What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are an excellent way to safely take your wiggly toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child safe and swivel locks that don't fall off.

If you have a newborn think about an infant travel system that connects to your car seat, or convertible models that can be upgraded from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket that's large and easy to access.

Safety

If you want your toddler to be able to stroll for a long time make sure you choose a top-quality model with safety features that meet stringent standards. Included in this are size and age compatibility as well as a stable design with restraining straps, secure seats shells and Best Travel Pram sunshades. Find a 5-point harness that has straps at the crotch, between the legs, and over the shoulders to stop your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps to increase your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to ensure they meet safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and evaluating the force of the impact to make sure that it won't tip over in use. The best strollers also feature an extremely safe brake system that is lockable and can be engaged similar to cars.

Check the brake pedals, and ensure that they are easy to operate for you but difficult to loosen for children. If possible, consider an electronic harness that utilizes strong magnets to keep the harness straps together and is simple to fasten for parents, but difficult for children to unlock. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a safety belt opening that locks in the reclined position.

To avoid the risk of pinching, fold and unfold a stroller away from children. Always make sure that the hinges do not have protrusions and have no sharp edges. Keep bags in the storage area or the basket underneath the stroller to prevent entanglement hazard and to reduce the risk of the stroller accidentally falling over when it is in motion. Never hang purses, diaper bags, or other items from the stroller handles. This can be an injury to your baby.

Strollers are a great way for your little one to soak in the world and discover nature, so select a model with an extendable shade or canopy that can protect them from harsh sunlight. Keep drinks and snacks handy with a bottle or cup holder and a snack tray. A bag clip or a tote will allow you to carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A wide seat with ample padding and recline options will ensure they can comfortably fit into their stroller and remain relaxed during outings. Additionally, a model with an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to allow for their growing height. A solid frame, a five-point harness and braking system are the most important elements.

A double pram stroller is great for parents with twins or close-aged babies. Pick one with a reversible seat to let them ride front-facing or facing the parent, or even face each one on. A reversible chair can also aid your children in bonding while walking. You can pick one with cup holders, or a bag clip, so you can keep drinks and snacks close at hand.

The ideal stroller for toddlers should be easy to move and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels and suspension systems that work will make it easier for you to maneuver through crowded streets or on rough terrain. Also, you should look for a stroller that comes with an adjustable handlebar, and an open window. You might also consider a hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when your hands are full.

No matter if you're on a quick trip to town or a lengthy vacation, the perfect stroller can keep you and your family at ease while exploring. From an ultra-compact, self-folding design to an expansive storage basket, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you require.

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, pediatric occupational therapist and co-founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides baby and child safety information and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community services at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Learn their top tips on selecting the right stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Your child will likely leap in and out of the stroller on their own, so look for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold with just one hand while others include an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller. You might also consider a stroller with a large canopy that shields your child from sun, and one that provides several reclining positions.

Some of the best strollers have a compartment you can use to attach an infant car seat. Others come with attachment points for baby carriers. You can pick a light stroller weighing less than 30 pounds to make it easier to lift onto and best Travel stroller off public transport. If you plan to take the stroller over uneven terrain, choose a model that has large, sturdy wheels. These wheels can easily roll over a variety of terrain.

A stroller that has a cushioned strap that can carry it will allow you to easily sling the stroller over your shoulder if necessary. Don't hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip and cause injury or death to your baby.

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

In our buying guide, you can find additional tips and information about choosing a stroller. If you have questions contact our expert customer service team to get help.

What's the difference between stroller and a pram bag?

A stroller is a hand-driven transportable vehicle that can be used to transport babies or young children. Some strollers can carry the infant car seat and some have a bassinet that is able to be converted into an adult seat. Some strollers are equipped with locks and shackles that prevent them from being taken by pedestrians. A top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to strollers. It will help build bonds and free your hands to do other tasks, such as grocery shopping or running around.

Stores

As your baby grows into a toddler, stroller trips are longer than the quick out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child's life. You'll require more items for these excursions. This includes diaper bags that are fully stocked, snacks drinks, snacks, and additional 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 ample storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, extra clothes, and one of our best water bottles for children. Having these necessities handy will give you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep a hand on baby or keep an eye on bags while you stroll.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space. However, for those who want an easier-to-access place to store items choose a stroller with a parent tray. These consoles typically have an integrated cup holder aswell as a large storage area that can accommodate more than just beverages. Some of our favorite strollers come with a tray for parents, while others have it as an optional add-on.

If you are choosing a stroller that has a parent tray, make sure that it has deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small could spill over the edge, which could pose danger to your child. We also advise against hanging anything from the handlebars, since it could 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 inside the bottom storage basket.

If you're planning to have two children in the next couple of years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is a good option. These types of strollers have seats that sit together with a toddler seat on the top and an infant's seat at the bottom. These strollers will save you money in the long run by letting you to use one stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.