What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller allows you to safely bring your wiggly toddler along on your adventures. It should have a 5-point harness to keep your child secure 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 an adjustable model that can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even triple with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket with plenty of space and that is accessible.

Safety

If you want your toddler to be able to stroll for a long time pick a top-quality model that has safety features that are in line with the strictest standards. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy design and restraining belts, safe seat shells and sunshades. Look for a 5-point harness that has straps at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller in a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps to further enhance your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to ensure that they comply with safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a height to measure the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not slide over when it is it is in use. The best strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be used as a vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals and make sure they're easy to operate for you, but difficult to remove for children. If you can, choose 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 children to unlock. Also, look for a cushioned bumper bar that wraps around the frame and prams for sale an opening for the safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to stop your child from being trapped.

The folding and unfolding of a stroller must be kept away from children to prevent pinching hazards. Always check to see that the hinges have no protrusions or sharp edges. To prevent entanglement and reduce the risk that the stroller could tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage area underneath the stroller or in the basket. Never hang purses, diaper bags or other items from the stroller's handles. This could be a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Choose a stroller with an extension canopy that can protect your child from the harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks in a convenient place by using a bottle or cup holder and a snack tray. A bag clip or tote will help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A spacious seat with plenty of cushioning and recline options will ensure they can comfortably fit into their stroller and are comfortable during outings. A model with adjustable footrests and a canopy will also allow for their height to change. 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-knit babies. Choose a double stroller with a reversible seating position so that they can ride facing forward, facing the parent, or facing each the other. Reversible seats also aid in bonding your kids with one another while out for walks. You can choose one with a cup holder or a bag clip so you can keep drinks and snacks in reach.

The ideal stroller for toddlers should be easy to move and fold. Strollers that have swivel wheels and suspension systems that work will make it easier for you to navigate through busy streets or uneven terrain. Other useful features to look for include an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might want a parking brake that can be operated by hand.

Whether you're out on a short trip around town or a whirlwind vacation, the perfect stroller can keep your family members comfortable while exploring. These strollers are made with comfort and flexibility in mind. They offer a compact design that can be folded down, as well as an ample storage basket.

To narrow your choices I spoke to five parenting and stroller experts, including Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Kyleyn Gosewisch, customer care specialist at Strolleria; Marielle Marquez, occupational therapist for children and founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi, cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides baby and child safety resources and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Learn their top tips on choosing the best stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Your child is likely to 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 can be folded using just one hand, while others have a strap so you can carry the stroller. Consider a stroller that has an enormous canopy to protect your child from the sun, or one that has several reclining positions.

A few of the top strollers come with a compartment that can be used to attach an infant pushchair car seat seat. Other strollers include attachment points for baby carriers. You may choose a lightweight twin stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds to make it easier to carry onto and off public transport. If you're planning to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, pick a model with large sturdy wheels that can roll easily over a variety of terrain.

A foldable stroller that has a cushioned strap for carrying can allow you to easily sling the stroller over your shoulder if necessary. Never hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip and cause injuries or suffocation to your baby.

The stroller you choose should have a five-point harness which securely connects to the rear and front of your child. It should come with an ample, easily accessible storage basket and an infant's tray. A reclining seat is an essential feature for tired toddlers.

In our buying guide, you will find more information and tips about choosing a stroller. Contact our customer support team for any questions.

What is the difference between a Stroller and a pram sale?

A stroller is a hand-driven portable vehicle that can be used to transport babies or children who are young. Some strollers can accommodate the infant car seat or a bassinet that can be transformed into an adult seat. Some strollers are equipped with locks and shackles to stop them from being stolen by people passing by. Wearing your baby in a top-rated carrier can be a great alternative to using strollers and increase bonding, while freeing your hands to do other things such as grocery shopping or running the errands.

Storage

As your baby becomes a toddler, stroller excursions are longer rather than the short out-and-back strolls of the early years. For these trips, you'll need to bring more supplies, including an adequately-stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothes for your Baby. The key to keeping all these items within reach is to put them in the stroller.

Look into a stroller with ample storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, spare clothing, and one of our best water bottles for children. Being armed with these essentials will allow you to enjoy your outing without having to keep an eye on baby or keep an eye on bags while you walk.

If you want to store things in a space that is easy to access, consider an infant stroller with an adult tray. These consoles typically have cups holder as well with a large storage area that can hold more than just beverages. Some of our favorite 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 deep enough to hold your beverage securely. The cup holders with a shallow design can spill over the edge, which could pose a danger to your baby. We also recommend against hanging anything from the handlebars, because it could cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain and the weight in the bottom storage basket, this can transform a stroller that is stable into an extremely tippy one.

Families that plan to have more than one child in the coming years should think about a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers come with seats that are side-by-side, with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler's 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.