What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great option to ensure your toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with five-point harnesses to ensure your child's safety and swivel wheels lockable so that they aren't able to roll away.

If you have a baby look into a travel system that attaches to your car seat or convertible models that can expand from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of the Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Look for a basket that's large and easy to reach.

Safety

If you want your toddler to enjoy strolling for years, choose a high-quality model with safety features that meet stringent standards. These include age and size compatibility, stable design and restraining belts, safe sunshades and seat shells. Look for a 5-point harness with straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller during a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps that can further increase your child's safety.

Strollers go through impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and evaluating the force of the impact to make sure that it doesn't fall over being used. The top strollers have the ability to lock, secure and secure brake system that can also be used as the vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals to make sure they are easy for you to operate but difficult for children to remove. If possible, choose an elastic harness. It is made of strong magnets to hold the straps together. It is easy for parents to fasten but difficult for babies to unlock. Look for a padded frame bumper bar and a safety belt opening that locks in the reclined position.

Folding and unfolding strollers should be kept away from children to prevent the risk of pinching. Always make sure that the hinges do not have protrusions and no sharp edges. To avoid entanglement risks and to reduce the chance that the stroller could fall over, store bags in the storage space beneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags or other items from the stroller handles. This could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Choose a stroller with an extendable canopy that will shield your child from the brutal sun. Keep drinks and snacks handy with a cup or bottle holder, as well as a snack tray. Lastly, a bag clip or tote bag will allow you to carry your shopping bags and other items without adding to the bulk of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older, they need a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A seat that has plenty of padding and reclining features will allow them to walk comfortably and be comfortable in their stroller. A model with adjustable footrests and a canopy can also be able to accommodate their changing heights. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking system are all important factors.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or babies with similar ages. Pick a double stroller with a seating position that can be reversed so that they can ride facing forward, facing the parent or facing each opposite. Reversible seats can aid in bonding your kids with each other while out on walks. You can pick a stroller with cup holders or a bag clip so you can keep snacks and drinks within reach.

The best stroller for toddlers should be easy to move and fold. A stroller that has two wheels that swivel and a well-designed suspension system will help you navigate busy streets and rough terrain. Other useful features to look for include a movable handlebar and a peek-aboo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you may want parking brakes that are operated by hand.

No matter if you're on a short trip around town or on a long holiday, the right stroller can keep your family and you at ease while exploring. These strollers are designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. They feature the convenience of a compact design that is able to be folded up, as well as a large storage basket.

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 therapy therapist and founder of Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid) an organization that provides baby and child safety information as well as Sarah Huff (senior manager of customer and community Find out their top advice on choosing the best stroller for use with toddlers.

folding pushchair

Your child will likely leap into and out of the stroller on their own, so opt for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold down with just one hand, while others come with straps that you can use to carry the stroller when needed. You might also consider an option with a large canopy that shields your child from the sun, and one that has several recline positions.

Some of the best strollers have an area that you can use to attach an infant car seat. Others come with attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to go for a stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so it's easy to get off and on public transport. If you intend to use the stroller over uneven surfaces, select one with large, durable wheels. They can roll easily across a variety types of terrain.

A stroller with a cushioned carrying strap can help you easily carry the stroller over your shoulder, if needed. Never hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip over and cause injuries or suffocation to your baby.

The stroller that you choose should come with five-point harnesses that are securely linked to your child's front and back. It should come with an ample, easy-to-access storage basket as well as a child's tray. A reclining seat is also essential for tired toddlers.

In our buying guide, you will get additional information and tips on choosing a stroller. If you have questions you can contact our knowledgeable customer service team to get help.

What's the difference between stroller and a pram?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram set (U.K.) is a hand-driven vehicle that can be used for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers can be used to accommodate an infant car seat and some even have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into a seat for older toddlers. While the majority of strollers are difficult to take, a few models have locks and shackles to stop them from being snatched by people passing by. A top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to a stroller. It can improve bonding and free your hands to complete other tasks such as grocery shopping, or running the errands.

Storage

When your baby is an infant, stroller rides are longer than the quick out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child's life. You'll need more supplies for these outings. This includes a diaper bag that is well-stocked, snacks, drinks, and extra clothing for Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to bringing all these items and keeping them within arm's reach.

Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space. It can store your diaper bag, extra clothing, and one of our best water bottles for children. The convenience of these items gives you the freedom to enjoy your trip without having to keep an eye on baby accessories or keep an eye on bags as you walk.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space. However, should you need an easier-to-access place to store items choose strollers with a parent tray. These consoles usually have a cup holder as well as a huge storage space that can hold more than just beverages. Some of our favorite strollers come with tray for parents, while others offer it as an option.

When selecting a stroller that includes a tray for parents on it, make sure the cup holders are deep enough to secure your drink. Cup holders with shallow cups are more likely to spill onto the edges, making them a hazard for your baby. We also recommend not to hang any item on the handlebars since this could cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the weight that is placed in the storage basket, this could turn a stable stroller into a dangerously tippy one.

For families who plan to have two kids in a couple of years, a tandem stroller is something to consider. These strollers come with seats that are side-by-side with an infant seat at the lower part and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers could save you money over the long term by permitting you to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.