What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are an excellent way to safely take your wiggly toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with five-point harnesses that keep your child secure and lockable swivel wheels that cannot be pushed away.

You might want to consider a travel system your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. Or, a convertible model which can be expanded from a single to a double (and even tripled with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that's spacious and easy to access.

Safety

Select a stroller with safety features that meet strict standards for your child to have fun in the stroller for a number of years. Included in this are size and age compatibility, as along with a sturdy design, restraining straps, sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Look for five-point harnesses that have straps on the shoulders and between the legs as well as at the crotch to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller during the event of a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to increase your child's safety.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they meet safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a certain height and evaluating the force of the impact to ensure that it doesn't fall over in use. The top strollers also come with an incredibly safe brake system that is lockable and can be activated just like in the car.

Examine the brake pedals to make sure they are easy for you to operate, but are difficult for children to take off. If you can, choose a magnetic harness that uses strong magnets to keep the harness straps together and is simple to fasten for parents but difficult for children to unlock. Look for a padded frame bumper bar as well as a safety belt opening that closes in a reclined position.

To avoid pinching hazards, fold and unfold a stroller away from children. Make sure the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Place bags in the storage area or the basket underneath the stroller to avoid entanglement hazard and to reduce the risk of the stroller accidentally falling over when it is in motion. Never hang purses or diaper bags from the handles of your stroller, which could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.

Strollers are a great way for your toddler to soak in the world and gain knowledge about the natural world, so pick one with an expandable shade or canopy that can keep them safe from the harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks handy with a cup or bottle holder as well as a tray for snacks. Lastly, a bag clip or a tote bag will allow you to carry your shopping and other belongings without weighing down the size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A wide seat with ample cushioning and reclining options will ensure that they fit comfortably in their stroller and stay relaxed on their outings. A stroller with adjustable footrests and a canopy can also be able to accommodate their changing heights. Other essential aspects to consider include an extremely sturdy frame, a 5-point harness and braking system that guarantees security.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or close-gayed babies. Choose one with a reversible seat to allow them to ride side-by-side or facing the parent, or even face each other. A reversible seat can also help your kids bond with one another while out on walks. Depending on your lifestyle you may need a stroller that has an accessory for pushchairs a cup holder or bag clip to keep drinks and snacks in reach.

The best stroller for toddlers must be simple to maneuver and fold. A stroller with swivel front wheels and a well-designed suspension system will help you navigate crowded streets and rough terrain. Also, you should consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a -boo window. You might also consider a parking brake that is operated by hand to make it easier and more convenient to use when you have a lot of hands.

The right stroller can keep you and your family comfortable on any trip whether it's a short stroll through the city or a trip on vacation. These strollers were designed with ease of use and flexibility in mind. They come with an incredibly compact design that can be folded up and have a large storage basket.

I spoke with five experts in the field of strollers and parenting. They 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 at Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid), an organization that offers baby and child safety information as well as Sarah Huff (senior manager of community and customer relations). Learn their top tips on selecting the right stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Choose a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your child could take a leap into or out of it on their own. Some models fold down with a single hand, and others have a strap which you can use to carry the stroller when required. You might also consider a stroller with a big canopy that shields your child from sun, and provides various recline positions.

Some of the best strollers have a compartment you can use to attach an infant car seat. Others include attachment points for baby carriers. You may choose a lightweight stroller with a weight of less than 30 pounds to make it easier to carry onto and off public transportation. If you plan to take the stroller over uneven terrain, choose one with large, sturdy wheels. These wheels can effortlessly roll across a variety of terrain.

A stroller with a cushioned strap that can carry it will allow you to easily sling the stroller over your shoulder when needed. Do not hang the bag, purse, or other item from the handle of a stroller because it could cause a tipping effect and may cause injury or death to your child or toddler.

The stroller you select must have five-point harness that securely attaches to both the rear and front of your child. It should also include a large, spacious storage basket that is easy to access and a child tray. A reclining seat is also an essential feature for tired toddlers.

There are more suggestions and information on choosing strollers in our buying guide. If you have questions you can contact our customer service experts for help.

What's the difference between stroller and a pram sets?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram double (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle to transport babies and young children. Some strollers are able to accommodate the infant car seat and some even have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into a seat for older toddlers. Some strollers have locks and shackles that prevent them from being taken by pedestrians. A top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to a stroller. It will help build bonds and allow you to perform other tasks, like grocery shopping or running around.

Storage

As your baby grows, stroller trips become more involved than the simple out and back strolls of childhood. When you go on these excursions you'll need more items, including an adequately-stocked diaper bag with snacks, drinks, and even extra clothes for Baby. The best travel pram way to keep all these items within reach is to put them in the stroller.

Consider a stroller that has ample storage space that can accommodate your diaper bag and spare clothes, as well as one of our best water bottles for children and more. The convenience of these items gives you the freedom to go out without having to keep a hand on baby or keep an eye on bags as you walk.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, however for those who want an more convenient place to store your items choose one equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles usually come with an integrated cup holder aswell as a large storage area that can accommodate more than just beverages. Some of our top strollers come with a parent tray while others provide it as an add-on.

When you choose a stroller with a parent tray, make sure that it has deep cup holders that can securely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small could spill over the edge, creating danger to your child. We also recommend not to hang anything on the handlebars because this could cause the stroller to tip over. This could make a stable stroller unstable, based on the weight, the steepness of the terrain, and the amount of weight in the basket that is on the bottom.

If you're planning to have two children in the next few years, a tandem or side-by-side stroller is worth considering. 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 will save you money over time because you to use one stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.