What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are an excellent way to take your wiggle toddler on adventures. It should have five-point harnesses to keep your child safe and swivel wheels lockable so that they can't roll away.

If you have a newborn look into an infant travel system that connects to your car seat or a convertible model that can expand from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket with plenty of space and is easy to reach.

Safety

If you want your child to enjoy strolling for years make sure you choose a top-quality model with safety features that are in line with the strictest standards. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy design, restraining belts, secure sunshades and seat shells. Choose a five-point harness that has straps that go over shoulders, between the legs and at the crotch to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller during a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps that will enhance your child's security.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they meet safety standards. The stroller is lowered from a height to measure the force of the impact. This assures that it won't slide over when it is in use. The best strollers have the ability to lock, secure and secure brake system that can also be activated like a vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals to make sure they are simple for you to operate, but difficult for children to unfasten. If possible, choose the magnetic harness. It has strong magnets that hold the straps together. It is easy for parents to secure, but it is difficult for children to unfasten. Also, look for a cushioned 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 stop your child from getting trapped.

The folding and unfolding of a stroller must be done away from children to prevent dangers of pinching. Check that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To avoid entanglement risks and to reduce the chance that the stroller will fall over, store bags in the storage area underneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This can be a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Choose a stroller with an extended canopy that will shield your child from the harsh sun. A tray for snacks and a bottle or cup holder will keep snacks and drinks close at hand. A bag clip or a tote will allow you to carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older, they need a stroller that is more comfortable than what they used as infants. A seat that has lots of padding and reclining features will allow them to sit comfortably and be comfortable in their stroller. Also, a model that has an adjustable footrest and canopy is ideal to accommodate their changing height. Other essential aspects to consider are an extremely sturdy frame, a 5-point harness and braking system that guarantees safety.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or close-knit babies. Pick one with a reversible seat to allow them to ride side-by-side or facing the parent, or even face each other. Reversible chairs can help your children bond while on a stroll. Based on your needs, you may want an infant stroller with cups holder or a bag clip to keep snacks and drinks within reach.

The most suitable strollers for toddlers are simple to fold and move. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as suspension systems that work will make it easier for you to navigate through crowded streets or rough terrain. You should also consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar as well as an open window. You may also want the hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when you have a lot of hands.

No matter if you're on an easy stroll around town or on a long vacation, the perfect stroller will keep your family and you at ease while exploring. These strollers are designed with ease of use and flexibility in mind. They offer a compact design that can be folded up and have large storage baskets.

To narrow your choices I spoke to five experts in the field of parenting and strollers, including Lisa Trofe, Prams pushchairs Prams pushchairs executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Kyleyn Gosewisch, customer care specialist at Strolleria; Marielle Marquez, occupational therapist for children and founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides safety and baby-related resources as well as Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community services at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Find out their top advice on selecting the right 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 include an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller. You should consider a stroller that comes with an enormous canopy to protect your child from sunlight, or one with several reclining positions.

Some of the best strollers have a special compartment that lets you attach an infant pushchair car seat seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You may choose a lightweight stroller weighing less than 30 pounds to make it easier to carry onto and off public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller over uneven surfaces, you should choose a model with large, sturdy wheels. These wheels will effortlessly roll across a variety of types of terrain.

If you have to, a stroller with straps that are cushioned can be easily slung over your shoulder. It is not recommended to hang a purse, diaper bag or any other item from the handle of a stroller because it can cause tipping and possibly hurt or suffocate your child or toddler.

The stroller you pick should have a 5-point harness that is securely attached to your child's front and back. It should also have a large, spacious storage basket that's easy to access as well as a tray for your child. A recliner is a must for tired toddlers.

You can find more tips and information on choosing strollers in our buying guide. Contact our customer support team for any questions.

What is the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller is a mobile vehicle that can be used to transport babies or children who are young. Some strollers can accommodate an infant car-seat, while others have a bassinet that can be transformed into seats. While the majority of strollers are difficult to steal, some models have locks and shackles to stop them from being taken by people passing by. Wearing your baby in a top-quality carrier is an excellent alternative to a stroller to increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands for other tasks such as grocery shopping or running around.

Storage

When your baby is an infant, stroller rides become longer excursions rather than the short out-and-back strolls of infancy. You'll need more gear for these outings. This includes a diaper bag that is well-stocked, snacks drinks, snacks, and additional clothing prams for newborns Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to bringing all these items and keeping them within arm's reach.

Consider a stroller that has ample storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, extra clothing, and one of our top water bottles for children. These essentials will allow you to relax and enjoy your trip without having to worry about baby or bags.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, however if you want an even more convenient place to store your items, look for strollers with a parent tray. These consoles usually have cups holder as well with a large storage area that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our top strollers have a tray for parents and some have it as an option to add on.

When selecting a stroller that has a tray for parents on it, make sure the cup holders are sufficient to hold your beverage securely. Shallow cup holders can spill over the edge, posing a danger to your baby. We also suggest not putting anything on the handlebars as this can cause the stroller tip over. Based on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain and the weight that is placed in the storage basket, this can turn a stable stroller into an extremely tippy one.

If you are a family planning to have two children in the next few years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is worth considering. These types of strollers have seats that sit together with a toddler's seat on the top and an infant's seat on the bottom. These strollers will save you money over time by allowing you to use a single stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.