What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great option to ensure your toddler on adventures. It should come with five-point harnesses that keep your child secure and lockable swivels that aren't able to roll away.

If you have a baby think about an infant Pushchairs Travel Systems system that connects to your car seat or a convertible model that could be upgraded from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add the Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Look for a basket that's large and easy to reach.

Safety

Select a stroller with safety features that are in line with strict standards if you want your child to enjoy strolling in the stroller for many years to come. These include age and size compatibility, a stable design, restraining belts, secure sunshades and seat shells. Look for five-point harnesses that have straps on the shoulders, between the legs and at the crotch to stop your child from falling out of the stroller in the event of a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to increase your child's safety.

Strollers go through impact testing to ensure they meet safety standards. The stroller is lowered from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This guarantees that it will not 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 used as the vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals to ensure they are easy for you to operate, but difficult for children to remove. If possible, opt for a magnetic harness that uses strong magnets to keep the harness straps together. It is simple to fasten for parents but hard for babies to unlock. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that is wrapped around the frame and an opening for a safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to stop your child from being trapped.

To avoid pinching hazards, fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Always make sure that the hinges have no protrusions and have no sharp edges. Keep bags in the storage area or the basket beneath the stroller to prevent the risk of entanglement and to decrease the risk of the stroller accidentally tipping over while in motion. Don't hang bags, 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. Keep drinks and snacks handy with a bottle or cup holder, as well as a snack tray. A bag clip or tote bag will help you carry your shopping items and other things without adding to the bulk of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they used as infants. A spacious seat with plenty of cushioning and reclining options will ensure that they can comfortably fit into their stroller and stay relaxed on their outings. Also, a model that has an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to allow for their growing height. Other essential aspects to consider are solid frames, a five-point harness and braking system that guarantees safety.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or close-aged babies. Pick one with a reversible seat so that you can allow them to ride front-facing or parent-facing each the other. Reversible seats can aid in bonding your kids with one another while out for walks. Based on your lifestyle you might want a stroller that has an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and beverages within reach.

The ideal stroller for toddlers should be easy to move and fold. A stroller that has swivel front wheels and a sturdy suspension system will help you navigate busy streets and rough terrain. You should also look for a stroller with an adjustable handlebar, and windows that can be viewed from a distance. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you may want a parking brake that can be operated by hand.

The right stroller will keep you and your family at ease on any journey whether it's a simple stroll through the city or on vacation. From a compact, self-folding design to a large storage basket these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you require.

To narrow down your options I spoke to five parenting and stroller experts 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 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 community and customer service at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Find out their top tips for choosing the ideal stroller for toddlers.

folding pushchair

Your toddler will likely jump in and out of the stroller on their own, so opt for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold with just one hand while others come with straps that allow you to carry the stroller. You should consider a stroller that comes with a large canopy that protects your child from sun, or one that has multiple recline positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a compartment that allows you to connect an infant car seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You might want to opt for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so it's easy to get on and off public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, select a model with large durable wheels that are able to easily navigate different terrains.

If you're required to, a stroller equipped with straps that are cushioned can be easily slung over your shoulder. Do not hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip and injure or suffocate your baby.

The stroller you choose should have five-point harness that securely attaches to both the front and back of your child. It should also include an ample, spacious storage basket that's easy to access as well as a tray for your child. A reclining seat is an essential feature for tired toddlers.

You can find additional tips and information about choosing the right stroller newborn in our buying guide. If you have any questions contact our customer service experts for help.

What's the difference between stroller and a pram store near me?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram shops near me (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers can accommodate the infant car seat or an infant bassinet that is able to be converted into a seat. While the majority of strollers are difficult to steal, a few models have locks and shackles that prevent them from being snatched by passersby. Wearing your child in a top-rated baby carrier is an excellent alternative to strollers. It can help strengthen bonding and free your hands to perform other tasks, such as grocery shopping or running pram the 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 supplies, including an adequately stocked diaper bag snacks, drinks, snacks and extra clothing for Baby. Stroller storage is the key to carrying all these items and keeping them within reach.

Consider a stroller with ample storage space that will easily accommodate your diaper bag or spare clothes, one of our top water bottles for kids and more. These essentials will allow you to enjoy your trip without having to worry about bags or baby.

If you're looking to keep things in a place that is even easier to access, choose an infant stroller with a tray for parents. These consoles typically offer both a cup holder and a large storage compartment which can be used for more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers include an adult tray, while others provide it as an option.

If you are choosing a stroller that includes a tray for parents on it, make sure the cup holders are sufficient to securely hold your drink. The cup holders with a shallow design could spill over the edge, posing danger to your child. We also suggest not putting anything on the handlebars because this could cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain and the amount of weight in the storage basket, this can transform a stroller that is stable into a potentially dangerously unstable one.

If you're planning to have two kids in a couple of years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is worth considering. These types of strollers have seats that are placed together, with a toddler seat on the top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers can save money over the long term by allowing you to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.