What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are an excellent way to safely take your wiggly toddler on adventures. It should have a five-point harness to keep your child secure and swivel wheels lockable so that they aren't able to roll away.

If you have a baby think about a travel system that can be attached to your car seat or convertible models that can be upgraded from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Find a basket that is large and easy to access.

Safety

If you want your toddler to be able to stroll for a long time, choose a high-quality model with safety features that meet the highest standards. Included in this are age and size compatibility as well as a stable design with restraining straps, sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Choose a five-point harness that has straps that go over shoulders, between the legs and at the crotch to stop your child from falling out of the stroller in a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps to increase your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to ensure that they meet safety standards. The stroller is lowered from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This assures that it won't be able to tip over while it is in use. The best strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be engaged like in the case of a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals, and ensure that they are easy to operate for you but difficult to unfasten for children. If possible, consider an electronic harness that utilizes strong magnets to keep the harness straps together. It is simple to fasten for parents, but difficult for children to unlock. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a safety belt opening that can be closed in the reclining position.

The folding and unfolding of strollers should be kept away from children to avoid the risk of pinching. Always make sure that the hinges do not have protrusions and have no sharp edges. To prevent entanglement and decrease the chance that the stroller may fall over, store bags in the storage area underneath the stroller or in the basket. Don't hang your diaper or purse bags from the handles of your stroller, as this can pose a strangulation hazard for your child.

Choose a stroller with an extendable canopy that will shield your child from the brutal sun. Keep snacks and drinks handy by using a bottle or cup holder and a snack tray. A bag clip or tote can help you carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A spacious seat with plenty of cushioning and reclining options will ensure that they fit comfortably in their stroller and stay relaxed when they go out. A stroller with adjustable footrests and a canopy can also accommodate their changing height. Other essential aspects to consider include an extremely sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking systems that guarantee security.

A double stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or babies of similar ages. Pick one with a reversible seat to allow them to ride side-by-side, parent-facing, or face each one on. Reversible seats can aid in bonding your kids with one another while out on strolls. You may choose a stroller that has a cup holder or a bag clip so you can keep drinks and snacks in reach.

The most effective strollers for toddlers are simple to fold and move. Strollers with swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will allow you to navigate through crowded streets or rough terrain. Other useful features to look for include a movable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might prefer a parking brake that can be operated by hand.

The right stroller can keep you and your family comfortable on any trip whether it's a simple trip in the city or a vacation. From an ultra-compact self-folding design, to an expansive basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you need.

To narrow down your options I spoke to five experts in the field of parenting and strollers, including Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products 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 offers safety and baby-related resources as well as Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Find out their top tips for choosing the best stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Look for a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your toddler may be able to get into and out of it on their own. Some models fold using just one hand, while others have an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller with ease. You could also consider an option with a large canopy that shields your child from sun, and offers several reclining positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a compartment where you can attach an infant car seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You can pick a light stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds to allow it to be easier to lift onto and off public transport. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, select a model with large durable wheels that roll easily over different terrains.

A stroller with a padded strap for carrying can allow you to easily carry the stroller over your shoulder when needed. You should never hang a purse, diaper bag or any other item from the handle of a stroller as it can cause tipping and could hurt or suffocate your baby or toddler.

The stroller you pick should come with five-point harnesses that are securely connected to your child's back and front. It should also have large, ample storage basket that is accessible and a tray for your child. A reclining seat is essential for tired toddlers.

You can find additional tips and information on selecting a stroller in our buying guide. Contact our customer support team for any questions.

What's the Difference Between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle to transport babies and young children. Some strollers can carry an infant car seat, while others have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into seats. Some strollers have locks and shackles to prevent them from being stolen by passersby. Wearing your child in a top-rated baby carrier is an excellent alternative to a stroller. It can improve bonding and free your hands to complete other tasks like grocery shopping or running around.

Stores

As your baby grows into a toddler, stroller excursions become longer expeditions rather than the short out-and-back strolls of infancy. For these trips you'll need more items, including a fully stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and even extra clothes for your Baby. The key to keeping all of these items accessible is to store them in the stroller.

Consider a stroller that has ample storage space. It can store your diaper bag, extra clothes, and one of our top water bottles for kids. Having these necessities handy gives you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep an eye on your baby or keep an eye on bags while you walk.

Most full-size strollers strollers have plenty of storage space. However, for those who want an more convenient place to store your items consider a stroller with a parent tray. These consoles typically come with cups holders as well as an ample storage compartment that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our favorite strollers come with a parent tray while others offer it as an add-on.

When you choose a stroller with a tray for parents, be sure it comes with deep cup holders that can safely hold your drink. Cup holders with shallow cups tend to spill over the edges, which can make them a hazard for your child. We also advise against hanging items from the handlebars as it can cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the weight in the storage basket, this can transform a stroller that is stable into a dangerously tippy one.

If you're planning to have two kids in a few years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is something to consider. These strollers feature seats that are side-by-side with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers can save money in the end by allowing you to use a single stroller from birth to toddlerhood.