What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller can help you ensure that your toddler is safe along on your adventures. It should have five-point harnesses that ensure your child’s safety and swivel wheels lockable so that they cannot be pushed away.

If you have a baby, consider an infant pushchairs travel Systems system that connects to your car seat, prams for sale or a convertible model that can be upgraded from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket that’s large and easy to access.

Safety

Select a stroller with safety features that are in line with strict standards If you want your child to enjoy strolling in the stroller for many years to come. 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 uses straps that go over shoulders and between the legs as well as at the crotch to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller in the event of a crash. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps that can increase your child’s safety.

Strollers go through impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The stroller is dropped from a height to determine the force of the impact. This assures that it won’t slide over when it is in use. The top strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can be activated like a vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals and make sure that they are easy to operate by yourself but difficult to remove for children. If possible, opt for a magnetic harness that makes use of strong magnets to hold the harness straps together and is simple to fasten for parents but difficult for children to unlock. Look for a padded frame bumper bar and a security belt opening that locks in the reclining position.

The folding and unfolding of strollers should be done away from children to prevent pinching hazards. Always make sure that the hinges have no protrusions and no sharp edges. To prevent entanglement and decrease the chance that the stroller could tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Don’t hang bags, diaper bags or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This could be an injury to your baby.

Strollers are an excellent way for your little one to explore the world and discover nature, so select one with an expandable shade or canopy that can shield them from harsh sunlight. Keep drinks and snacks handy by using a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. Lastly, a bag clip or a tote bag will help you carry your shopping items and other things without adding weight to the overall size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older, they will need an easier stroller than the one they used when they were infants. A seat that has plenty of padding and reclining features will allow them to fit comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. Additionally, a model with an adjustable footrest and canopy is a great choice to adjust to their height changes. Other essential aspects to consider are a sturdy frame, 5-point harness, and braking system that ensures safety.

A double stroller is great for parents with twins or close-aged babies. Pick one with a reversible seat to let them ride front-facing, parent facing pushchair-facing, or face each one on. Reversible chairs can assist your children to bond when they go for a walk. You can choose one with cup holders, or a bag clip so you can keep snacks and drinks in reach.

The most effective strollers for toddlers is easy to fold and maneuver. A stroller with the ability to swivel its front wheels and a sturdy suspension system will help you navigate busy streets and rough terrain. Also, you should consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar as well as an open window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you might want a parking brake that can be operated by hand.

If you’re taking a short trip to town or a lengthy vacation, the perfect stroller will keep your family and you comfortable while you explore. These strollers are designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. They feature the convenience of a compact design that is able to be folded down and also have an ample storage basket.

To narrow down your options, I spoke with five parenting and stroller experts 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 at Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides baby and child safety resources; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community services at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Find out their top tips for selecting the best stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Choose a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your child could take a leap into or out of it on their own. Some models fold down with just one hand, and others have a strap that can be used to carry the stroller if you need to. You should consider a stroller that comes with an enormous canopy to protect your child from direct sun, or one that has several reclining positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a compartment that allows you to click in an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You can pick a light stroller that weighs 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, pick a model with big sturdy wheels that can are able to easily navigate various terrains.

If you need to, a stroller that has straps that are cushioned can be easily carried over your shoulder. Do not hang a purse, diaper bag or any other item from the handle of a stroller because it can cause tipping and possibly hurt or suffocate your toddler or baby.

The stroller you choose must have five-point harness that securely connects to the front and back of your child. It should have a large, easy-to-access storage basket and the tray for children. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is a must.

In our buying guide, you’ll find additional tips and information about choosing a stroller. If you have questions, reach out to our expert customer service team for assistance.

What is the difference between a stroller and a pram?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram bags (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers can hold the infant car seat, while others have an infant bassinet that can be converted into an adult seat. Certain strollers come with locks and shackles that prevent them from being stolen by pedestrians. Wearing your baby in a top-rated carrier can be a great alternative to using a stroller and improve the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands to do other things like grocery shopping or running the errands.

Stores

When your baby is an infant, stroller rides become longer expeditions rather than the short out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child’s life. When you go on these excursions you’ll need additional items, such as a fully stocked diaper bag with snacks, drinks, and even extra clothes for Baby. The key to keeping all of these items accessible is to store them in the stroller.

Consider a stroller that has plenty of storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, extra clothes, and even one of our best water bottles for children. These necessities will allow you to take your time on your vacation without worrying about baby or bags.

If you want to store things in a space that is easy to access, choose an infant stroller with an adult tray. These consoles usually come with cups holder as well as an ample storage compartment that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers come with a tray for parents as an option, while others offer it as an option to add on.

When you choose a stroller with a tray for parents, be sure that it comes with deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your beverage. Cup holders that are too small can spill over the edge, creating danger to your child. We also recommend against hanging items from the handlebars since it could cause the stroller to tip over. This could make a stable stroller unstable based on the weight, the incline of the terrain, as well as the amount of weight that is in the bottom storage basket.

For families who plan to have two children in a couple of years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is something to consider. These types of strollers have seats that are placed together with a toddler’s seat on top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers can save money in the end by allowing you to use one stroller from birth until toddlerhood.