What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great option to safely take your wiggly toddler on adventures. It should have five-point harnesses to ensure your child's safety and swivel wheels lockable so that they can't roll away.

You might want to consider a pushchairs travel systems system your newborn that attaches directly to your car seat. You could also consider a convertible model which can be extended from a single to a double (and even triple with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that's large and easy to reach.

Safety

If you want your toddler to enjoy strolling for years make sure you choose a top-quality model that has safety features that meet the highest standards. Included in this are age and size compatibility, as in a stable design and restraining straps. Also, you can secure seats shells and sunshades. Find a 5-point harness that has straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and above the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller in a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to further enhance your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they meet safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a height to measure the force of the impact. This guarantees that it will not be able to tip over while in use. The best strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be used as a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals to make sure they are easy for you to operate, but are difficult for children to unfasten. If possible, choose an elastic harness. It uses strong magnets that keep the straps together. It is simple for parents to fasten but difficult for infants to open. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a safety belt opening that closes in the reclined position.

To avoid the risk of pinching, fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Check that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To avoid entanglement hazards and reduce the risk that the stroller will tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage area underneath the stroller or in the basket. Don't hang your diaper or purse bags from the handles of your stroller. This could be a risk of strangulation for your child.

Choose a stroller with an extension canopy that can protect your child from the harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks handy with a cup or bottle holder as well as a tray for snacks. A bag clip or a tote will allow you to carry your shopping and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A wide seat with plenty of cushioning and reclining options will ensure that they are able to comfortably use their stroller and are comfortable when they go out. A model that has adjustable footrests and canopy will also be able to accommodate their changing heights. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness and braking system are all essential elements.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or two close-aged babies. Choose a double stroller with an adjustable seating position so that they can ride facing towards the parent, or facing each the other. Reversible seats also aid your children in bonding with each other while out for walks. You may choose a stroller that has cups holder or a bag clip so you can keep drinks and snacks in reach.

The most suitable strollers for toddlers is easy to fold and move. A foldable stroller that has two wheels that swivel and a sturdy suspension system will help you navigate crowded streets and rough terrain. It is also recommended to look for a stroller with an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a -boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might want parking brakes that are operated by hand.

The best stroller will ensure that you and your family are at ease on any journey whether it's a simple trip in the city or a trip on vacation. From an ultra-compact self-folding design, to an expansive basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you need.

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, cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides safety and baby-related resources; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Learn their top tips on choosing the best stroller for use with toddlers.

Folding

Choose a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your toddler may be able to get into and out of it on their own. Some models fold down with just one hand, and others have straps which you can use to carry the stroller when you need to. Look for a stroller newborn with an enormous canopy to protect your child from direct sunlight, or one with several recline positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a separate compartment that lets you connect 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 that it's easy to carry to and from public transportation. If you intend to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, select a model with large, durable wheels. These wheels can roll easily across a variety types of terrain.

A stroller that has a cushioned strap for carrying can allow you to easily carry the stroller over your shoulder if necessary. Don't 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 pick must have a 5-point harness that is securely linked to your child's front and back. It should also come with a large, spacious storage basket that is accessible and an infant tray. A recliner is an essential feature for tired toddlers.

You can find more tips and information about choosing strollers in our buying guide. Contact our customer service department should you have any queries.

What's the difference between stroller and a pram?

A stroller is a hand-pushed portable vehicle that can be used to transport infants or children who are young. Some strollers can be used to hold an infant car seat, and some even have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into a seat for older toddlers. While most strollers are hard to take, a few models feature locks and shackles that prevent them from being snatched by people passing by. Wearing your baby in a top-rated carrier can be an excellent alternative to a stroller to increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands to do other things like grocery shopping or running errands.

Storage

As your baby grows, stroller trips become more involved than the simple out and back strolls of childhood. For these outings, you'll need to bring more supplies, including an adequately-stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothing for Baby. The key to keeping all of these items accessible is to keep them in the stroller.

Look into a stroller with ample storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, extra clothes, and one of our top water bottles for children. Being armed with these essentials will give you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep an eye on your baby or keep an eye on bags while you walk.

If you're looking to keep things in a location that is even easier to access, pick one with a tray for parents. These consoles typically have a cup holder as well as a large storage area that can accommodate more than just beverages. Some of our top strollers come with tray for parents, and some offer it as an additional feature.

When selecting a stroller that includes a tray for parents on it, make sure that the cup holders are sufficient to securely hold your drink. The cup holders with a shallow design could spill over the edge, which could pose danger to your child. We also recommend not to hang anything on the handlebars because this could cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item, how steep the terrain is and the amount of weight in the storage basket, this could turn a stable stroller into a dangerously tippy one.

Families planning to have more than one child in the next few years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers feature seats that are side-by-side, with an infant seat at the lower part and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers can save you money in the long run by allowing you to use a single stroller from birth to toddlerhood.