What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller can help you ensure that your toddler is safe along on adventures. It should come with a 5-point harness to keep the child safe, and lock swivels that won't slide off.

Think about a travel system for your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. You could also consider a convertible model which can be expanded from a single seat 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 have fun strolling around for years, choose a high-quality model that has safety features that meet the highest standards. These include age and Stroller Compact size compatibility, a stable design, restraining belts, secure sunshades and seat shells. Look for a 5-point harness that has straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and over the shoulders to prevent 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 are tested for impact to ensure that they meet safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not tip over when it is in use. The most reliable strollers come with an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be used as the case of a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals, and make sure they're easy to operate for you, but difficult to unfasten for children. If possible, opt for a magnetic harness that uses strong magnets to keep the harness straps in place and is easy to fasten for parents but difficult for children to unlock. Look for a padded frame bumper bar and a safety belt opening that closes in a reclining position.

The folding and unfolding of a stroller should be done away from children to prevent pinching hazards. Always make sure that the hinges have no protrusions and no sharp edges. To avoid entanglement hazards and reduce the risk that the stroller may tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage space beneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags or other items from the stroller's handles. This can be a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Pick a stroller that has an extended canopy that will protect your child from harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks handy by using a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. Finally, a bag clip or a tote bag can help you carry your shopping and other belongings without adding to the bulk of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age, they need 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 fit comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A stroller with an adjustable footrest and canopy is ideal to allow for their growing height. Other crucial aspects to consider include solid frames, a five-point harness and braking system that guarantees security.

A double stroller is perfect for parents who have twins or children with similar age. Select a double stroller that has a seating position that can be reversed to allow them to ride facing towards the parent, or facing each opposite. A reversible chair can also aid your children in bonding while on a stroll. You can pick one with a cup holder, or a clip for your bag so you can keep snacks and drinks within reach.

The best stroller for toddlers must be simple to maneuver and fold. A stroller with two wheels that swivel and a sturdy suspension system will make it easier to navigate busy streets and rough terrain. Other useful features to look for include a movable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might prefer a parking brake that is operated by hand.

Whether you're out on a short trip around town or on a long vacation, the perfect stroller will keep your family and you comfortable while exploring. These strollers were designed with convenience and adaptability in mind. They feature the convenience of a compact design that is able to be folded up and also have an ample storage basket.

To narrow your choices, I spoke with five experts in the field of parenting and strollers such as 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 baby and child safety resources and Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Read on to learn their top tips for selecting the ideal stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Find a stroller that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your child could jump into and out of it on their own. Some models fold down with one hand, while some have straps which you can use to carry the stroller when you need to. You may also think about a stroller with a big canopy that protects your child from sun, and one that provides several recline positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a compartment where you can click in an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You can pick a light stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds to make it easier to carry onto and off public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, choose one with large sturdy wheels that can roll easily over a variety of terrain.

A stroller that has a cushioned carrying strap can help you easily sling the stroller over your shoulder if necessary. It is not recommended to hang a purse, diaper bag or any other object from the handle of a stroller as it can cause tipping and could cause injury or death to your toddler stroller or baby.

The stroller you select should come with five-point harness that securely connects to the front and back of your child. It should also include a large, spacious storage basket that is easy to access as well as an infant tray. A reclining seat is also essential for tired toddlers.

You can find additional tips and information about choosing the right stroller in our buying guide. Contact our customer service team if you have any questions.

What is the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller is a hand-driven mobile vehicle that can be used to transport infants or small children. Some strollers have the capability to accommodate an infant car seat, and some have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into a seat for older toddlers. While the majority of strollers are difficult to steal, some models have locks and shackles that prevent them from being snatched by people who pass by. A top-quality carrier is an excellent alternative to strollers and increase bonding while freeing your hands for other tasks such as grocery shopping or running the errands.

Storage

As your baby becomes a toddler, stroller excursions become longer expeditions rather than the short out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child's life. For these trips you'll need more items, including a fully stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothing for your baby stroller. Stroller storage is the key to carrying all these items and keeping them within arm's reach.

Consider a stroller that has ample storage space that can accommodate your diaper bag or spare clothes, one of our top water bottles for kids and more. Being armed with these essentials gives you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep a hand on baby or keep an eye on bags as you stroll.

If you're looking to store things in a place that is easy to access, pick a stroller that has a parent tray. These consoles usually have cups holder as well as a large storage area that can accommodate more than just drinks. Some of our favorite strollers include a parent tray and some have it as an option to add on.

When choosing a stroller with a tray for parents, be sure that it comes with deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small are more likely to spill over the edges, which can make them a hazard for your child. We also recommend against hanging anything on the handlebars as this can cause the stroller tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain and the amount of weight that is placed in the storage basket, this could turn a stable stroller into a potentially dangerously unstable one.

Families who plan to have more than one child in the coming years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These types of strollers offer seats that sit together with a toddler seat on top and an infant seat at the bottom. These strollers can save money in the end by allowing you to use one stroller from birth through toddlerhood.