What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
A stroller can help you safely bring your wiggly toddler to adventures. It should be equipped with five-point harnesses that ensure your child's safety and swivel wheels lockable so that they can't roll away.
If you have a baby, consider a travel system that attaches to your car seat or a convertible model that can expand from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of the Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket with plenty of space and is easily accessible.
Safety
If you want your child to have fun strolling around for years pick a top-quality model that has safety features that meet stringent standards. Included in this are age and size compatibility, as well as a stable design with restraining straps, sunshades and shells for seats that are secure. Find a five-point harness that has straps that go over shoulders and between the legs as well as at the crotch to stop your child from falling out of the stroller in the event of a crash. A lot of strollers come with hip straps that can further increase your child's safety.
Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and assessing the force of the impact to make sure that it won't tip over being used. The top strollers also come with an extremely 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 unfasten. If possible, choose a magnetic harness. It has strong magnets that keep the straps together. It is easy for parents to secure, but it is difficult for children to unfasten. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that wraps around the frame, and an opening for the safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to keep your baby from getting trapped.
The folding and unfolding of a stroller must be done away from children to avoid dangers of pinching. Always make sure that the hinges have no protrusions and no sharp edges. To prevent entanglement and decrease the chance that the stroller may tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags, or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This can be an injury to your baby.
Strollers can be a wonderful way for your little one to explore the world and learn about the natural world, so pick a model with an extendable shade or canopy that can protect them from harsh sunlight. Keep snacks and drinks handy with a cup or bottle holder and a snack tray. Finally, a bag clip or tote bag can help you carry your shopping and other belongings without weighing down the size of the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers age and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had when they were infants. A spacious seat with plenty of cushioning and recline options will ensure that they are able to comfortably use their stroller and are comfortable on their outings. A stroller with adjustable footrests and a canopy can also allow for their height to change. 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. Choose one with a reversible seat to allow them to ride front-facing or parent-facing each one on. Reversible seats also help your kids bond with one another while out for walks. You can choose one with cup holders or a bag clip so you can keep snacks and drinks close at hand.
The best strollers for toddlers are simple to fold and maneuver. A stroller that has two wheels that swivel and an effective suspension system will aid in navigating busy streets and rough terrain. Also, you should look for a stroller that comes with an adjustable handlebar and an open window. For convenience and ease of operation, you may want a parking brake that can be operated by hand.
The right stroller can ensure that you and your family are comfortable on any trip whether it's a simple excursion in the city or a vacation. From a compact self-folding design to a large storage basket, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you require.
I spoke with 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 of Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid), an organization that offers baby and child safety information, and Sarah Huff (senior manager of community and customer relations). Read on to learn their top tips for choosing the best stroller for toddlers.
Folding
Your toddler will likely jump in 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 come with a strap so you can carry the stroller. You should consider a stroller that comes with an enormous canopy to protect your child from direct sun, or one that has several reclining positions.
Some of the best strollers come with a compartment where you can connect an infant car seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You might want to go for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so that it's easy to carry to and from public transport. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, pick a model with large sturdy wheels that can are able to easily navigate a variety of terrain.
If you need to, a stroller equipped with straps that are cushioned can be easily carried over your shoulder. It is not recommended to hang the bag, purse, or any other item from the handle of a stroller as it can cause tipping and could suffocate or injure your toddler or baby.
The stroller you select must have a 5-point harness that is securely attached to your child's back and front. It should also have a large, spacious storage basket that's easy to access and a child tray. A reclining seat is also an essential feature for tired toddlers.
You can find more tips and information on choosing strollers in our buying guide. If you have any questions you can contact our customer service experts for help.
What is the difference between a stroller and a pram?
A stroller (Canada & US) or pram (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle to transport babies and young children. Some strollers can carry the infant car seat, while others have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into an adult seat. Some strollers are equipped with locks and shackles to prevent them from being stolen by pedestrians. In a top-quality carrier is an excellent alternative to a stroller and improve bonding, while freeing your hands to do other things such as grocery shopping or running errands.
Storage
As your baby grows, stroller trips become more involved than the simple out and back strolls of childhood. You'll require more items for these excursions. This includes the diaper bag, which is filled with snacks drinks, snacks, and other clothing for Baby. The key to keeping all of these items in reach is to keep them in the stroller.
Look into a stroller with plenty of storage that can easily hold your diaper bag, spare clothes, one of our top water bottles for children and much more. The convenience of these items will give you the freedom to go out without having to keep an eye on baby or keep an eye on bags as you walk.
If you want to store things in a location that is even easier to access, consider an infant stroller with a tray for parents. These consoles usually have a cup holder as well as a large storage area that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our top strollers have a tray for parents as an option, while others offer it as an option to add on.
If you're choosing a stroller which includes a tray for parents on it, make sure the cup holders are sufficient to securely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small are more likely to spill over the edges, making them dangerous for your child. We also advise not to hang any item on the handlebars since this can cause the stroller tip over. Based on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain and the amount of weight in the bottom storage basket, this can transform a stroller that is stable into an extremely tippy one.
baby pram who plan to have more than one child over the coming years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side, with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler seat at the top. These strollers will save you money over time by allowing you use one stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.