What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
Strollers are an excellent way to take your wiggle toddler on adventures. It should come with a 5-point harness to keep the child safe and swivel locks that won’t slide off.
Consider a travel system for your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. Or, a convertible model which can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even tripled with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that’s large and easy to reach.
Safety
Choose a model that has safety features that meet the strictest standards If you want your child to have fun in the stroller for many years. Included in this are age and size compatibility, as along with a sturdy design with restraining straps, sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Find a 5-point harness with straps at the crotch, between the legs, and over the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller during a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps to increase your child’s safety.
Strollers are tested for impact to ensure 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 best strollers have a lockable, secure brake system that can also be engaged like in 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, choose a magnetic harness. It has strong magnets that hold the straps together. It is easy for parents to secure, but it is difficult for children to unfasten. Look for a padded frame bumper bar as well as a safety belt opening that locks in the reclined position.
Folding and unfolding a stroller must be done away from children to prevent the risk of pinching. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Keep bags in the storage area or the basket beneath the stroller to prevent the risk of entanglement and to decrease the risk of the stroller accidentally tipping over while in motion. Do not hang diaper bags or other items from the stroller handles. This can be a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Choose a stroller with an extension canopy that can protect your child from the harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks handy with a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. Lastly, a bag clip or tote bag will help you carry your shopping items and other things without weighing down the size of the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers grow older, they will need an easier stroller than the one they had as babies. A seat with plenty of padding and reclining features will allow them to walk comfortably and feel comfortable in their stroller. A model that has adjustable footrests and a canopy can also allow for their height to change. A solid frame, a five-point harness, and braking systems are all important factors.
A double stroller is perfect for parents who have twins or babies of similar age. Pick one with a reversible seat to allow them to ride side-by-side or parent-facing each other. A reversible chair can also assist your children to bond when they go for a walk. You can choose a stroller that has cup holders, or a clip for your bag so you can keep snacks and drinks in reach.
The ideal stroller for toddlers must be easy to move and fold. Strollers that have swivel wheels and suspension systems that work will allow you to navigate through busy streets or rough terrain. Other useful features to look for are an adjustable handlebar and a peek-aboo window. You might also prefer a hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when you have a lot of hands.
If you’re taking a short trip around town or on a long vacation, the perfect stroller will keep you and your family comfortable while exploring. From a compact self-folding design, to a huge basket for storage These strollers provide the convenience and flexibility you require.
To narrow down your options, I spoke with five parenting and stroller experts 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 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 information; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Learn their top tips on choosing the best stroller for use with toddlers.
Folding
Look for a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your toddler may jump into and 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 when required. Look for a stroller with an enormous canopy to protect your child from direct sun, or one that has multiple recline positions.
Some of the top strollers have a special compartment where you can attach an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You may want to opt for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so it’s easy to get on and off public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller over uneven surfaces, select a model that has large, durable wheels. These wheels can roll easily across a variety types of terrain.
A stroller with a padded carrying strap can help you easily sling the stroller over your shoulder if necessary. Do not hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip over and cause injuries or suffocation to your baby.
The stroller you choose should come with a five-point harness that securely attaches to the front and back of your child. It should also come with a large, spacious storage basket that’s easy to access as well as a tray for your child. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is essential.
In our buying guide, you’ll find more information and tips about choosing a stroller. If you have questions contact our knowledgeable customer service team for assistance.
What is the difference between a stroller and a pram for newborn?
A stroller (Canada and US) or pram (U.K.) is a hand-driven vehicle that can be used to transport infants and young children. Some strollers can carry an infant car-seat and some have a bassinet that can be transformed into seats. While most strollers aren’t easy to steal, a few models come with locks and shackles that prevent them from being stolen by people who pass by. Wearing your baby in a top-rated stroller can be a great alternative to using a stroller to increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands for other tasks such as grocery shopping or running around.
Stores
When your baby is a toddler, stroller excursions are longer than the quick out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child’s life. You’ll require more items for these outings. This includes the diaper bag, which is fully stocked, snacks drinks, snacks, and additional clothing for Baby. The best way to keep all of these items accessible is to keep them in the stroller.
Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, spare clothing, and one of our top water bottles for kids. Being armed with these essentials will give you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep a hand on your baby or keep an eye on bags as you walk.
If you want to store things in a place that is even easier to access, choose an infant stroller with a tray for parents. These consoles usually come with a cup holder and a large storage area that can accommodate more than just drinks. Some of our favorite strollers come with an adult tray, while others provide it as an add-on.
When choosing a stroller with a tray for parents, make sure it comes with deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your beverage. The cup holders with a shallow design can spill over the edge, posing the risk to your child. We also recommend against hanging anything from the handlebars, as it can cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a sturdy stroller dangerously unstable depending on the weight, the incline of the terrain, and the amount of weight inside the bottom storage basket.
Families who plan to have more than one child over the coming years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler’s seat at the top. These strollers can save you money in the long run by letting you to use a single stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.
