What to Look For in a toddler stroller (click through the next page)
A stroller can help you securely take your toddler along on your adventures. It should come with five-point harnesses to keep your child safe and lockable swivels that cannot be pushed away.
You might want to consider a travel pushchair system your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. You could also consider a convertible model which can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even tripled with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Pick a basket that has plenty of room and is accessible.
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. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy design, restraining belts, secure sunshades and seat shells. Find a 5-point harness with straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and over the shoulders to prevent 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 are tested for impact to ensure that they comply with safety standards. The stroller is lowered from a height to measure the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not be able to tip over while it is in use. The best strollers also feature an incredibly safe, lockable brake system that can be engaged just like in the car.
Check the brake pedals to ensure they’re easy to operate but difficult for children to unfasten. If possible, choose a magnetic harness. It has strong magnets that keep 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 pinching hazards, fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Make sure the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To prevent entanglement and decrease the chance that the stroller will tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Don’t hang bags, diaper bags, or other items from the stroller’s handles. This could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Choose a stroller with an extension canopy that can shield your child from the harsh sun. A snack tray and bottle or cup holder will keep drinks and snacks close to the ready. A bag clip or tote can help you carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers grow, they need a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A seat that has lots of padding and Pram with car Seat reclining features will allow them to fit comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A model that has adjustable footrests and a canopy can also accommodate their changing height. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking systems are all important factors.
A double stroller will be ideal for parents with twins or children of similar age. Pick one with a reversible seat so that you can let them ride front-facing, parent-facing, or face each the other. Reversible chairs can assist your children to bond while walking. Based on your lifestyle you may need a stroller that has an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep drinks and snacks in reach.
The best stroller for toddlers should be easy to maneuver and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will allow you to maneuver through crowded streets or on rough terrain. Also, you should consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a -boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you may want a parking brake that is operated by hand.
The right stroller will ensure that you and your family are at ease on any journey, whether it’s a quick excursion in the city or on vacation. These strollers are made with comfort and flexibility in mind. They come with a compact design that can be folded away, as well as a large storage basket.
I spoke to five experts in the area of strollers and parenting. They 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 of Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid), an organization that offers information on child and baby safety and Sarah Huff (senior manager of customer and community Find out their top tips to choose the ideal stroller for toddlers.
Folding
Your child is likely to jump into 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 with 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 sun, or one that has multiple reclining positions.
Some of the best strollers come with a compartment that lets you connect 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 make it easier to carry onto and off public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, choose a model with big durable wheels that are able to easily navigate various terrains.
If you need to, a stroller with padded straps can be easily slung over your shoulder. It is not recommended to hang a purse, diaper bag or any other item from the handle of the stroller since it could cause a tipping effect and may hurt or suffocate your toddler or baby.
The stroller you choose must have five-point harness that securely attaches to both the rear and front of your child. It should also include an ample, spacious storage basket that is easy to access as well as an infant tray. A recliner is an essential feature for tired toddlers.
You can find additional tips and information about choosing the right stroller in our buying guide. Contact our customer support team should you have any queries.
What is the difference between a stroller and a pram bags?
A stroller (Canada & US) or twin pram (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle to transport infants and young children. Some strollers can be used to accommodate the infant car seat and some come with an open bassinet that transforms into a seat for older toddlers. While the majority of strollers are difficult to steal, some models come with locks and shackles to prevent them from being stolen by passersby. A top-rated carrier can be an excellent alternative to a stroller and improve the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands to do other things such as grocery shopping or running around.
Stores
As your baby grows, stroller trips become more involved than the quick out and back strolls of childhood. For these trips you’ll need additional items, such as a fully stocked diaper bag with snacks, drinks, and extra clothing for your 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 one of our top prams water bottles for children. These necessities will allow you to take your time on your trip without having to worry about your baby or bags.
Most full-size strollers offer plenty of storage space, but should you need an easier-to-access storage space for your belongings choose one equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles typically come with cups holders 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, while others have it as an add-on.
When you choose a stroller with a tray for parents, be sure that it includes deep cup holders that can securely hold your drink. Shallow cup holders tend to spill over the edges, making them dangerous for your child. We also recommend against hanging things from the handlebars since it could cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a stable stroller unstable based on the weight, the steepness of the terrain, and the amount of weight inside the basket that is on the bottom.
If you are a family planning to have two kids in a few years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is worth considering. These types of strollers offer seats that sit side by side with a toddler’s seat on the top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers could save you money over the long term by allowing you to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.