What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller allows you to ensure that your toddler is safe along on your adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child secure and lock swivels that won’t slide off.

If you have a baby, consider an infant travel system that connects to your car seat, or convertible models that can be upgraded from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Pick a basket that has plenty of space and that is easily accessible.

Safety

If you want your child to have fun strolling around for years pick a top-quality model that has safety features that meet stringent standards. Included in this are size and age compatibility, as along with a sturdy design and restraining straps. Also, you can sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Choose a five-point harness that has straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and over the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to increase your child’s security.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure that they comply with safety standards. The stroller is lowered from a height to measure the force of the impact. This assures that it won’t be able to tip over while it is in use. The most reliable strollers come with an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be engaged like in the vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals and ensure that they are easy to operate by yourself but difficult to loosen for children. If possible, choose an elastic harness. It uses strong magnets that keep the straps together. It is easy for parents to fasten but difficult for infants to open. Also, look for a cushioned bumper bar that wraps around the frame, and a safety harness opening that closes when the seat is reclined to stop your child from getting trapped.

To avoid pinching hazards fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Always make sure that the hinges are free of protrusions or sharp edges. Keep bags in the storage area or the basket underneath the stroller to avoid entanglement hazard and to reduce the possibility of the stroller tipping over when in motion. Don’t hang bags, diaper bags, or other items from the stroller’s handles. This could be a strangulation risk for your baby.

Strollers can be a wonderful way for your toddler to enjoy the world and learn about the natural world, so pick one with an expandable canopy or sunshade that will keep them safe from the harsh sun. A tray for snacks and a cup or bottle holder can keep snacks and drinks to hand. A bag clip or tote bag will allow you to carry your shopping items and other things without weighing down the size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older, they need a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had as infants. A seat that has plenty of padding and reclining features will allow them to sit comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A model that has adjustable footrests and a canopy will also allow for their height to change. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness and braking system are all important factors.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or two close-gayed babies. Choose a stroller with a reversible seat to let them ride front-facing, parent-facing, or face each the other. A reversible seat can also aid in bonding your kids with one another on strolls. You may choose a stroller that has cup holders or a bag clip, so you can keep drinks and snacks within reach.

The best stroller for toddlers must be easy to maneuver and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will allow you to navigate through crowded streets or on rough terrain. Other features worth looking for include an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. You might also consider a hand-operated parking brake to make it easier and more convenient to use when you have a lot of hands.

The right stroller will ensure that you and your family are comfortable on any trip whether it’s a short excursion in the city or on vacation. From a compact self-folding design, to a huge storage basket these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you need.

I spoke to five experts in the field 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 therapist and founder at Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid) an organization that provides information on child and baby safety and Sarah Huff (senior manager of community and customer relations). Learn their top tips on selecting the right stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Your child will likely leap 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 down with one hand, while some have a strap which you can use to carry the stroller around if you need to. Consider a stroller that has a large canopy to shield your child from sun, or one that has 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 can choose a light stroller weighing less than 30 pounds to allow it to be easier to lift onto and off public transport. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, choose one with large durable wheels that are able to easily navigate different terrains.

If you have to, a stroller with padded straps can be easily slung over your shoulder. Never hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip over and cause injury or death to your baby.

The stroller you choose should come with five-point harness that securely attaches to both the front and back of your child. It should have a large, easy-to-access storage basket as well as a child’s tray. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is a must.

You can find additional tips and information on selecting strollers in our buying guide. Contact our customer service team if you have any questions.

What’s the difference between stroller and a pram?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram store near me (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers can be used to hold an infant car seat and some even have a flat bassinet that converts into an adult seat. Some strollers are equipped with locks and shackles that prevent them from being taken by passersby. A top-rated stroller can be an excellent alternative to a stroller to increase the bonding between you and Foldable Stroller your child, while freeing up your hands for other tasks such as grocery shopping or running around.

Stores

When your baby is an infant, stroller rides are longer than the quick out-and-back strolls of infancy. When you go on these excursions, you’ll need to bring additional items, such as a fully stocked diaper bag snacks, drinks, snacks and extra clothes for Baby. Stroller storage is the key to carrying all these items and keeping them within arm’s reach.

Look into a stroller with ample storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, extra clothes, and one of our top water bottles for kids. The convenience of these items will allow you to go out without having to keep an eye on baby or keep an eye on bags while you walk.

Most full-size strollers offer plenty of storage space, however if you want an even easier-to-access storage space for your belongings choose one equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles usually have cups holder as well with a large storage area that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our top strollers include tray for parents, while others offer it as an option.

When selecting a stroller that has a tray for parents on it, ensure that the cup holders are sufficient in depth to secure your drink. Shallow cup holders tend to spill over the edges, making them a hazard for your child. We also recommend against hanging anything from the handlebars, since it could cause the stroller to tip over. This could make a stable stroller unstable, based on the weight, the steepness of the terrain, and 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 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 seat at the top prams. These strollers will save you money in the long run by letting you to use a single stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.