What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

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

You might want to consider a travel system your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. Or, a convertible model which can be extended from a single to a double (and even triple with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Look for a basket that's large and easy to access.

Safety

If you want your child to have fun strolling around for years, choose a high-quality model with safety features that are in line with the strictest standards. These include age and size compatibility, a stable design, restraining belts, secure sunshades and seat shells. Find a 5-point harness with straps at the crotch area, 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 to further enhance your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they meet safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and evaluating the force of impact to ensure that it won't tip over in use. The top strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be activated like a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals to make sure they are simple for you to operate but difficult for children to take off. If possible, choose the magnetic harness. It has strong magnets to hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to fasten, but difficult for babies to unlock. Look for a padded frame bumper bar and a security belt opening that locks in the reclined position.

The folding and unfolding of a stroller should be kept away from children to prevent the risk of pinching. Always make sure that the hinges do not have protrusions and have no sharp edges. To prevent entanglement and decrease the chance that the stroller could tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage space beneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Pick a stroller that has an extended canopy that will shield your child from the brutal sun. Keep snacks and drinks handy with a cup or bottle holder, as well as a snack tray. A bag clip or a tote can help you carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable 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 feel comfortable in their stroller. Additionally, a model with an adjustable footrest and canopy is a great choice to allow for their growing height. A solid frame, a five-point harness and braking system are all important factors.

A double stroller is perfect for parents who have twins or children with similar ages. Pick one with a reversible seat so that you can let them ride front-facing or facing the parent, or even face each one on. Reversible chairs also assist your children to bond while on a stroll. Based on your lifestyle you might want a stroller with an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and beverages within reach.

The ideal stroller for toddlers should be simple to maneuver and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as suspension systems that work can make it easier for you to navigate through crowded streets or rough terrain. It is also recommended to consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar as well as windows that can be viewed from a distance. You might also consider a hand-operated parking brake to make it easier and more convenient to use when your hands are full.

The best stroller will ensure that you and your family are at ease on any journey whether it's a short excursion in the city or a trip on vacation. From a compact, self-folding design to a large basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you want.

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 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 as well as Sarah Huff (senior manager of community and customer relations). Find out their top tips for choosing the best stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Your child will likely leap in and out of the stroller on their own, so look for a model that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold with just one hand while others include a strap so you can carry the stroller. Look for a stroller with an enormous canopy to protect your child from the sunlight, or one with various recline positions.

Some of the best strollers have an area that you can use to attach an infant car seat. Others include attachment points for baby carriers. You may want to opt for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so that it's easy to lift off and on public transport. If you plan to take the stroller over uneven surfaces, you should choose a model that has large, durable wheels. They can effortlessly roll across a variety of terrain.

A stroller that has a cushioned carrying strap can help you effortlessly sling the stroller on your shoulder if necessary. 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 select should have 5-point harnesses that are securely attached to your child's back and front. It should also include a large, spacious storage basket that's easy to access as well as a tray for your child. A reclining seat is essential for tired toddlers.

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

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

A stroller is a mobile vehicle that can be used to transport babies or young children. Some strollers can be used to accommodate an infant car seat, and some even have a flat bassinet that converts into an adult-sized seat. While the majority of strollers are difficult to steal, some models feature locks and shackles to stop them from being stolen by people who pass by. Wearing your child in a top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to a stroller. It can improve bonding and free your hands to do other tasks, such as grocery shopping, or running errands.

Storage

When your baby is a toddler, stroller trips become longer excursions rather than the short out-and-back strolls of the early years. For pram Pushchair these outings, you'll need to bring more items, including a fully stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothes for your Baby. The best way to keep all these items within reach is to put them in the stroller.

Consider a stroller that has ample storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, spare clothing, and one of our best water bottles for children. Being armed with these essentials gives you the freedom to go out without having to keep a hand on your baby or keep an eye on bags while you stroll.

Most full-size strollers offer plenty of storage space, but if you want an even easier-to-access storage space for your belongings, look for one that has a tray for the parents. These consoles typically come with a cup holder and a large storage area which can be used for more than just drinks. Some of our favorite strollers include a parent tray as an option, while others offer it as an option to add on.

When choosing a stroller with a tray for parents, be sure that it has deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your drink. The cup holders with a shallow design can spill over the edge, posing the risk to your child. We also advise not putting any item on the handlebars since this can cause the stroller tip over. This can make a stable stroller dangerously unstable depending on the weight, the steepness of the terrain, and the amount of weight inside the basket that is on the bottom.

For families who plan to have two children in a couple of years, a tandem stroller is a good option. These strollers have 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 by allowing you to use one stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.