What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
A stroller can help you ensure that your toddler is safe along on adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child secure and swivel wheels lockable so that they can't roll away.
You might want to consider a travel system your newborn that attaches directly to your car seat. Consider a convertible model which can be expanded from a single to a double (and even triple with the 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 enjoy strolling for years make sure you choose a top-quality model with safety features that meet stringent standards. Included in this are age and size compatibility, as well as a stable design, restraining straps, sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Look for a 5-point harness with straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and over the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps that can increase your child's safety.
Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they meet safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and assessing the force of the impact to make sure that it doesn't fall over being used. The top strollers also have an incredibly secure, lockable brake system that can be engaged similar to cars.
Check the brake pedals, and make sure they're easy to operate for you, but difficult to remove for children. If you can, opt for the magnetic harness. It is made of strong magnets that hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to fasten but difficult for babies to unlock. Also, look for a cushioned bumper bar that wraps around the frame and a safety harness opening that closes when the seat is reclined to stop your child from being trapped.
To avoid pinching hazards fold and unfold a stroller away from children. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To avoid entanglement hazards and reduce the risk that the stroller could tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Don't hang bags, diaper bags or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This could be a strangulation risk for your baby.
Pick a stroller that has an extendable canopy that will shield your child from the brutal sun. A snack tray and cup or bottle holder will keep snacks and drinks close to the ready. Lastly, a bag clip or a tote bag will help you carry your shopping and other belongings without weighing down the size of the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers get older and require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they had when they were infants. A seat with lots of padding and reclining features will allow them to sit comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A model with adjustable footrests and a canopy will also accommodate their changing height. Other crucial aspects to consider are an extremely sturdy frame, a 5-point harness and braking system that ensures security.
A double stroller is great for parents with twins or two close-aged babies. Choose one with a reversible seat so that you can let them ride front-facing or facing the parent, or even face each the other. A reversible chair can also assist your children to bond while walking. Depending on your lifestyle, you may want a stroller with cups holder or a bag clip to keep drinks and snacks close at hand.
The most suitable strollers strollers for toddlers are easy to fold and maneuver. Strollers with swivel wheels and suspension systems that work will allow you to maneuver through crowded streets or on rough terrain. Other features worth looking for are an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. You might also prefer a hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when you have a lot of hands.
No matter if you're on an easy stroll around town or Travel Stroller on a long vacation, the perfect stroller can keep you and your family at ease while exploring. From an ultra-compact, self-folding design to a huge storage basket These strollers provide the convenience and flexibility you need.
To narrow down your options, I spoke with five experts in the field of parenting and strollers, 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, cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that offers baby and child safety information; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Read on to learn their top tips to choose the best stroller for toddlers.
Folding
Your child will likely leap in and out of the stroller on their own, so search for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold down with a single hand, while others come with a strap that can be used to carry the stroller around if required. Look for a stroller with an enormous canopy to protect your child from the sunlight, or one with multiple reclining positions.
Some of the top strollers have a special compartment that lets you attach an infant car seat pram seat (and some also have other 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 use the stroller on uneven terrain, choose a model with large, sturdy wheels. They can easily roll over a variety of conditions.
A stroller with a cushioned strap for carrying can allow you to easily carry the stroller over your shoulder if necessary. Never hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your cheap stroller. It can cause it to tip and cause injuries or suffocation to your baby.
The stroller you choose must have five-point harness that securely attaches to both the front and back of your child. It should also have large, ample storage basket that is easy to access as well as an infant tray. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is a must.
You can find additional tips and information on selecting a stroller in our buying guide. If you have any questions you can contact our expert customer service team to get help.
What is the difference between a Stroller and a pram set?
A stroller is a mobile vehicle that can be used to transport babies or small children. Some strollers can accommodate an infant car seat and some have an infant bassinet that can be transformed into seats. 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. The use of a top-rated baby carrier is an excellent alternative to strollers. It can improve bonding and free your hands to perform other tasks, such as grocery shopping or running the errands.
Stores
As your baby becomes an infant, stroller rides are longer instead of the quick strolls of the early years. You'll need more gear for these outings. This includes the diaper bag, which is well-stocked, snacks drinks, snacks, and additional clothing for Baby. The best way to keep all these items within reach is to keep them in the stroller.
Look into a stroller with ample storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, additional clothes, and one of our top water bottles for children. These necessities will allow you to relax and enjoy your excursion without worrying about baby or bags.
The majority of full-size strollers come with plenty of storage space, however for those who want an easier-to-access storage space for your belongings consider strollers equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles usually come with cups holder as well as an ample storage compartment that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers have a tray for parents and some have it as an optional add-on.
When choosing a stroller with a parent tray, make sure it includes deep cup holders that can safely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small could spill over the edge, which could pose a danger to your baby. We also suggest not to hang anything on the handlebars as this can cause the stroller tip over. This can make a stable stroller unstable based on the weight, the steepness of the terrain, and also the amount of weight in the storage basket at the bottom.
For families who plan to have two kids in a couple of years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is something to consider. These strollers come with seats that are side-by-side with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler seat at the top. These strollers can save money in the long run by allowing you to use one stroller from birth through toddlerhood.