What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great option to safely take your wiggly toddler on adventures. It should come with five-point harnesses that ensure your child's safety and lockable swivel wheels that aren't able to roll away.

Consider a travel pram system for your baby that is attached directly to your car seat. Or, an adjustable model that can be expanded from a single to a double (and even tripled with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Look for a basket that's large and easy to access.

Safety

If you want your toddler to enjoy strolling for years make sure you choose a top-quality model that has safety features that are in line with the strictest standards. These include age and size compatibility, a stable design, restraining belts, secure seat shells and sunshades. Look for a 5-point harness that has straps at the crotch, between the legs, and over the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller during a crash. A lot of strollers come with hip straps that can further increase your child's safety.

Strollers go through impact testing to ensure they meet safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and evaluating the force of impact to ensure it won't tip over while using it. The top strollers also have an extremely safe brake system that locks and can be activated as in the car.

Examine the brake pedals and ensure that they are easy to operate by yourself but difficult to unfasten for children. If possible, consider a magnetic harness that makes use of 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 as well as a safety belt opening that can be closed in the reclined position.

To avoid pinching hazards fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Place bags in the storage area or in the basket under the stroller to avoid an entanglement risk and to minimize the possibility of the stroller accidentally tipping over when in motion. Don't hang your diaper or purse bags from the handles of your stroller, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your child.

Strollers are an excellent way for your toddler to enjoy the world and learn about the natural world, so pick a model with an extendable shade or canopy to protect them from harsh sunlight. A tray for snacks and a cup or bottle holder will keep snacks and drinks to the ready. A bag clip or tote will help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they had as infants. A seat with plenty of padding and reclining features will allow them to walk comfortably and feel comfortable 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 my babiie stroller is great for parents with twins or two close-gayed babies. Choose a double stroller with an adjustable seating position to allow them to ride facing towards the parent, or facing each other. Reversible chairs can aid your children in bonding while on a stroll. Based on your needs, you may want an infant stroller with cups holder or a bag clip to keep snacks and drinks within reach.

The most effective strollers for toddlers is easy to fold and move. A stroller that has swivel front wheels and an effective suspension system will aid in navigating crowded streets and rough terrain. Other useful features to look for include an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you may want a parking brake that can be operated by hand.

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

To narrow down your options, I spoke with 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, cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides safety and baby-related resources as well as Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Find out their top tips for choosing the best stroller for use with 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 can be folded with just one hand while others have a strap so you can carry the stroller with ease. Look for a stroller with a large canopy that protects your child from direct sunlight, or one with various recline positions.

Some of the best strollers have an area that can be used to attach an infant car seat. Others have attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to opt for a stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds, so that it's easy to carry to and from public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, pick a model with large durable wheels that are able to easily navigate a variety of terrain.

If you're required to, a stroller equipped with straps that are cushioned can easily be slung over your shoulder. Do not hang the bag, purse, 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 select should have a five-point harness that securely attaches to both the rear and front of your child. It should also have a large, spacious storage basket that's accessible and a child tray. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is a must.

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

What's the difference between stroller and a pram?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pushchair pram (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers have the capability to accommodate an infant car seat, and some come with an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into a seat for older toddlers. While most strollers are hard to steal, a few models feature locks and Pram double shackles that prevent them from being taken by people who pass by. The use of a top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to a stroller. It will help build bonds and allow you to do other tasks, such as grocery shopping, or running around.

Stores

When your baby is a toddler, stroller trips are longer instead of the quick strolls in the beginning of your child's life. You'll need more gear for these excursions. This includes a diaper bag that is filled with snacks drinks, snacks, and additional clothing for Baby. The best way to keep all these items within reach is to put them in the stroller.

Look into a stroller with ample storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, spare clothing, and one of our best water bottles for children. These essentials will let you enjoy your trip without having to worry about your baby or bags.

If you're looking to keep things in a place that is even easier to access, pick one 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 favorite strollers come with an adult tray, while others provide it as an additional feature.

When choosing a stroller with a parent tray, make sure that it has deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your beverage. The cup holders with a shallow design could spill over the edge, posing danger to your child. We also suggest not to hang anything on the handlebars as this could cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain and the amount of weight in the storage basket, this can make a stable stroller a potentially dangerously unstable one.

Families that plan to have more than one child over the coming years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These types of strollers offer seats that are placed in a row, side-by-side with a toddler seat on the top and an infant's seat at the bottom. These strollers could save you money in the long run by permitting you to use one stroller from birth until toddlerhood.