What to Look For in a toddler stroller (dig this)

Strollers are a great way to take your wiggle toddler on adventures. It should have five-point harnesses that keep your child secure and lockable swivels that can't roll away.

You might want to consider a travel system your newborn that attaches directly to your car seat. Or, an adjustable model that can be expanded from a single to a double (and even tripled with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that offers plenty of space and that is easy to reach.

Safety

Choose a model that has safety features that are in line with strict standards if you want your child to have fun in the stroller for a number of years to come. These include age and size compatibility, stable design as well as restraining belts that are secure seat shells and sunshades. Look for a five-point harness that uses straps over the shoulders between the legs, and at the crotch to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller in a crash. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps to increase your child's security.

Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they are safe. The stroller is lowered from a height to determine the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not be able to tip over while it is in use. The most reliable strollers come with an able to lock and secure brake system that can be activated like the case of a vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals and make sure they're easy to operate by yourself but difficult to unfasten for children. If you can, consider a magnetic harness. It is made of 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 as well as a safety belt opening that can be closed in the reclined position.

The folding and unfolding of a stroller must be kept away from children to prevent dangers of pinching. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To avoid entanglement hazards and to reduce the chance that the stroller will fall over, store bags in the storage space beneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags, or other items from the stroller handles. This can be a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Strollers are a great way for your toddler to explore the world and gain knowledge about the natural world, so pick one with an extendable shade or canopy to keep them safe from the harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks handy with a cup or bottle holder and a snack tray. A bag clip or a tote bag can help you carry your shopping items and other things without adding weight to the overall size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A wide seat with plenty of cushioning and recline options will ensure that they fit comfortably in their stroller and remain relaxed when they go out. A stroller with adjustable footrests and a canopy will 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 close-gayed babies. Choose a stroller with a reversible seating option to allow them to ride front-facing, parent-facing, or face each one on. Reversible push chairs and prams can aid your children in bonding when they go for a walk. Based on your lifestyle you may need an infant stroller with a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and drinks in reach.

The ideal stroller for toddlers should be easy to move and fold. Strollers that have swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will make it easier for you to maneuver through crowded streets or uneven terrain. Other convenient features to look for are an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a-boo window. You may also want a hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when you have a lot of hands.

The best stroller will keep you and your family at ease on any journey, whether it's a quick excursion in the city or on vacation. From a compact, self-folding design to a large storage basket, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you need.

To narrow down your options I spoke to 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 founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that offers baby and Pushchair sale (Bookmarkssocial.com) child safety resources; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Find out their top tips to choose the ideal stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Find a stroller that has an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your child may be able to take a leap into or out of it on their own. Some models can be folded with just one hand, while others have an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller. You may also think about an option with a large canopy that shields your child from sun, and one that has multiple recline positions.

Some of the top strollers come with a compartment where you can click in an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby pram carriers). You may choose a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds to allow it to be easier to lift onto and off public transportation. If you intend to use the stroller on uneven terrain, choose one with large, sturdy wheels. These wheels will roll easily across a variety terrain.

A stroller that has a cushioned carrying strap can help you effortlessly sling the stroller on your shoulder when needed. You should never hang your purse, diaper bag or other item from the handle of the stroller since it can cause a tipping effect and may suffocate or injure your toddler or baby.

The stroller you choose should come with a five-point harness which securely connects to the front and back of your child. It should come with an ample, easily accessible storage basket as well as the tray for children. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is a must.

There are more suggestions and information on selecting the right stroller in our buying guide. If you have any questions contact our expert customer service team to get help.

What's the difference between 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 accommodate an infant car seat or a bassinet that can be transformed into seats. While most strollers aren't easy to steal, a few models come with locks and shackles to stop them from being snatched by people who pass by. A top-rated stroller can be an excellent alternative to a stroller to increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands for other tasks like grocery shopping or running around.

Stores

When your baby is a toddler, stroller excursions become longer excursions than the quick out-and-back strolls of infancy. You'll need more supplies for these outings. This includes diaper bags that are filled with snacks drinks, snacks, and additional clothing for Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to bringing all of these items and keeping them within reach.

Look into a stroller with plenty of storage that can easily hold your diaper bag, spare clothes, one of our best water bottles for kids and much more. Having these necessities handy will give you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep a hand on baby or keep an eye on bags as you stroll.

The majority of full-size strollers come with plenty of storage space, but should you need an easier-to-access place to store items consider a stroller that has a tray for the parents. These consoles usually come with a cup holder as well as a huge storage space that can hold more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers come with 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 that the cup holders are deep enough to hold your beverage securely. Shallow cup holders tend to spill onto the edges, making them dangerous for your baby. We also suggest not hanging items from the handlebars because it could cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the amount of weight that is placed in the storage basket, this could make a stable stroller an extremely tippy one.

Families who plan to have more than one child in the next few years should think about a tandem or side by side stroller. These types of strollers have seats that sit side by side with a toddler seat on top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers will save you money in the long run by letting you to use one stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.