What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller helps you securely take your toddler to adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child safe and lockable swivel wheels that can't roll away.

If you have a newborn think about a travel system that attaches to your car seat, or convertible models that can grow from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of the Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket that offers plenty of space and Triple Stroller that 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 are in line with the strictest standards. These include age and size compatibility, Folding stroller a stable design and restraining belts, safe sunshades and seat shells. Find a 5-point harness with straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and above the shoulders to prevent your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps that will enhance your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to ensure they meet safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a height to measure the force of the impact. This assures that it won't slide over when it is it is in use. The best strollers have a lockable, secure brake system that can also be used as the case of a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals and ensure that they are easy to operate for you, but difficult to unfasten for children. If possible, choose the magnetic harness. It has strong magnets that keep the straps together. It is easy for parents to fasten but difficult for infants to open. Choose a padded frame bumper bar and a security belt opening that closes in the reclining position.

Folding and unfolding a stroller must be done away from children to prevent the risk of pinching. Make sure the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To avoid entanglement risks and to reduce the chance that the stroller could fall over, store bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags or other items from the stroller's handles. This could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Strollers can be a wonderful option for your child to explore the world and discover nature, so select one with an extendable shade or canopy that can shield them from harsh sunlight. Keep drinks and snacks handy with a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. Lastly, a bag clip or a tote bag will allow you to carry your shopping items and other things without adding weight to the overall size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they used as infants. A seat that has plenty of padding and reclining features will allow them to fit comfortably and be comfortable in their stroller. A model that has adjustable footrests and canopy will also be able to accommodate their changing heights. Other important factors to consider include solid frames, a five-point harness, and braking system that ensures security.

A double stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or children of similar age. Choose a double stroller with a reversible seating position to allow them to ride facing toward the parent, or facing each the other. Reversible seats also aid in bonding your kids with each other while out on walks. Based on your lifestyle you might want a stroller that has a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and beverages within reach.

The ideal stroller for toddlers must be easy to move and fold. A stroller with swivel front wheels and an effective suspension system will make it easier to navigate the streets that are crowded and rough terrain. Also, you should consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar as well as windows that can be viewed from a distance. For convenience and ease of operation, you might want parking brakes that are operated by hand.

No matter if you're on an easy stroll to town or a lengthy holiday, the right stroller can keep your family and you comfortable while exploring. From a compact self-folding design, to a large storage basket, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you want.

To narrow down your options I spoke to five parenting and my babiie stroller experts including 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 offers safety and baby-related resources as well as Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community services at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Learn more about their top tips to choose the ideal stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Your toddler will likely jump into and out of the stroller on their own, so search for a model that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold with just one hand, while others have a strap so you can carry the stroller. You might also consider a stroller with a large canopy that protects your child from the sun, and has multiple recline positions.

Some of the top strollers come with a separate compartment where you can connect an infant car seat (and some have additional 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 carry to and from public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, select a model with big, durable wheels that effortlessly glide over various terrains.

A stroller with a padded strap that can carry it will allow you to easily sling the stroller over your shoulder if necessary. Do not hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip over and injure or suffocate your baby.

The stroller that you choose should have 5-point harnesses that are securely linked to your child's back and front. It should also include an ample, spacious storage basket that is accessible and a child tray. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is essential.

In our buying guide, you can get additional information and tips about choosing the right stroller. Contact our customer service department if you have any questions.

What's the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller is a portable vehicle that can be used to transport infants or young children. Some strollers can hold an infant car-seat, while others have a bassinet that can be transformed into seats. While most strollers are hard to steal, a few models feature locks and shackles to prevent them from being stolen by people passing by. In a top-quality carrier is an excellent alternative to strollers and increase bonding while freeing your hands for other tasks like grocery shopping or running errands.

Stores

When your baby is a toddler, stroller excursions are longer instead of the quick strolls in the beginning of your child's life. When you go on these excursions you'll need additional items, such as an adequately stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and even extra clothes for your Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to bringing all of these items and keeping them in reach.

Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space. It can store your diaper bag, extra clothes, and even one of our best water bottles for children. The convenience of these items gives you the freedom to enjoy your trip without having to keep a hand on baby or keep an eye on bags while you walk.

The majority of full-size strollers come with plenty of storage space, but if you want an even easier-to-access place to store items consider strollers with a parent tray. These consoles usually come with a cup holder and a large storage compartment that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers include an adult tray, while others provide it as an add-on.

If you are choosing a stroller that has a parent tray on it, make sure that the cup holders are sufficient in depth to securely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small tend to spill onto the edges, making them a risk for your baby. We also recommend not to hang anything on the handlebars because this can cause the stroller tip over. This can make a sturdy stroller dangerously unstable depending on the weight, the steepness of the terrain, and the amount of weight that is in the bottom storage basket.

Families that plan to have more than one child in the next few years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These types of strollers offer seats that are placed side by side with a toddler's seat on the top and an infant's seat on the bottom. These strollers can save you money over time because you use one stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.