What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great option to ensure your toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child secure and lockable swivel wheels that can't roll away.

If you're expecting a child, consider an infant travel system that connects to your car seat, or a convertible model that can expand from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of the Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket with plenty of space and is easily accessible.

Safety

Select a stroller with safety features that meet strict 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 along with a sturdy design and restraining straps. Also, you can sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Find a 5-point harness that has 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 that they are safe. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and assessing the force of the impact to make sure it won't tip over while in use. The best strollers also feature an extremely safe brake system that is lockable and can be engaged just like in cars.

Check the brake pedals and make sure that they are easy to operate by yourself but difficult to loosen for children. If you can, consider the magnetic harness. It has strong magnets that hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to fasten, but difficult for babies 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 in a reclined position to prevent your baby from being trapped.

The folding and unfolding of strollers should be kept away from children to prevent dangers of pinching. Check that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Store bags in the storage area or in the basket beneath the stroller to prevent the risk of entanglement and to decrease the risk of the stroller accidentally falling over when it is in motion. Don't hang your diaper or purse bags from the handles of your stroller. This could pose a strangulation risk for your infant.

Strollers can be a wonderful way for your toddler to soak in the world and discover the natural world, so pick one with an expandable shade or canopy that can keep them safe from the harsh sun. Keep drinks and snacks handy with a cup or bottle holder and a snack tray. A bag clip or tote can help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older, they will need a stroller more comfortable than the one they used when they were infants. A spacious seat with plenty of padding and recline options will ensure that they are able to comfortably use their stroller and stay relaxed on their outings. A stroller with an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to allow for their growing height. 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-knit babies. Choose a stroller with a reversible seat to allow them to ride side-by-side or parent-facing each one on. A reversible seat can also aid your children in bonding with each other while out on walks. You may choose a stroller that has a cup holder or a clip for your bag so you can keep drinks and snacks within reach.

The best stroller for toddlers must be easy to move and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as a suspension system that works will allow you to navigate through busy streets or uneven terrain. Other features worth looking for are an adjustable handlebar and a peek-aboo window. You might also consider the 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 to town or a lengthy holiday, the right stroller will keep your family members comfortable while exploring. These strollers are designed with ease of use and adaptability in mind. They feature an incredibly compact design that can be folded up, as well as an ample storage basket.

To narrow down your options I spoke to 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 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 services at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Read on to learn their top tips to choose the ideal stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Look for a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your child may be able to jump into and out of it on their own. Some models fold down with a single hand, while others come with a strap that can be used to carry the stroller when required. You may also think about a stroller with a large canopy that protects your child from sun, and provides multiple recline positions.

Some of the top strollers come with a compartment that allows you to attach an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You might want to opt for a stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds, so it's easy to get off and Pushchairs Prams on public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, pick a model with large durable wheels that roll easily over various terrains.

If you're required to, a stroller that has straps that are cushioned can easily be carried over your shoulder. Do not hang your purse, diaper bag or any other object from the handle of a stroller as it can cause tipping and could cause injury or death to your baby or toddler.

The stroller you select should come with a five-point harness that securely attaches to both the rear and front of your child. It should also come with an ample, spacious storage basket that's easy to access as well as an infant tray. A recliner is an essential feature for tired toddlers.

There are more suggestions and information about choosing a stroller in our buying guide. Contact our customer support team should you have any queries.

What's the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller is a transportable vehicle that can be used to transport babies or young children. Some strollers can hold an infant car seat or an infant bassinet that is able to be converted into an adult seat. While most strollers aren't easy to steal, a few models feature locks and shackles that prevent them from being stolen by passersby. The use of a top-rated baby carrier is an excellent alternative to strollers. It can improve bonding and free your hands to complete other tasks such as grocery shopping or running errands.

Storage

As your baby becomes an infant, stroller rides become longer excursions rather than the short out-and-back strolls of the early years. For these trips, you'll need to bring more items, including an adequately stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothes for your Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to carrying all these items and keeping them within reach.

Consider a stroller that has plenty of storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, spare clothes, and one of our best water bottles for children. Having these necessities handy gives you the freedom to go out without having to keep a hand on your baby or keep an eye on bags while you stroll.

If you're looking to keep things in a place that is easy to access, consider a stroller that has 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 top strollers come with tray for parents, and some offer it as an option.

If you are choosing a stroller that has a tray for parents, be sure that it includes deep cup holders that can safely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small can spill over the edge, which could pose a danger to your baby. We also recommend not to hang anything on the handlebars as this can cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item, how steep the terrain is and the weight that is placed in the storage basket, this can turn a stable stroller into an extremely tippy one.

For families who plan to have two kids in a few years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is something to consider. These types of strollers have seats that sit in a row, side-by-side with a toddler's seat on the top and an infant's seat at the bottom. These strollers could save you money in the end by permitting you to use a single stroller from birth through toddlerhood.