What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
Strollers are an excellent way to take your wiggle toddler on adventures. It should have a 5-point harness to keep your 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 expanded from a single seat to a double (and even triple with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that's large and easy to reach.
Safety
Pick a stroller that comes with safety features that meet the strictest standards for your child to enjoy strolling in the stroller for many years. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy design and restraining belts, safe sunshades and seat shells. Look for a five-point harness that has straps on the shoulders between the legs, and at the crotch to stop your child from falling out of the stroller during an accident. Many strollers come with additional hip straps that can further increase your child's safety.
Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure that they comply with safety standards. The stroller is lowered from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not tip over when it is in use. The most reliable strollers come with the ability to lock, secure and secure brake system that can also be used as a vehicle.
Examine the brake pedals to make sure they are easy for you to operate, but are difficult for children to remove. If possible, consider an electronic harness that utilizes strong magnets to keep 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 a reclining position.
The folding and unfolding of a stroller should be kept away from children to prevent dangers of pinching. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. 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. Don't hang bags, diaper bags, or other items from the stroller handles. This can be a strangulation risk for your baby.
Strollers are a great way for your toddler to enjoy the world and gain knowledge about nature, so choose one with an expandable canopy or sunshade that will keep them safe from the harsh sun. A tray for snacks as well as a bottle or cup holder will keep drinks and snacks close to fingertips. A bag clip or tote will help you carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers grow and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they had as infants. A seat with lots of padding and reclining features will allow them to fit comfortably and be comfortable in their stroller. A model with adjustable footrests and a canopy will also accommodate their changing height. Other crucial aspects to consider include solid frames, a five-point harness, and braking system that ensures security.
A double stroller is perfect for parents with twins or close-knit babies. Choose a double stroller with a seating position that can be reversed so that they can ride facing toward the parent, or facing each other. Reversible chairs also assist your children to bond while on a stroll. Based on your lifestyle, you may want a stroller with a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and beverages close at hand.
The most effective strollers for toddlers are simple to fold and maneuver. A stroller that has the ability to swivel its front wheels and an effective suspension system will make it easier to navigate crowded streets and rough terrain. Also, you should look for a stroller with an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a -boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you may want a parking brake that is operated by hand.
No matter if you're on an easy stroll to town or a lengthy vacation, the right stroller can keep you and your family comfortable while exploring. From a compact, self-folding design to a huge storage basket, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you need.
To narrow down your options, I spoke with five experts on strollers and parenting, 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 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 the baby gear rental site. Find out their top tips for selecting the best stroller for toddlers.
Folding
Your child will likely leap into and out of the stroller on their own, so search for a model that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models can be folded using just one hand, while others come with a strap so you can carry the stroller with ease. Look for a stroller with a large canopy to shield your child from sun, or one that has various recline positions.
Some of the best strollers come with a compartment that can be used to attach an infant car seat. Other strollers include 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 intend to use the stroller over uneven terrain, choose one with large, durable wheels. strollers strollers can effortlessly roll across a variety of terrain.
If you have to, a stroller equipped with straps that are cushioned can easily be slung over your shoulder. Don't hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip over and cause injury or death to your baby.
The stroller you choose should come with a five-point harness that securely attaches to the front and back of your child. It should also have a large, easy-to-access storage basket and the tray for children. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is essential.
In our buying guide, you will get additional information and tips about selecting the right stroller. If you have questions you can contact our expert customer service team for help.
What is the difference between a stroller and a pram?
A stroller (Canada & US) or pram (U.K.) is a hand-driven vehicle that can be used for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers can carry an infant car-seat, while others have a bassinet that can be transformed into an adult seat. Certain strollers come with locks and shackles to prevent them from being taken by passersby. In a top-rated carrier can be an excellent alternative to a stroller to increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands to do other things like grocery shopping or running the errands.
Storage
As your baby grows into an infant, stroller rides become longer expeditions than the quick out-and-back strolls of the early years. For these outings, you'll need to bring more items, including a fully stocked diaper bag snacks, drinks, snacks and extra clothing for Baby. The best way to keep all of these items in reach is to keep them in the stroller.
Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space that can accommodate your diaper bag and spare clothes, as well as one of our best water bottles for kids and more. Being armed with these essentials 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, for those who want an easier-to-access place to store items consider one with a parent tray. These consoles usually have an integrated cup holder aswell as a huge storage space that can be used for more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers come with an adult tray, while others offer it as an add-on.
When you choose a stroller with a tray for parents, make sure that it comes with deep cup holders that can safely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small could spill over the edge, creating a danger to your baby. We also advise against hanging any item on the handlebars since this can cause the stroller tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the 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 in the coming years should think about a tandem or side by side stroller. 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 a single stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.