What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller can help you ensure that your toddler is safe along on your adventures. It should come with five-point harnesses to keep your child secure and swivel wheels lockable so that they cannot be pushed away.

You might want to consider a travel system your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. You could also consider you can get a convertible model that can be expanded from a single to a double (and even triple with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Pick a basket that has plenty of space and is easy to reach.

Safety

If you want your child to enjoy strolling for years pick a top-quality model that has safety features that meet the highest standards. Included in this are age and size compatibility as along with a sturdy design and restraining straps. Also, you can secure seats shells and sunshades. Look for five-point harnesses that have straps that go over shoulders, between the legs and at the crotch to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller during the event of a crash. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps that can increase your child's safety.

strollers strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a certain height and measuring the force of the impact to ensure it won't tip over while using it. The top strollers also come with a safe, lockable brake system that can be used similar to a car.

Check the brake pedals, and make sure that they are easy to operate for you, but difficult to remove for children. If possible, opt for a magnetic harness that makes use of strong magnets to keep the harness straps together and is easy to fasten for parents but difficult for infants to open. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar as well as a safety belt opening that closes in the reclining position.

The folding and unfolding of a stroller must be done away from children to prevent pinching hazards. Always check to see that the hinges have no protrusions and no sharp edges. Store bags in the storage area or in the basket under the stroller to avoid the risk of entanglement and to decrease the possibility of the stroller tipping over when in motion. Never hang purses, diaper bags, or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This could be an injury to your baby.

Pick a stroller that has an extendable canopy that will protect your child from brutal sun. A tray for snacks as well as a bottle or cup holder will keep snacks and drinks at hand. A bag clip or tote bag will allow you to carry your shopping and other belongings without adding weight to the overall size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they had as infants. A seat that has plenty of padding and recline features will allow them to sit comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A stroller with an adjustable footrest and canopy is ideal to allow for their growing height. A solid frame, a five-point harness and braking system are all important factors.

A double stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or children with similar ages. Choose a double stroller with a reversible seating position so that they can ride facing toward the parent, or facing each opposite. Reversible chairs can help your children bond while on a stroll. Based on your lifestyle you might want an infant stroller with an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and beverages close at hand.

The best stroller for toddlers should be easy to move and fold. A stroller with the ability to swivel its front wheels and a sturdy suspension system will help you navigate crowded streets and rough terrain. Other useful features to look for include an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a-boo window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you may want parking brakes that are operated by hand.

The right stroller will ensure that you and your family are at ease on any journey, whether it's a quick trip in the city or a trip on vacation. These strollers are designed with ease of use and flexibility in mind. They offer the convenience of a compact design that is able to be folded away and also have large storage baskets.

To narrow your choices, I spoke with five experts on strollers and parenting including 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 safety and baby-related resources as well as Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Find out their top tips for choosing the best stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Your child will likely leap into and out of the stroller on their own, so look for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold using just one hand, while others include an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller. Look for a stroller with an enormous canopy to protect your child from the sun, or one that has multiple recline positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a compartment you can use to attach an infant car seat. Some have 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 off and on public transport. If you're planning to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, select one with large durable wheels that effortlessly glide over a variety of terrain.

If you're required to, a stroller that has straps that are cushioned can easily be carried over your shoulder. Never hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip over and injure or suffocate your baby.

The stroller you select should come with a five-point harness which securely attaches to the front and back of your child. It should also include an ample, spacious storage basket that is easy to access as well as a child tray. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is essential.

There are more suggestions and information about choosing the right stroller in our buying guide. Contact our customer service department for any questions.

What is the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller is a hand-pushed mobile vehicle that can be used to transport babies or young children. Some strollers are able to accommodate an infant car seat, and some have an open bassinet that transforms into an adult seat. While the majority of strollers are difficult to steal, a few models have locks and shackles that prevent them from being stolen by people passing by. A top-rated stroller can be an excellent alternative to a stroller to increase bonding while freeing your hands to do other things such as grocery shopping or running around.

Storage

When your baby is a toddler, stroller excursions become longer excursions instead of the quick strolls of the early years. You'll require more items for these outings. This includes diaper bags that are filled with snacks drinks, snacks, and additional clothing for Baby. Stroller storage is the key to bringing all these items and keeping them in reach.

Look into a stroller with plenty of storage that can easily hold your diaper bag or spare clothes, one of our top water bottles for children and much more. These essentials will allow you to take your time on your excursion without worrying about your baby or bags.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, however should you need an more convenient place to store your items choose a stroller with a parent tray. These consoles usually have cups holder as well as a large storage area that can be used for more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers come with a tray for parents, while others have it as an option to add on.

When you choose a stroller with a parent tray, make sure that it comes with deep cup holders that can safely hold your drink. Shallow cup holders are more likely to spill over the edges, making them a risk for your baby. We also suggest not hanging things from the handlebars since it could cause the stroller to tip over. This could make a stable stroller dangerously unstable depending on the weight, the steepness of the terrain, and also the amount of weight inside the storage basket at the bottom.

Families that plan to have more than one child in the next few years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. 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 can save money in the long run by allowing you to use a single stroller from birth to toddlerhood.