialist at Strolleria), Marielle Marquez (pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid) an organization that provides information on child and baby safety as well as Sarah Huff (senior manager of community and customer relations). Read on to learn their top tips to choose the best stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Your child is likely to jump in and out of the stroller on their own, so search for a model that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold with just one hand while others come with straps that allow you to carry the stroller with ease. Consider a stroller that has a large canopy to shield your child from direct sun, or one that has several recline positions.

A few of the top strollers come with an area that can be used to attach an infant car seat. Others have attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to opt for a stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds, so that it's easy to lift off and on public transportation. If you intend to use the stroller over uneven surfaces, select a model with large, durable wheels. These wheels can roll easily across a variety conditions.

If you have to, a stroller equipped with straps that are cushioned can easily be slung over your shoulder. Don't hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip over and injure or suffocate your baby.

The stroller you choose must have a five-point harness which securely connects to the rear and front of your child. It should have an ample, easy-to-access storage basket and the tray for children. A reclining seat is also an essential feature for tired toddlers.

There are more suggestions and information about choosing a stroller in our buying guide. Contact our customer support team if you have any questions.

What is the difference between a stroller and a pram?

A stroller is a hand-pushed mobile vehicle that can be used to transport infants or children who are young. Some strollers can hold an infant car-seat or an adjustable bassinet that is able to be converted into seats. While most strollers are hard to steal, some models come with locks and shackles to stop them from being taken by passersby. Wearing your child in a top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to strollers. It can improve bonding and free your hands to complete other tasks such as grocery shopping or running the errands.

Stores

As your baby grows into a toddler, stroller trips are longer than the quick out-and-back strolls of infancy. When you go on these excursions you'll need additional items, such as a fully stocked diaper bag with snacks, drinks, and extra clothing for your Baby. The best way to keep all these items within reach is to put them in the stroller.

Take a look at a stroller that offers plenty of storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, additional clothing, and one of our top water bottles for children. Having these necessities handy will give you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep an eye on baby or keep an eye on bags while you walk.

Most full-size strollers offer plenty of storage space, however for those who want an more convenient place to store your items consider strollers with a parent tray. These consoles typically offer both cups holder as well as an ample storage compartment that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers include a parent tray as an option, while others offer it as an option to add on.

When you choose a stroller with a tray for parents, be sure that it comes with deep cup holders that can safely hold your drink. Cup holders with shallow cups tend to spill onto the edges, making them dangerous for your baby. We also advise against hanging items from the handlebars because it could cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a stable stroller unstable, based on the weight, the incline of the terrain, and the amount of weight that is in the basket that is on the bottom.

Families who plan to have more than one child in the coming years should think about a tandem or side by side stroller. These types of strollers offer seats that sit in a row, side-by-side, with a toddler seat on top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers can save you money in the long run by letting you to use one stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.