What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great option to ensure your toddler on adventures. It should come with a 5-point harness to keep the child safe, and lock swivels that won't roll off.

If you have a newborn look into a prams travel system system that can be attached to your car seat, or a convertible model that could grow from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add the Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Find a basket that is large and easy to reach.

Safety

Choose a model that has safety features that are in line with strict standards if you want your child to have fun in the stroller for a number of years. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy design, restraining belts, secure seat shells and sunshades. Find a 5-point harness with straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to prevent your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps to further enhance your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to ensure they meet safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This assures that it won't slide over when it is it is in use. The top strollers also come with a secure brake system that locks and can be activated as in a car.

Examine the brake pedals to ensure they are simple for you to operate, but are difficult for children to take off. If you can, opt for an elastic harness. It is made of strong magnets to hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to fasten, but difficult for babies to unlock. Also, look for a cushioned bumper bar that wraps around the frame and an opening for a safety harness that closes when the seat is in a reclined position to stop your child from being trapped.

To avoid dangers of pinching, fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Check that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Store 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 tipping over while in motion. Never hang purses, diaper bags, or other items from the stroller's handles. This can be an injury to your baby.

Strollers are a great option for your child to explore the world and gain knowledge about nature, so choose one with an expandable shade or canopy that can protect them from harsh sunlight. Keep drinks and snacks handy with a cup or bottle holder, as well as a snack tray. Lastly, a bag clip or tote bag will help you carry your shopping and other belongings without adding to the bulk of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had when they were infants. A seat with plenty of padding and recline features will allow them to fit comfortably and feel comfortable in their stroller. A stroller with an adjustable footrest and canopy is ideal to allow for their growing height. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking system are all essential elements.

A double stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or children of similar ages. Select a double stroller that has a reversible seating position so that they can ride facing forward, facing the parent, or facing each the other. Reversible seats also aid your children in bonding with one another on walks. You can pick one with cups holder, or a bag clip, so you can keep snacks and drinks close at hand.

The best stroller for toddlers should be simple to maneuver and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels and suspension systems that work can make it easier for you to navigate through crowded streets or on rough terrain. Other useful features to look for are an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. You might also prefer the hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when your hands are full.

Whether you're out on an easy stroll around town or a whirlwind vacation, the perfect stroller will keep your family and you comfortable while exploring. From an ultra-compact, self-folding design to a huge basket for storage these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you want.

To narrow your choices, I spoke with five experts in the field of parenting and strollers such as 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, cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides safety and baby-related resources and Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Learn more about their top tips for selecting the ideal stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Your child is likely to jump in and out of the stroller on their own, so look for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models can be folded using just one hand, while others include a strap so you can carry the stroller. You should consider a stroller that comes with a large canopy that protects your child from direct sunlight, or one with multiple reclining positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a compartment that lets you click in an infant car seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You may want to opt for a stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds, so that it's easy to carry off and on public transport. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, choose a model with big sturdy wheels that can are able to easily navigate a variety of terrain.

If you have to, a stroller with padded straps can be easily carried over your shoulder. Do not hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip and cause injuries or suffocation to your baby.

The stroller you choose must have a five-point harness that securely attaches to the front and back of your child. It should also have an ample, spacious storage basket that is easy to access and a child tray. A reclining seat is an essential feature for tired toddlers.

In our buying guide, you'll get additional information and tips about selecting a stroller. If you have any questions you can contact our expert customer service team for assistance.

What is the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller is a portable vehicle that can be used to transport infants or children who are young. Some strollers can hold an infant car seat and some have a bassinet that can be converted into an adult seat. While most strollers aren't easy to steal, some models have locks and shackles to stop them from being snatched by passersby. Wearing your baby in a top-rated stroller can be an excellent alternative to strollers and increase bonding while freeing your hands for other tasks like grocery shopping or running errands.

Storage

When your baby is an infant, stroller rides become longer excursions 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 to bring additional items, such as an adequately-stocked diaper bag snacks, drinks, snacks and extra clothes for your Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to bringing all these items and keeping them within arm's reach.

Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space that will easily accommodate your diaper bag and spare clothes, as well as one of our top water bottles for kids and more. The convenience of these items will allow you to enjoy your outing without having to keep an eye on baby or keep an eye on bags as you walk.

The majority of full-size strollers come with plenty of storage space, however if you want an even easier-to-access storage space for your belongings, look for one equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles typically have cups holder as well as a huge storage space that can be used for 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 add-on.

When you choose a stroller with a parent tray, make sure that it has deep cup holders that can securely hold your beverage. Cup holders with shallow cups are more likely to spill over the edges, making them a hazard for your baby. We also suggest not to hang anything on the handlebars because this 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 inside the basket that is on the bottom.

Families who plan to have more than one child in the coming years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers come with seats that are placed together with a toddler seat on the top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers can save you money in the end by allowing you to use one stroller from birth through toddlerhood.