What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great way to ensure your toddler on adventures. It should come with five-point harnesses that ensure your child's safety and lockable swivel wheels that can't roll away.

If you have a baby, consider a travel system that can be attached to your car seat or convertible models that can be upgraded from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket that's spacious and easy to access.

Safety

Select a stroller with safety features that are in line with strict standards If you want 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 and restraining straps. Also, you can secure seats shells and sunshades. 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 a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to increase your child's safety.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they are safe 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 in use. The best strollers also feature an extremely secure brake system that is lockable and can be engaged as in a car.

Check the brake pedals and ensure that they are easy to operate for you but difficult to remove for children. If you can, consider the magnetic harness. It uses strong magnets that hold the straps together. It is simple for Pram Sets (Pushchairs-And-Prams06537.Thezenweb.Com) parents to fasten, but difficult for infants to open. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that wraps around the frame, and a safety harness opening that closes when the seat is reclined to prevent your baby from being trapped.

The folding and unfolding of strollers should be done away from children to prevent pinching hazards. Always ensure that the hinges are free of protrusions and have no sharp edges. Keep bags in the storage area or the basket underneath the stroller to prevent entanglement hazard and to reduce the possibility of the stroller accidentally tipping over when in motion. Don't hang your diaper or purse bags from the handles of your stroller, as this can pose a strangulation hazard for your child.

Strollers can be a wonderful option for your child to soak in the world and gain knowledge about nature, so select one with an extendable shade or canopy that can protect them from harsh sunlight. A snack tray and cup or bottle holder can keep snacks and drinks close to hand. A bag clip or a tote will allow you to carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older they will require an easier stroller than the one they used as infants. A spacious seat with plenty of padding and reclining options will ensure that they can comfortably fit into their stroller and remain relaxed during outings. Also, a model that has an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to accommodate their changing height. Other important factors to consider include an extremely sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking systems that guarantee security.

A double stroller will be ideal for parents with twins or children of similar ages. Pick a double stroller with a reversible seating position so that they can ride facing toward the parent, or facing each other. A reversible seat can also aid in bonding your kids with one another on strolls. You may choose a stroller with cup holders, or a bag clip, so you can keep drinks and snacks close at hand.

The best strollers for toddlers are simple to fold and maneuver. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as a suspension system that works can make it easier for you to navigate through busy streets or uneven terrain. It is also recommended to look for a stroller with an adjustable handlebar and an open window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you might want parking brakes that are operated by hand.

No matter if you're on a short trip to town or a lengthy vacation, the right stroller can keep your family members comfortable while you explore. From an ultra-compact self-folding design to a huge basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you want.

To narrow your choices I spoke to 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 founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides baby and child safety information; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community services at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Find out their top tips for choosing the best stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Your toddler will likely jump in and out of the stroller on their own, so search for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold down with just one hand, while others come with a strap that you can use to carry the stroller if required. Look for a stroller with a large canopy to shield your child from sun, or one that has several recline positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a compartment where you can connect 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 it's easy to get to and from public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller over uneven surfaces, you should choose a model with large, durable wheels. They can effortlessly roll across a variety of conditions.

A stroller with a padded strap for carrying can allow you to effortlessly sling the stroller on your shoulder, if needed. Do not hang your purse, diaper bag or any other object from the handle of a stroller as it can cause tipping and could hurt or suffocate your baby or toddler.

The stroller you select should come with a five-point harness that securely attaches to the front and back of your child. It should also have large, ample storage basket that's easy to access as well as an infant tray. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is a must.

You can find more tips and information on selecting strollers in our buying guide. Contact our customer service team should you have any queries.

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

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram (U.K.) is an automobile that can be used by hand for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers are able to hold an infant car seat, and some even have an open bassinet that transforms into a seat for older toddlers. While most strollers are hard to take, a few models feature locks and shackles that prevent them from being snatched by passersby. Wearing your baby in a top-rated stroller can be an excellent alternative to strollers and increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands for other tasks like grocery shopping or running errands.

Stores

As your baby grows, lightweight Stroller stroller excursions become more involved than the simple out and back strolls of childhood. You'll need more supplies for these excursions. This includes a diaper bag that is well-stocked, snacks, drinks, and extra clothing for Baby. The key to keeping all of these items accessible is to store them in the stroller.

Take a look at a stroller that offers plenty of storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, spare clothes, and one of our best water bottles for children. Being armed with these essentials gives you the freedom to go out without having to keep a hand on your baby or keep an eye on bags while you stroll.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, but if you want an even easier-to-access place to store items choose strollers with a parent tray. These consoles usually come with cups holder as well with a large storage area that can accommodate more than just drinks. Some of our top strollers come with a tray for parents, while others have it as an add-on.

If you're choosing a stroller which has a parent tray on it, make sure that the cup holders are deep enough to securely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small could spill over the edge, which could pose danger to your child. We also suggest not hanging items from the handlebars as it can cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain and the weight in the bottom storage basket, this could transform a stroller that is stable into a potentially dangerously unstable one.

Families who plan to have more than one child in the next few years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These types of strollers offer seats that sit in a row, side-by-side with a toddler seat on the top and an infant seat at the bottom. These strollers could save you money in the end by allowing you to use one stroller from birth through toddlerhood.