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 keep your child safe and swivel wheels lockable so that they cannot be pushed away.

You might want to consider a travel system your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. You could also consider you can get a convertible model that can be extended from a single to a double (and even triple with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Pick a basket that has plenty of space and is easy to reach.

Safety

If you want your child to have fun strolling around for years, choose a high-quality model that has safety features that meet the highest standards. These include age and size compatibility, stable design as well as restraining belts that are secure seat shells and sunshades. Find a five-point harness that has straps that go over shoulders, between the legs and at the crotch to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller during a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps that can increase your child's security.

Strollers are tested for impact to ensure that they meet safety standards. The stroller is dropped from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This guarantees that it will not slide over when it is in use. The top strollers also come with an extremely safe, lockable brake system that can be activated as in a car.

Check the brake pedals to ensure they are simple for you to operate, but are difficult for children to remove. If possible, choose an elastic harness. It uses strong magnets that keep the straps together. It is simple for parents to fasten, but difficult for babies to unlock. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a safety belt opening that closes in the reclining position.

To avoid dangers of pinching, fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Always make sure that the hinges do not have protrusions and have no sharp edges. Store bags in the storage area or the basket beneath the stroller to prevent the risk of entanglement and to decrease the chance of the stroller tipping over while in motion. Never hang purses, diaper bags or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This could be a strangulation risk for your baby.

Choose a stroller with an extendable canopy that will protect your child from harsh sun. Keep drinks and snacks handy by using a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. Lastly, a bag clip or tote bag will allow you to carry your shopping and other belongings without adding weight to the overall size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow, they need a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they had as infants. A wide seat with plenty of cushioning and recline options will ensure that they can comfortably fit into their stroller and are comfortable during outings. A stroller with an adjustable footrest and canopy is ideal to allow for their growing height. A solid frame, a five-point harness, and braking system are all essential elements.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or two close-knit babies. Pick a double stroller with a reversible seating position to allow them to ride facing forward, facing the parent, or facing each other. A reversible chair can also assist your children to bond while on a stroll. Depending on your lifestyle you might want a stroller with a cup holder or bag clip to keep drinks and snacks close at hand.

The ideal stroller for toddlers should be simple to maneuver and fold. Strollers that have swivel wheels and suspension systems that work will make it easier for you to maneuver through crowded streets or uneven terrain. It is also recommended to look for a stroller that comes with an adjustable handlebar and windows that can be viewed from a distance. You may also want a parking brake that is operated by hand for convenience and ease of use when your hands are full.

The right stroller can keep you and your family at ease on any journey whether it's a short stroll through the city or on vacation. From an ultra-compact self-folding design, to a huge storage basket These strollers provide the convenience and flexibility you want.

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 of Safe Beginnings First Aid) which is a non-profit organization that provides safety tips for children and babies, and Sarah Huff (senior manager of community and customer relations). Learn their top tips on choosing the best stroller for use with toddlers.

Folding

Choose a stroller with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your child could be able to get into and out of it on their own. Some models fold down with a single hand, and others have straps that you can use to carry the stroller when you need to. Consider a stroller that has a large canopy to shield your child from direct sunlight, or one with various recline positions.

A few of the top strollers come with a compartment that you can use to attach an infant car seat. Some come with attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to go for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so it's easy to get off and on public transportation. 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're required to, a stroller that has straps that are cushioned can easily be slung over your shoulder. You should never hang your purse, diaper bag or other item from the handle of a stroller as it could cause tipping and could suffocate or injure your baby or toddler.

The stroller that you choose must have 5-point harnesses that are securely attached to your child's back and front. It should also come with large, ample storage basket that's accessible and a tray for your child. A recliner is essential for Good Prams tired toddlers.

You can find additional tips and information about choosing the right stroller in our buying guide. If you have questions contact our knowledgeable customer service team to get help.

What's the difference between a stroller and a foldable pram?

A stroller is a hand-pushed portable vehicle that can be used to transport babies or young children. Some strollers can hold an infant car-seat or a bassinet that is able to be converted into seats. While most strollers are hard to take, a few models come with locks and shackles to stop them from being stolen by people who pass by. The use of a top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to a stroller. It can improve bonding and free your hands to do other tasks, such as grocery shopping or running the errands.

Storage

As your Baby mobility grows, stroller trips become more involved than the simple out and back strolls of childhood. You'll need more supplies for these excursions. This includes the diaper bag, which is fully stocked, snacks drinks, snacks, and other clothing for Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to bringing all of these items and keeping them in reach.

Consider a stroller that has plenty of storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, additional clothes, and one of our top water bottles for kids. Being armed with these essentials will allow you to enjoy your trip without having to keep a hand on your baby or keep an eye on bags while you stroll.

Most full-size strollers offer plenty of storage space, but for those who want an easier-to-access place to store items, look for a stroller that has a tray for the parents. These consoles usually come with a cup holder and an ample storage compartment that can accommodate more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers include a parent tray while others provide it as an option.

When choosing a stroller with a parent tray, make sure that it comes with deep cup holders that can safely hold your beverage. Cup holders with shallow cups are more likely to spill over the edges, making them a hazard for your child. We also suggest against hanging anything on the handlebars because this can cause the stroller tip over. This can make a stable stroller dangerously unstable depending on the weight, the incline of the terrain, and the amount of weight that is in the storage basket at the bottom.

For families who plan to have two kids in a few years, a tandem stroller is something to consider. These strollers feature seats that are side-by-side with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler seat at the top. These strollers can save you money in the end by allowing users to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.