What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller helps you ensure that your toddler is safe to adventures. It should come with a 5-point harness to keep the child safe and swivel locks that don't fall off.

If you have a baby think about an infant travel system that connects to your car seat or a convertible model that could grow from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Look for a basket that's large and easy to reach.

Safety

Pick a stroller that comes with safety features that meet the strictest standards If you want your child to have fun in the stroller for a number of years to come. These include age and size compatibility, a stable design as well as restraining belts that are secure seat shells and sunshades. Choose a five-point harness with straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and over the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller in 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 meet safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not be able to tip over while it is in use. The best strollers have a lockable, secure brake system that can also be engaged like in the vehicle.

Check the brake pedals and ensure that they are easy to operate for you but difficult to unfasten for children. If you can, choose a magnetic harness that uses strong magnets to keep the harness straps in place and is simple to fasten for parents, but difficult for children to unlock. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a security belt opening that can be closed in a reclined position.

The folding and unfolding of a stroller must be done away from children to avoid dangers of pinching. Always check to see that the hinges are free of protrusions or sharp edges. Place bags in the storage area or in the basket beneath the stroller to avoid the risk of entanglement and to decrease the chance of the stroller accidentally tipping over while in motion. Never hang purses or diaper bags from the handles of your stroller, as this could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.

Strollers are an excellent way for your toddler to soak in the world and learn about the natural world, so pick one with an expandable canopy or sunshade that will shield them from harsh sunlight. A snack tray and bottle or cup holder will keep snacks and drinks to the ready. Finally, a bag clip or tote bag will help you carry your shopping items and other things without weighing down the size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older they will require a stroller more comfortable than the one they used 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. Other important factors to consider include a sturdy frame, 5-point harness and braking system that guarantees security.

A double stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or babies of similar age. Choose one with a reversible seating option to allow them to ride front-facing or parent-facing each other. Reversible seats can aid your children in bonding with one another for walks. Based on your needs you may need an infant stroller with an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep drinks and snacks close at hand.

The ideal stroller for toddlers should be easy to maneuver and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as a suspension system that works will allow you to navigate through busy streets or 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.

Whether you're out on an easy stroll to town or a lengthy vacation, the right stroller will keep your family members comfortable while you explore. These strollers were made with comfort and flexibility in mind. They feature a compact design that can be folded up, as well as large storage baskets.

To narrow your choices I spoke to five experts in the field of parenting and strollers, including Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Kyleyn Gosewisch, customer care specialist at Strolleria; Marielle Marquez, occupational therapist for children 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 resources and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Find out their top advice 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 down with just one hand, and others have a strap that can be used to carry the stroller when you need to. You could also consider a stroller with a big canopy that shields your child from the sun, and one that provides multiple reclining positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a separate compartment that allows you to click in an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You might want to go for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds, so it's easy to get to and from public transport. If you intend to use the stroller over uneven surfaces, you should choose a model that has large, sturdy wheels. These wheels will effortlessly roll across a variety of types of terrain.

A stroller that has a cushioned strap that can carry it will allow you to effortlessly sling the stroller on your shoulder, if needed. Never hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip and injure or suffocate your baby.

The stroller you select must have five-point harness that securely connects to the front and back of your child. It should also have a large, easy-to-access storage basket as well as an infant's tray. A recliner is a must for tired toddlers.

There are more suggestions and information about choosing a stroller in our buying guide. If you have questions you can contact our expert customer service team to get help.

What is the difference between a stroller and a pram and travel system?

A stroller is a hand-pushed transportable vehicle that can be used to transport babies or young children. Some strollers can accommodate the infant car seat or a bassinet that can be transformed into seats. Some strollers have locks and shackles that prevent them from being stolen by passersby. The use of a top-rated baby carrier is a fantastic alternative to a stroller. It will help build bonds and allow you to perform other tasks, such as grocery shopping or running the 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 items, including an adequately-stocked diaper bag snacks, drinks, snacks and extra clothes for your Baby. The best way to keep all of these items in reach is to store them in the stroller.

Take a look at a stroller that offers ample storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, additional clothing, and one of our top water bottles for kids. These necessities will allow you to relax and enjoy your trip without having to worry about your baby or bags.

The majority of full-size strollers come with plenty of storage space, but if you want an even easier-to-access place to store items, look for strollers equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles usually come with cups holder as well as a large storage area that can accommodate more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers come with an adult tray, while others provide it as an additional feature.

If you're choosing a stroller which includes a tray for parents on it, make sure that the cup holders are sufficient in depth to hold your beverage securely. Cup holders that are too small can spill over the edge, which could pose the risk to your child. We also advise against hanging items from the handlebars since it could cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the weight that is placed in the storage basket, this could transform a stroller that is stable into an extremely tippy one.

If you are a family planning to have two children in the next few years, a tandem stroller is something to consider. These strollers feature seats that are side-by-side, with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler seat at the top. These strollers will save you money over time because you to use a single stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.