What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great option to take your wiggle toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child safe and swivel locks that won't roll off.

Consider a travel system for your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. Or, an adjustable model that can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even triple with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket with plenty of space and that is easy to reach.

Safety

Pick a stroller that comes with safety features that meet the strictest standards for your child to have fun in the stroller for a number of years. Included in this are size and age compatibility as in a stable design, restraining straps, sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Find five-point harnesses that have straps that go over shoulders and between the legs as well as 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 that can further increase your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to ensure they meet safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a height to measure the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not be able to tip over while in use. The best strollers also feature an extremely safe brake system that locks and can be used similar to cars.

Check the brake pedals to ensure they're easy to operate, but difficult for children to remove. If possible, opt for an electronic harness that utilizes strong magnets to hold the harness straps in place and is easy to fasten for parents, but difficult for children to unlock. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that is wrapped around the frame and an opening for the safety harness that closes when the seat is in a reclined position to prevent your baby from getting trapped.

The folding and unfolding of strollers should be done away from children to avoid dangers of pinching. Always ensure that the hinges have no protrusions and have no sharp edges. To avoid entanglement hazards and strollers to reduce the chance that the stroller may tip over, keep bags in the storage area underneath the stroller or in the basket. Never hang purses, diaper bags or other items from the stroller handles. This can be an injury to your baby.

Strollers are a great way for your toddler to explore the world and discover nature, so select a model with an extendable shade or canopy to keep them safe from the harsh sun. A tray for snacks as well as a cup or bottle holder will keep drinks and snacks close to the ready. A bag clip or tote will help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had as infants. A seat with plenty of padding and reclining features will allow them to sit comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A stroller with adjustable footrests and a canopy can also be able to accommodate their changing heights. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking systems are the most important elements.

A double stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or children of similar age. Choose a double stroller with an adjustable seating position to allow them to ride facing towards the parent or facing each opposite. Reversible chairs also help your children bond while on a stroll. Based on your lifestyle, you may want an infant stroller with an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep drinks and snacks in reach.

The best strollers for toddlers are simple to fold and maneuver. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as a suspension system that works will allow you to navigate through crowded streets or on rough terrain. It is also recommended to consider a stroller that has 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.

If you're taking a quick trip around town or on a long vacation, the perfect stroller can keep you and your family at ease while exploring. From an ultra-compact travel pram, self-folding design to an expansive basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you require.

To narrow down your options I spoke to five experts on strollers and parenting such as Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Kyleyn Gosewisch, customer care specialist at Strolleria; Marielle Marquez, pediatric occupational therapist and co-founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides baby and child safety information; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Learn more about their top tips to choose the ideal stroller for strollers toddlers.

Folding

Choose a stroller with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your child could be able to get into and out of it on their own. Some models fold down with one hand, while others come with straps that can be used 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 offers several recline positions.

Some of the best strollers have a special compartment that lets you connect an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You may want to opt for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so that it's easy to lift on and off public transportation. If you're planning to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, choose one with large durable wheels that effortlessly glide over different terrains.

A stroller that has a cushioned carrying strap can help you effortlessly sling the stroller on your shoulder, if needed. Never hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip over and injure or suffocate your baby.

The stroller you select must have a five-point harness which securely connects to the rear and front of your child. It should also include a large, spacious storage basket that's accessible and a child tray. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is essential.

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

What's the difference between stroller and a pram?

A stroller is a hand-pushed transportable vehicle that can be used to transport infants or small children. Some strollers can be used to accommodate an infant car seat and some have a flat bassinet that converts into an adult seat. While most strollers are hard to steal, a few models have locks and shackles to stop them from being stolen by passersby. A top-rated stroller can be a great alternative to using strollers and increase bonding while freeing your hands for other tasks such as grocery shopping or running errands.

Storage

As your baby grows, stroller excursions become more involved than the quick out and back strolls of childhood. When you go on these excursions you'll need more items, including an adequately-stocked diaper bag snacks, drinks, snacks and extra clothes for your Baby. Stroller storage is the key to carrying all these items and keeping them in reach.

Look into a stroller with ample storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, additional clothes, and one of our top water bottles for kids. Having these necessities handy gives you the freedom to go out without having to keep an eye on baby or keep an eye on bags while you stroll.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, however should you need an more convenient place to store your items choose strollers that has a tray for the parents. These consoles usually come with an integrated cup holder aswell with a large storage area that can hold more than just beverages. Some of our favorite strollers come with a tray for parents as an option, while others offer it as an add-on.

When selecting a stroller that has a tray for parents on it, ensure that the cup holders are deep enough to securely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small could spill over the edge, posing a danger to 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 dangerously unstable depending on the weight, the slope of the terrain, and the amount of weight that is in the storage basket at the bottom.

Families who plan to have more than one child over the coming years should think about a tandem or side by side stroller. These types of strollers offer seats that sit together, with a toddler seat on top and an infant seat at the bottom. These strollers can save money in the end by permitting users to use a single stroller from birth through toddlerhood.