What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
A stroller allows you to safely bring your wiggly toddler to adventures. It should come with a 5-point harness to keep the child safe, and lock swivels that won't slide off.
Consider a travel system for your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. Consider a convertible model which can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even tripled 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 toddler to be able to stroll for a long time, choose a high-quality model with safety features that meet the highest standards. These include age and size compatibility, a stable design, restraining belts, secure sunshades and seat shells. Choose a five-point harness that has straps at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to stop your child from falling off the stroller in a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps that can increase your child's safety.
Strollers are tested for impact to ensure that they meet safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and measuring the force of impact to ensure that it won't tip over using it. The top strollers also come with an incredibly secure brake system that locks and can be engaged as in a pushchair car seat.
Check the brake pedals, and ensure that they are easy to operate for you, but difficult to unfasten for children. If possible, opt for a magnetic harness that makes use of strong magnets to hold the harness straps together and is simple to fasten for parents but difficult for children to unlock. Also look for a padded bumper bar that wraps around the frame, and an opening for a safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to stop your child from getting trapped.
The folding and unfolding of strollers should be done away from children to prevent dangers of pinching. Always check to see that the hinges have no protrusions and have no sharp edges. Keep bags in the storage area or in the basket under the stroller to avoid the risk of entanglement and to decrease the chance of the stroller accidentally tipping over while in motion. Do not hang diaper bags from the handles of your stroller, which could pose a strangulation risk for your child.
Choose a stroller with an extended canopy that will protect your child from the brutal sun. Keep drinks and snacks handy by using a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. A bag clip or a tote will help you carry your shopping and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers get older they will require a stroller more comfortable than the one they used as babies. A wide seat with plenty of cushioning and reclining options will ensure that they fit comfortably in their stroller and stay relaxed on their outings. A model with adjustable footrests and a canopy will also be able to accommodate their changing heights. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking system are all important factors.
A double stroller is great for parents with twins or two close-aged babies. Choose a double stroller with a reversible seating position so that they can ride facing forward, facing the parent or facing each other. Reversible chairs can aid your children in bonding when they go for a walk. Depending on your lifestyle you may need an infant stroller with cups holder or a bag clip to keep drinks and snacks in reach.
The best stroller for toddlers should be easy to maneuver and fold. A stroller that has the ability to swivel its front wheels and a sturdy suspension system will make it easier to navigate the streets that are crowded and rough terrain. It is also recommended to look for a stroller that comes with an adjustable handlebar, and a peek-a -boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might want a parking brake that is operated by hand.
No matter if you're on a quick trip to town or a lengthy vacation, the right stroller can keep you and your family at ease while exploring. These strollers were designed with ease of use and adaptability in mind. They come with a compact design that can be folded away, as well as large storage baskets.
To narrow your choices, I spoke with five experts on strollers and parenting including Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Kyleyn Gosewisch, customer care specialist at Strolleria; Marielle Marquez, pediatric occupational therapist and co-founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides baby and child safety information and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Find out their top advice on selecting the right stroller to use with toddlers.
Folding
Find a stroller that has an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your toddler may take a leap into or out of it on their own. Some models fold down with just one hand, while others come with straps which you can use to carry the stroller if required. You could also consider an option with a large canopy that shields your child from the sun, and one that provides several recline positions.
Some of the best strollers come with a compartment can be used to connect an infant car seat. Other strollers include attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to go for a triple 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, choose one with large durable wheels that effortlessly glide over different terrains.
If you need to, a stroller that has padded straps can be easily slung over your shoulder. It is not recommended to hang a purse, diaper bag or any other item from the handle of a stroller because it can cause tipping and could suffocate or injure your child or toddler.
The stroller that you choose should have five-point harnesses that are securely linked to your child's front and back. It should also come with a large, spacious storage basket that is easy to access and a child tray. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is essential.
In our buying guide, you can find additional tips and information about selecting the right stroller. Contact our customer service department should you have any queries.
What's the Difference Between a Stroller and a Pram?
A stroller is a mobile vehicle that can be used to transport babies or young children. Some strollers have the capability to accommodate an infant car seat and some come with an open bassinet that transforms into an adult-sized seat. While most strollers are hard to take, a few models feature locks and shackles to stop them from being stolen by passersby. Wearing your child in a top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to a stroller. It can help strengthen bonding and allow you to perform other tasks, such as grocery shopping or running errands.
Storage
As your baby grows, stroller trips become more involved than the quick out and back strolls of childhood. You'll need more gear for these outings. This includes the diaper bag, which is well-stocked, snacks, drinks, and extra clothing for Baby. The most effective way to keep all these items within reach is to store them in the stroller.
Take a look at a stroller that offers ample storage space. It can store your diaper bag, additional clothes, and even one of our top water bottles for kids. The convenience of these items will give you the freedom to enjoy your trip 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 location that is easy to access, pick an infant stroller with a parent tray. These consoles usually come with cups holders as well as a large storage area which can be used for more than just drinks. Some of our favorite strollers include an adult tray, while others offer it as an add-on.
If you are choosing a stroller that has a parent tray, make sure it comes with deep cup holders that can safely hold your beverage. Shallow cup holders could spill over the edge, creating danger to your child. We also advise against hanging anything from the handlebars, because it could cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item, how steep the terrain and the amount of weight that is placed in the storage basket, this can make a stable stroller a dangerously tippy one.
If you're planning to have two children in a few years, a tandem or side-by-side stroller is worth considering. These strollers come with seats that sit in a row, side-by-side with a toddler seat on the top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers can save you money in the long run by allowing you to use a single stroller from birth to toddlerhood.