The 10 Scariest Things About Toddler Stroller

What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller helps you securely take your toddler along on your adventures. It should come with a 5-point harness to keep your child safe, and lock swivels that won't slide off.

You might want to consider a travel stroller system your newborn that attaches directly to your car seat. Or, you can get a convertible model that can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even tripled with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that's spacious and easy to access.

Safety

If you want your toddler to enjoy strolling for years make sure you choose a top-quality model that has safety features that meet stringent standards. Included in this are size and age compatibility as along with a sturdy design and restraining straps. Also, you can sunshades and shells for seats that are secure. Choose a five-point harness that uses straps that go over shoulders between the legs, and at the crotch to stop your child from falling out of the stroller in an accident. A lot of strollers come with hip straps to further enhance your child's safety.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The stroller is dropped from a height to measure the force of the impact. This assures that it won't slide over when it is it is in use. The top strollers also have an extremely secure, lockable brake system that can be used as in a pushchairs car seats.

Examine the brake pedals to ensure they're easy to operate but difficult for children to unfasten. If possible, opt for an electronic harness that utilizes strong magnets to hold the harness straps together. It is simple to fasten for parents but difficult for infants to open. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a security belt opening that closes in a reclining position.

To avoid the risk of pinching, fold and unfold a stroller away from children. Always check to see that the hinges do not have protrusions or sharp edges. To avoid entanglement risks and to reduce the chance that the stroller will fall over, 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's handles. This can be a strangulation risk for your baby.

Strollers can be a wonderful way prams for newborns your little one to explore the world and learn about nature, so select one with an extendable shade or canopy that can keep them safe from the harsh sun. A snack tray and cup or bottle holder can keep snacks and drinks close at the ready. Lastly, a bag clip or a tote bag will help you carry your shopping items and other things without adding weight to the overall size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had as infants. A seat that has lots of padding and reclining features will allow them to fit comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A stroller with adjustable footrests and a canopy can also be able to accommodate their changing heights. A solid frame, a five-point harness, and braking systems are all essential elements.

A double stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or children with similar age. Choose one with a reversible seat so that you can allow them to ride front-facing or facing the parent, or even face each other. Reversible seats can aid your children in bonding with each other while out on strolls. Depending on your lifestyle you might want a stroller that has a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and drinks close at hand.

The best travel stroller stroller for toddlers should be simple to maneuver and fold. A stroller with the ability to swivel its front wheels and an effective suspension system will make it easier to navigate busy streets and rough terrain. Also, you should look for a stroller with an adjustable handlebar as well as 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.

The right stroller will ensure that you and your family are comfortable on any trip, whether it's a quick excursion in the city or on vacation. From an ultra-compact self-folding design to a large basket for storage these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you need.

To narrow your choices I spoke to five experts on strollers and parenting such as Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Kyleyn Gosewisch, customer care specialist at Strolleria; Marielle Marquez, occupational therapist for children and founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi, cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that offers baby and child safety resources; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community services at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Learn more about their top tips to choose the ideal stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Choose a stroller with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your toddler may be able to get into and out of it on their own. Some models fold with just one hand, while others have an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller. Look for a stroller with an enormous canopy to protect your child from direct sun, or one that has various recline positions.

A few of the top strollers have an area that can be used to attach an infant car seat. Other strollers have attachment points for baby carriers. You may choose a lightweight stroller with a weight of less than 30 pounds to make it easier to lift onto and off public transportation. If you intend to use the stroller on uneven terrain, choose a model with large, sturdy wheels. These wheels will roll easily across a variety types of terrain.

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

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

In our buying guide, you will find additional tips and information on choosing the right stroller. Contact our customer support team if you have any questions.

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

A stroller (Canada and US) or pram sale (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle to transport infants and young children. Some strollers can accommodate the infant car seat, while others have a bassinet that is able to be converted into an adult seat. While most strollers aren't easy to take, a few models feature locks and shackles to stop them from being stolen by passersby. The use of a top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to a stroller. It can help strengthen bonding and free your hands to complete other tasks such as grocery shopping or running the errands.

Storage

As your baby becomes a toddler, stroller trips become longer expeditions rather than the short out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child's life. You'll require more items for these excursions. This includes diaper bags that are filled with snacks drinks, snacks, and additional clothing for Baby. The key to keeping 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 or spare clothes, one of our top water bottles for children and more. These necessities will allow you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about baby or bags.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, but should you need an more convenient place to store your items choose a stroller with a parent tray. These consoles typically offer both cups holders as well as a large storage compartment that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our top strollers have a tray for parents as an option, while others offer it as an option to add on.

When you choose a stroller with a tray for parents, be sure it includes deep cup holders that can safely hold your beverage. The cup holders with a shallow design can spill over the edge, posing the risk to your child. We also recommend against hanging things from the handlebars since it could cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item, how steep the terrain is and the amount of weight in the storage basket, this could transform a stroller that is stable into an extremely tippy one.

If you are a family planning to have two children in the next few years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is something to consider. These types of strollers have seats that sit in a row, side-by-side, with a toddler seat on the top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers can save you money in the long run by letting you use one stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.