What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are a great option to take your wiggle toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to ensure your child's safety and lockable swivel wheels that aren't able to roll away.

Think about a travel system for your newborn that attaches directly to your car seat. Consider a convertible model which can be extended from a single to a double (and even tripled with a Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that offers plenty of room and is easily accessible.

Safety

Choose a model that has safety features that meet strict standards if you want your child to have fun in the stroller for many years. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy design as well as restraining belts that are secure seat shells and sunshades. Find a 5-point harness that has straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and over the shoulders to stop your child from falling off the stroller during a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to further enhance your child's safety.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a certain height and measuring the force of impact to ensure it won't tip over while in use. The best strollers also feature a safe brake system that locks and can be used just like in the car.

Examine the brake pedals to make sure they are easy for you to operate but difficult for children to take off. If possible, choose an elastic harness. It has strong magnets that hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to secure, but it is difficult for children to unfasten. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a security belt opening that can be closed in the reclined position.

The folding and unfolding of strollers should be done away from children to prevent the risk of pinching. Always ensure that the hinges are free of protrusions or sharp edges. Place bags in the storage area or in the basket underneath the stroller to prevent the risk of entanglement and to decrease the risk of the stroller accidentally tipping over while in motion. Never hang purses or diaper bags from the handles of your stroller. This can pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Strollers can be a wonderful way for your little one to soak in the world and discover the natural world, so pick a model with an extendable shade or canopy that can keep them safe from the harsh sun. A snack tray and cup or bottle holder will keep snacks and drinks close at the ready. A bag clip or a tote will allow you to carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they had when they were infants. A spacious seat with plenty of cushioning and reclining options will ensure that they can comfortably fit into their stroller and are comfortable on their outings. Additionally, a model with an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to allow for their growing height. A solid frame, a five-point harness, and braking systems are all essential elements.

A double stroller will be ideal for parents with twins or children with similar age. Choose a stroller with a reversible seat to allow them to ride front-facing, parent-facing, or face each one on. Reversible chairs can assist your children to bond while walking. Based on your lifestyle you may need a stroller that has an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and drinks in reach.

The best strollers for toddlers are easy to fold and move. Strollers with swivel wheels and suspension systems that work can make it easier for you to maneuver through crowded streets or rough terrain. Other convenient features to look for include an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might prefer a parking brake that can be operated by hand.

The right stroller will keep you and your family at ease on any journey whether it's a simple stroll through the city or a vacation. From a compact, self-folding design to an expansive basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you require.

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, 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 information; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Learn their top tips on choosing the best stroller for use with toddlers.

Folding

Your child is likely to jump into and out of the stroller on their own, so search for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models can be folded using just one hand, while others have a strap so you can carry the stroller. You might also consider a stroller with a large canopy that shields your child from sun, and one that offers multiple reclining positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a separate compartment that allows you to click in an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You can pick a light stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds to make it easier to lift on and off public transport. If you intend to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, you should choose a model with large, durable wheels. These wheels can roll easily across a variety terrain.

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

The stroller you select should come with a five-point harness that securely connects to the rear and front of your child. It should have an ample, easy-to-access storage basket and the tray for children. A recliner is a must for tired toddlers.

You can find additional tips and information on choosing strollers in our buying guide. If you have questions, reach out to our knowledgeable customer service team for assistance.

What's the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller is a hand-driven mobile vehicle that can be used to transport babies or small children. Some strollers are able to accommodate the infant car seat and some have an open bassinet that transforms into an adult seat. While most strollers are hard to take, a few models have locks and shackles to prevent them from being taken by people who pass by. A top-rated stroller can be a great alternative to using strollers and increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands for other tasks like grocery shopping or running around.

Stores

As your baby grows, stroller excursions become more involved than the simple out and back strolls of childhood. For these trips you'll need more items, including an adequately-stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothing for your Baby. The best way to keep all of these items accessible is to put them in the stroller.

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

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, but for those who want an easier-to-access storage space for your belongings, look for strollers with a parent tray. These consoles usually come with a cup holder as well as a huge storage space that can accommodate more than just beverages. Some of our favorite strollers include a parent tray and some have it as an optional add-on.

When choosing a stroller with a tray for parents, be sure it includes deep cup holders that can safely hold your drink. Shallow cup holders are more likely to spill over the edges, making them a risk for your baby. We also advise not to hang 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 steepness of the terrain, and the amount of weight inside the basket that is on the bottom.

If you are a family planning to have two children in the next couple of years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is worth considering. These types of strollers offer seats that are placed together, with a toddler seat on top and an infant seat at the bottom. These strollers can save you money in the end by allowing you to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.