What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great way to safely take your wiggly toddler on adventures. It should have a five-point harness to keep your child safe and swivel wheels lockable so that they cannot be pushed away.

Think about a travel system for your baby that is attached directly to your car seat. Consider you can get a convertible model that can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even tripled with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Pick a basket that has plenty of space and Toddler Stroller is easy to reach.

Safety

If you want your child to be able to stroll for a long time pick a top-quality model that has safety features that are in line with the strictest standards. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy design as well as restraining belts that are secure seat shells and sunshades. Look for a five-point harness that has straps that go over shoulders, between the legs and at the crotch to stop your child from falling out of the stroller during a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps that can further increase your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they are safe. The stroller is dropped from a height to measure the force of the impact. This assures that it won't slide over when it is in use. The top strollers have a lockable, secure brake system that can also be engaged like in a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals to make sure they're easy to operate, but difficult for children to unfasten. If you can, choose a magnetic harness that uses strong magnets to keep the harness straps in place and is easy to fasten for parents but hard 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 reclined to keep your baby from getting trapped.

To avoid dangers of pinching, fold and unfold a stroller away from children. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To avoid entanglement risks and to reduce the chance that the stroller will fall over, store bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Never hang purses or diaper bags from the handles of your stroller, as this could be a risk of strangulation for your infant.

Choose a stroller with an extendable canopy that will protect your child from brutal sun. A tray for snacks as well as a cup or bottle holder will keep drinks and snacks close at hand. A bag clip or tote will help you carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older, they need a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had as infants. A wide seat with ample cushioning and recline options will ensure that they can comfortably fit into their stroller and stay relaxed on their outings. A stroller with adjustable footrests and a canopy can also allow for their height to change. A solid frame, a five-point harness, and braking systems are the most important elements.

A double stroller compact will be ideal for parents with twins or children with similar age. Choose a double stroller with a reversible seating position to allow them to ride facing forward, facing the parent or facing each opposite. A reversible seat can also help your kids bond with one another on walks. You may choose a stroller that has cup holders or a bag clip, so you can keep snacks and drinks within reach.

The most suitable strollers for toddlers are simple to fold and move. Strollers with swivel wheels and a suspension system that works can make it easier for you to maneuver through crowded streets or uneven terrain. Other convenient features to look for include a movable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. You may also want the hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when your hands are full.

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

I spoke with five experts in the area of strollers and parenting. These included Lisa Trofe (executive director of the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association), Kyleyn Gosewisch (customer care specialist at Strolleria), Marielle Marquez (pediatric occupational therapy therapist and founder of Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder 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 relations). Find out their top advice on choosing the best stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Look for a stroller with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your toddler may take a leap into or out of it on their own. Some models fold down with a single hand, and others have a strap that can be used to carry the stroller around if required. You might also consider a stroller with a big canopy that protects your child from the sun, and one that provides multiple recline positions.

Some of the top strollers have a special compartment that allows you to connect an infant car seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You can choose a light stroller with a weight of less than 30 pounds to make it easier to carry on and off public transport. If you're planning to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, choose a model with big durable wheels that roll easily over different terrains.

If you need to, a stroller equipped with padded straps can be easily slung over your shoulder. It is not recommended to hang a purse, diaper bag or any other item from the handle of a stroller because it could cause a tipping effect and may hurt or suffocate your baby or toddler.

The stroller you select should have a 5-point harness that is securely linked to your child's front and back. It should also have a large, spacious storage basket that's easy to access and a tray for your child. A reclining seat is also essential for tired toddlers.

You can find additional tips and information on choosing a stroller in our buying guide. Contact our customer support team for any questions.

What is the difference between a stroller and a pram?

A stroller is a hand-driven transportable vehicle that can be used to transport infants or children who are young. Some strollers can accommodate an infant pushchairs car seats seat and some have an adjustable bassinet that is able to be converted into seats. While most strollers are hard to steal, a few models have locks and shackles to prevent them from being taken by people who pass by. In a top-quality carrier is a great alternative to using a stroller and improve bonding, while freeing your hands for other tasks like grocery shopping or running errands.

Storage

As your baby becomes an infant, stroller rides become longer excursions instead of the quick strolls of the early years. You'll need more supplies for these excursions. This includes diaper bags that are well-stocked, snacks drinks, snacks, and other clothing for Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to bringing all of these items and keeping them within arm's reach.

Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space. It can store your diaper bag, extra clothes, and even one of our top water bottles for children. These essentials will let you relax and enjoy your trip without having to worry about baby or bags.

The majority of full-size strollers come with plenty of storage space, but should you need an easier-to-access place to store items consider one that has a tray for the parents. These consoles typically have cups holder as well with a large storage area that can be used for more than just beverages. Some of our favorite strollers include a parent tray and some have it as an option to add on.

If you are choosing a stroller that has a parent tray, make sure that it includes deep cup holders that can securely hold your drink. Shallow cup holders tend to spill over the edges, making them a hazard for your baby. We also suggest not to hang anything on the handlebars as this can cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a stable stroller unstable, based on the weight, the slope of the terrain, and also the amount of weight that is in the storage basket at the bottom.

Families planning to have more than one child over the coming years should think about a tandem or side by side stroller. These types of strollers offer seats that are placed in a row, side-by-side with a toddler's seat on the top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers can save you money in the long run by letting you use one stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.