What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
Strollers are an excellent way to safely take your wiggly toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep the child safe, and lock swivels that won't roll off.
You might want to consider a travel system your newborn that attaches directly to your car seat. You could also consider you can get a convertible model that can be extended from a single to a double (and even tripled with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that offers plenty of room and is accessible.
Safety
Pick a stroller that comes with safety features that meet the strictest standards If you want your child to be able to stroll in the stroller for many years. Included in this are age and size compatibility, as in a stable design and restraining straps. Also, you can sunshades and shells for seats that are secure. Look for a 5-point harness with straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and over the shoulders to prevent your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to increase your child's security.
Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they are safe. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and assessing the force of the impact to ensure it won't tip over while in use. The best strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can be activated like the case of a vehicle.
Check the brake pedals and make sure that they are easy to operate for you but difficult to remove for children. If possible, opt for a magnetic harness that makes use of strong magnets to keep the harness straps together. It is simple to fasten for parents, but difficult for infants to open. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a security belt opening that locks in a reclined position.
The folding pram and unfolding of 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. Store bags in the storage area or the basket underneath the stroller to avoid the risk of entanglement and to decrease the chance of the stroller accidentally tipping over while in motion. Never hang purses, diaper bags, or other items from the stroller handles. This could be a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Choose a stroller with an extension canopy that can shield your child from the harsh sun. A tray for snacks as well as a cup or bottle holder can keep snacks and drinks close to hand. A bag clip or a tote will allow you to carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers age, they need a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they had as infants. A wide seat with plenty of padding and recline options will ensure that they are able to comfortably use their stroller and are comfortable during outings. A stroller with an adjustable footrest and canopy is a great choice to adjust to their height changes. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking system are all important factors.
A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or children with similar age. Pick one with a reversible seating option to let them ride front-facing or facing the parent, Pram set or even face each the other. A reversible seat can also aid in bonding your kids with one another on strolls. Based on your needs, you may want a stroller that has cups holder or a bag clip to keep drinks and snacks within reach.
The best strollers for toddlers is easy to fold and maneuver. Strollers with swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will make it easier for you to maneuver through crowded streets or on rough terrain. Other features worth looking for include a movable handlebar as well as a peek-a-boo window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you might prefer parking brakes that are operated by hand.
If you're taking a quick trip to town or a lengthy vacation, the perfect stroller can keep your family and you comfortable while you explore. From a compact self-folding design, to a large basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you want.
To narrow down your options, I spoke with 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, pediatric occupational therapist and co-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 customer and community services at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Learn more about their top tips for selecting the best stroller for toddlers.
Folding
Find a stroller that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your child could take a leap into or out of it on their own. Some models fold using just one hand, while others include straps that allow you to carry the stroller with ease. You may also think about a stroller with a big canopy that protects your child from the sun, and offers various recline positions.
Some of the best strollers have a compartment that can be used to connect an infant car seat. Other strollers have attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to opt for a stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds, so that it's easy to carry to and from public transportation. If you plan to take the stroller on uneven terrain, choose a model that has large, sturdy wheels. These wheels will roll easily across a variety terrain.
A stroller with a padded strap that can carry it will allow you to effortlessly sling the stroller on your shoulder if necessary. Do not hang your purse, diaper bag or any other object from the handle of a stroller because it could cause tipping and could cause injury or death to your toddler or baby.
The stroller you choose should have 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.
In our buying guide, you'll get additional information and tips about choosing the right stroller. If you have questions contact our knowledgeable customer service team for assistance.
What's the Difference Between a Stroller and a pram for newborn?
A stroller is a hand-pushed portable vehicle that can be used to transport babies or children who are young. Some strollers can hold the infant car seat, while others have a bassinet that can be transformed into a seat. While most strollers aren't easy to steal, a few models come with locks and shackles to prevent them from being snatched by people who pass by. The use of a top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to strollers. It will help build bonds and free your hands to do other tasks, such as grocery shopping or running the 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 excursions. This includes the diaper bag, which is filled with snacks drinks, snacks, and other clothing for Baby. The most effective way to keep all of these items in reach is to store them in the stroller.
Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space that can accommodate your diaper bag, spare clothes, one of our best water bottles for children and much more. The convenience of these items gives 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're looking to keep things in a place that is also easy to access, choose one with a tray for parents. These consoles usually have an integrated cup holder aswell as a huge storage space that can be used for more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers come with tray for parents, while others offer it as an add-on.
If you're choosing a stroller which has a tray for parents on it, ensure that the cup holders are sufficient to securely hold your drink. Shallow cup holders could spill over the edge, creating a danger to your baby. We also recommend not putting anything on the handlebars because this can cause the stroller tip over. Depending on the weight of the item, how steep the terrain is and the amount of weight in the storage basket, this can turn a stable stroller into a potentially dangerously unstable one.
Families that plan to have more than one child over the coming years should think about a tandem or side by side stroller. These types of strollers have seats that sit together with a toddler's seat on the top and an infant's seat at the bottom. These strollers can save you money in the long run by allowing you to use one stroller from birth until toddlerhood.