Watch Out: How Toddler Stroller Is Taking Over And How To Respond

What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller helps you ensure that your toddler is safe along on adventures. It should come with a five-point harness to ensure your child's safety and lockable swivel wheels that aren't able to roll away.

If you're expecting a child think about a travel system that attaches to your car seat or a convertible model that could be upgraded from single to double (and sometimes triple pushchair when you add a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Pick a basket that has plenty of room and is easily accessible.

Safety

Choose a model that has safety features that meet the strictest standards for your child to have fun in the stroller for a number of years to come. Included in this are size and age compatibility as in a stable design, restraining straps, secure seats shells and sunshades. Find a 5-point harness with straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to stop your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps to increase your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they are safe. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and measuring the force of the impact to ensure that it doesn't fall over being used. The best strollers have a lockable, secure brake system that can be engaged like in the case of a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals, and make sure they're easy to operate by yourself but difficult to remove for children. If you can, choose a magnetic harness that makes use of strong magnets to hold the harness straps in place and is easy to fasten for parents, but difficult for children to unlock. Choose a padded frame bumper bar and a security belt opening that closes in the reclining position.

The folding and unfolding of strollers should be done away from children to avoid pinching hazards. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To avoid entanglement hazards and to reduce the chance that the stroller may tip over, keep bags in the storage area underneath the stroller or in the basket. Don't hang bags, diaper bags, or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Strollers can be a wonderful option for your child to explore the world and discover nature, so choose a model with an extendable shade or canopy that can protect them from harsh sunlight. A snack tray and cup or bottle holder will keep snacks and drinks to hand. A bag clip or a tote bag can help you carry your shopping and other belongings without weighing down the size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow older they will require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they had when they were infants. A seat with plenty of padding and recline features will allow them to sit comfortably and feel comfortable in their stroller. Also, a model that has an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to adjust to their height changes. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking systems are the most important elements.

A double stroller will be ideal for parents with twins or children of similar age. Pick a double stroller with a reversible seating position to allow them to ride facing forward, facing the parent, or facing each the other. Reversible seats can aid in bonding your kids with one another while out on strolls. You can pick one with cup holders or a clip for your bag so you can keep drinks and snacks close at hand.

The best stroller for toddlers should be easy to maneuver and fold. Strollers that have swivel wheels and a suspension system that works can make it easier for you to maneuver through crowded streets or uneven terrain. Other features worth looking for are an adjustable handlebar and a peek-aboo window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you might want a parking brake that can be operated by hand.

If you're taking a short trip to town or a lengthy holiday, the right stroller can keep your family and you at ease while exploring. From an ultra-compact self-folding design, to a large storage basket These strollers provide the convenience and flexibility you want.

To narrow down your options I spoke to 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 founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that offers baby and child safety resources; and 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

Look for a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your child may be able to jump into and out of it on their own. Some models fold with just one hand, while others have 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 have a special compartment where you can click in an infant car seat (and some have additional 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 take the stroller over uneven surfaces, you should choose one with large, sturdy wheels. They can effortlessly roll across a variety of types of terrain.

A stroller with a padded strap that can carry it will allow you to easily sling the stroller over your shoulder, if needed. It is not recommended to hang the bag, purse, or other item from the handle of the stroller since it could cause tipping and possibly hurt or suffocate your toddler or baby.

The stroller you select must have 5-point harnesses that are securely attached to your child's back and front. It should have a large, easy-to-access storage basket and a child's tray. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is essential.

In our buying guide, you can find additional tips and information about choosing the right stroller. If you have any questions you can contact our expert customer service team for assistance.

What's the difference between a stroller and a pram with car seat?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram pushchair (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle to transport babies and young children. Some strollers can be used to hold an infant car seat, and some have a flat bassinet that converts into an adult-sized seat. Certain strollers come with locks and shackles to stop them from being stolen by passersby. Wearing your baby in a top-rated carrier can be an excellent alternative to strollers and increase bonding while freeing your hands to do other things like grocery shopping or running the errands.

Storage

As your baby becomes an infant, stroller rides become longer excursions than the quick out-and-back strolls of the early years. You'll need more gear for these excursions. This includes a diaper bag that is fully stocked, snacks drinks, snacks, and additional clothing for Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to bringing all these items and keeping them within arm's reach.

Consider a stroller with ample storage space that will easily accommodate your diaper bag or spare clothes, one of our best water bottles for kids and more. These necessities will allow you to take your time on your vacation without worrying about baby or bags.

Most full-size strollers offer plenty of storage space. However, should you need an more convenient place to store your items, look for one that has a tray for the parents. These consoles typically have a cup holder as well as a huge storage space that can hold more than just beverages. Some of our favorite strollers include a parent tray while others provide it as an option.

If you are choosing a stroller that has a tray for parents, be sure it has deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your drink. Shallow cup holders tend to spill over the edges, making them a hazard for your child. We also advise against hanging anything on the handlebars as this can cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the amount of weight in the storage basket, this could make a stable stroller a potentially dangerously unstable one.

If you're planning to have two children in a couple of years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is worth considering. These strollers come with seats that sit in a row, side-by-side with a toddler's seat on the top and an infant carriages (see this site)'s seat on the bottom. These strollers could save you money in the long run by permitting you to use a single stroller from birth to toddlerhood.