What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller helps you securely take your toddler along on your adventures. It should come with a 5-point harness to keep the child safe and swivel locks that won't slide off.

If you're expecting a child look into a travel system that can be attached to your car seat or a convertible model that could grow from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add the Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket with plenty of space and that is accessible.

Safety

Pick a stroller that comes with safety features that meet strict standards for your child to enjoy strolling in the stroller for a number of years. Included in this are age and size compatibility, as along with a sturdy design and restraining straps. Also, you can secure seats shells and sunshades. Choose a five-point harness that uses straps that go over shoulders and between the legs as well as at the crotch to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller in an accident. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps that will enhance your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to ensure that they meet safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a height to determine the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not slide over when it is it is in use. The most reliable strollers come with a lockable, secure brake system that can also be used as the vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals to ensure they're easy to operate, but difficult for baby gear children to take off. If you can, consider a magnetic harness. It is made of strong magnets to hold the straps together. It is easy for parents to fasten, but difficult for infants to open. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that wraps around the frame and an opening for the safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to keep your baby from being trapped.

To avoid dangers of pinching fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Keep bags in the storage area or in the basket underneath the stroller to avoid an entanglement risk and to minimize the chance of the stroller tipping over while in motion. Do not hang diaper bags from the handles of your stroller. This could pose a strangulation risk for Baby Gear your child.

Pick a stroller that has an extension canopy that can shield your child from the harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks in a convenient place with a cup or bottle holder as well as a tray for snacks. Lastly, a bag clip or a tote bag will help you carry your shopping items and other things without weighing down the size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age, they will need an easier stroller than the one they had when they were infants. A seat with lots of padding and reclining features will allow them to walk comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A stroller with an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to allow for their growing height. Other crucial aspects to consider include solid frames, a five-point harness and braking system that guarantees security.

A double stroller is great for parents with twins or two close-knit babies. Choose one with a reversible seat so that you can allow them to ride side-by-side, parent-facing, or face each the other. A reversible seat can also aid in bonding your kids with each other while out on strolls. You may choose one with cup holders, or a bag clip so you can keep drinks and snacks in reach.

The best strollers for toddlers are simple to fold and maneuver. Strollers with swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will make it easier for you to navigate through crowded streets or on rough terrain. Other convenient features to look for are an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you might prefer parking brakes that are operated by hand.

The right stroller will ensure that you and your family are comfortable on any trip whether it's a simple stroll through the city or a vacation. These strollers were designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. They come with an incredibly compact design that can be folded away, as well as large storage baskets.

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 provides baby and child safety resources as well as Sarah Huff, senior running Pram manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Learn their top tips on choosing the best stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Your toddler will likely jump into and out of the stroller on their own, so look for a model that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold using just one hand, while others have straps that allow you to carry the stroller with ease. Look for a stroller with a large canopy to shield your child from sunlight, or one with various recline positions.

A few of the top strollers have a compartment you can use to attach an infant car seat. Some include attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to go for a stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so that it's easy to carry on and off public transport. If you're planning to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, select a model with big durable wheels that effortlessly glide over a variety of terrain.

A stroller with a cushioned strap for carrying can allow you to easily carry the stroller over your shoulder, if needed. Don't hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip and injure or suffocate your baby.

The stroller you select should have a five-point harness which securely attaches to both the front and back of your child. It should also have an ample, spacious storage basket that's easy to access and a tray for your child. A reclining seat is also a must for tired toddlers.

In our buying guide, you can find more information and tips on choosing a stroller. Contact our customer support team should you have any queries.

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

A stroller is a hand-pushed mobile vehicle that can be used to transport infants or children who are young. Some strollers are able to hold an infant car seat and some come with an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into a seat for older toddlers. While most strollers are hard to take, a few models come with locks and shackles to stop them from being taken by people who pass by. A top-rated carrier can be a great alternative to using a stroller and improve bonding while freeing your hands for other tasks such as grocery shopping or running errands.

Stores

As your baby becomes a toddler, stroller excursions become longer expeditions than the quick out-and-back strolls of the early years. You'll need more gear for these excursions. This includes a diaper bag that is well-stocked, snacks drinks, snacks, and additional clothing for Baby. Stroller storage is the key to bringing all these items and keeping them within arm's reach.

Consider a stroller that has ample storage that can easily hold your diaper bag and spare clothes, as well as one of our top water bottles for children and more. Having these necessities handy will give you the freedom to go out without having to keep an eye on baby or keep an eye on bags as you stroll.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, but for those who want an easier-to-access storage space for your belongings choose strollers equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles typically have cups holder as well as a large storage area that can accommodate more than just drinks. Some of our top strollers have a tray for parents, while others have it as an optional add-on.

When you choose a stroller with a tray for parents, make sure it comes with deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your drink. Shallow cup holders tend to spill onto the edges, making them dangerous for your child. We also suggest not hanging items from the handlebars as it can cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain and the weight that is placed in the storage basket, this could turn a stable stroller into an extremely tippy one.

If you're planning to have two children in the next couple of years, a tandem or side-by-side stroller is something to consider. These strollers feature 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 end by permitting you to use one stroller from birth to toddlerhood.