What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are an excellent way to take your wiggle toddler on adventures. It should have a 5-point harness to keep the child safe, and lock swivels that don't fall off.

You might want to consider a travel system your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. Consider a convertible model which can be extended from a single to a double (and even tripled with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket with plenty of room and is easily accessible.

Safety

If you want your child to enjoy strolling for years pick a top-quality model with safety features that are in line with the strictest standards. Included in this are size and age compatibility, as in a stable design with restraining straps, sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Look for a 5-point harness with straps at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to stop your child from falling off the stroller during a crash. A lot of strollers come with hip straps that can further increase your child's safety.

Strollers go through impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and evaluating the force of the impact to make sure it won't tip over while in use. The best strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be used as a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals to ensure they're easy to operate but difficult for children to unfasten. If you can, opt for the magnetic harness. It uses strong magnets that hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to secure, but difficult for babies to unlock. Look for a padded frame bumper bar as well as a safety belt opening that can be closed in the reclining position.

To avoid dangers of pinching, fold and unfold a stroller away from children. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Place bags in the storage area or the basket beneath the stroller to prevent 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, as this could pose a strangulation risk for your infant.

Pick a stroller that has an extendable canopy that will protect your child from harsh sun. A snack tray and cup or bottle holder can keep snacks and drinks close to fingertips. A bag clip or tote will help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older they will require an easier stroller than the one they had when they were infants. A wide seat with plenty of cushioning and recline options will ensure they are able to comfortably use their stroller and are comfortable during outings. Also, a model that has an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to accommodate their changing height. A solid frame, a five-point harness, and braking system are all essential elements.

A double stroller is great for parents with twins or two close-aged babies. Pick a double stroller with an adjustable seating position so that they can ride facing forward, facing the parent, or facing one other. Reversible chairs can aid your children in bonding while walking. Based on your lifestyle you may need a stroller that has an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and beverages in reach.

The best stroller for toddlers should be easy to move and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will make it easier for you to navigate through busy streets or uneven terrain. You should also look for a stroller with an adjustable handlebar and windows that can be viewed from a distance. For convenience and ease of operation, you might want a parking brake that is operated by hand.

The best stroller will ensure that you and your family are comfortable on any trip whether it's a short excursion in the city or a trip on vacation. These strollers were designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. They offer an incredibly compact design that can be folded up, as well as large storage baskets.

I spoke to five experts in the area of strollers and parenting. These 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 of Safe Beginnings First Aid) which is a non-profit organization that provides safety tips for children and babies as well as Sarah Huff (senior manager of customer and community Read on to learn their top tips to choose the ideal stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Your child is likely to jump into and out of the stroller on their own, so look for a model that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold using just one hand, while others include a strap so you can carry the stroller with ease. You may also think about an option with a large canopy that shields your child from the sun, and has several reclining positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a separate compartment where you can connect an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You might want to go for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds, so it's easy to get on and off public transport. If you plan to take the stroller on uneven terrain, choose one with large, sturdy wheels. These wheels can roll easily across a variety conditions.

If you're required to, a stroller equipped with straps that are cushioned can be easily carried over your shoulder. Don't hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip and cause injuries or suffocation to your baby.

The stroller you choose should come with five-point harness that securely attaches to both the rear and front of your child. It should come with a large, easy-to-access storage basket as well as an infant's tray. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is essential.

You can find additional tips and information about choosing the right stroller in our buying guide. If you have any questions, reach out to our expert customer service team for assistance.

What is the difference between a stroller and a pram?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram bag (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle to transport infants and young children. Some strollers can hold an infant car-seat and some have an infant bassinet that can be transformed into a seat. Some strollers have locks and shackles that prevent them from being taken by people passing by. A top-rated baby carrier is a fantastic alternative to a stroller. It can improve bonding and free your hands to do other tasks, such as grocery shopping, or running around.

Stores

As your baby grows, twin stroller trips become more involved than the simple out and back strolls of childhood. For these trips you'll need additional items, such as a fully stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothing for Baby. The key to keeping all these items within reach is to store them in the stroller.

Take a look at a stroller that offers plenty of storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, spare clothes, and one of our top water bottles for children. The convenience of these items gives you the freedom to go out without having to keep an eye on baby or keep an eye on bags as you stroll.

If you want to store things in a space that is easy to access, pick a stroller that has a parent tray. These consoles usually have a cup holder as well as a large storage area that can be used for more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers have a tray for parents and some have it as an add-on.

When selecting a stroller that has a parent tray on it, make sure that the cup holders are sufficient to secure your drink. Cup holders with shallow cups tend to spill onto the edges, making them dangerous for your baby. We also suggest not hanging items from the handlebars because it could cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a sturdy stroller unstable based on the weight, the slope of the terrain, and also the amount of weight that is in the storage basket at the bottom.

If you're planning to have two children in the next few years, a tandem stroller is worth considering. These types of strollers have seats that sit together with a toddler seat on the top and an infant's seat at the bottom. These strollers could save you money over the long term by permitting you to use a single stroller from birth through toddlerhood.