10 Things We All Love About Toddler Stroller
What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
A stroller allows you to securely take your toddler along on your adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child safe, and lock swivels that won't slide off.
Consider a travel system for your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. You could also consider you can get a convertible model that can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even triple with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Pick a basket that has plenty of room and is easy to reach.
Safety
Choose a model that has safety features that meet the strictest standards for your child to have fun in the stroller for many years. These include age and size compatibility, a stable design and restraining belts, safe sunshades and seat shells. Choose a five-point harness with straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller in a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps that can further increase your child's safety.
Strollers go through impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and evaluating the force of the impact to ensure that it won't tip over using it. The best strollers also feature a safe, lockable brake system that can be used as in cars.
Check the brake pedals to ensure they're easy to operate, but difficult for children to unfasten. If possible, choose an elastic harness. It uses strong magnets to hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to fasten but difficult for babies to unlock. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that wraps around the frame, and an opening for the safety harness that closes when the seat is in a reclined position to stop your child from being trapped.
The folding and unfolding of a stroller must be kept away from children to avoid the risk of pinching. Check that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Place bags in the storage area or the basket under the stroller to avoid an entanglement risk and to minimize the possibility of the stroller accidentally falling over when it is in motion. Do not hang diaper bags from the handles of your stroller, as this could be a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Strollers are an excellent way for your toddler to explore the world and gain knowledge about nature, so choose a model with an extendable canopy or sunshade that will keep them safe from the harsh sun. A snack tray and cup or bottle holder will keep drinks and snacks close to hand. A bag clip or tote bag will allow you to carry your shopping items and other things without adding weight to the overall size of the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers age, they need a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had when they were infants. A wide seat with plenty of cushioning and recline options will ensure that they fit comfortably in their stroller and stay relaxed when they go out. A model with adjustable footrests and a canopy can also accommodate their changing height. Other essential aspects to consider are a sturdy frame, 5-point harness, and braking system that ensures security.
A double stroller is perfect for parents who have twins or babies of similar age. Choose a stroller with a reversible seat so that you can let them ride front-facing, parent-facing, or face each other. A reversible seat can also aid your children in bonding with each other while out on strolls. Depending on your lifestyle you may need a stroller with cups holder or a bag clip to keep snacks and beverages in reach.
The most effective strollers for toddlers are easy to fold and move. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as a suspension system that works will allow you to maneuver through crowded streets or rough terrain. Other features worth looking for include an adjustable handlebar and a peek-aboo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might prefer parking brakes that are operated by hand.
The best stroller will ensure that you and your family are comfortable on any trip whether it's a simple excursion in the city or a vacation. From a compact, self-folding design to a large storage basket, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you require.
To narrow your choices, I spoke with five experts in the field of parenting and strollers including Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Kyleyn Gosewisch, customer care specialist at Strolleria; Marielle Marquez, pediatric occupational therapist and co-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 community and customer service at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Find out their top tips for choosing the best stroller for toddlers.
Folding
Your child will likely leap in and out of the stroller on their own, so look for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold down with a single hand, and others have straps which you can use to carry the stroller when needed. Consider a stroller that has a large canopy to shield your child from the sun, or one that has various recline positions.
Some of the best strollers have a compartment you can use to attach an infant car seat. Some have attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to opt for a stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so that it's easy to lift off and on public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, pick a model with big, durable wheels that roll easily over various terrains.
If you have to, a stroller that has straps that are cushioned can be easily slung over your shoulder. Never hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip over and cause injuries or suffocation to your baby.
The stroller you pick must have a 5-point harness that is securely connected to your child's back and front. It should also have an ample, easy-to-access storage basket as well as a child's tray. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is essential.
In our buying guide, you'll get additional information and tips on choosing a stroller. Contact our customer service department if you have any questions.
What's the difference between a stroller and a pram?
A stroller is a hand-pushed mobile vehicle that can be used to transport infants or small children. Some strollers have the capability to carry the infant car seat and some come with a flat bassinet that converts into a seat for older toddlers. While Push Chairs And Prams of strollers are difficult to steal, some models feature locks and shackles to stop them from being stolen by people who pass by. A top-rated baby carrier is an excellent alternative to a stroller. It can improve bonding and allow you to do other tasks, such as grocery shopping, or running errands.
Storage
As your baby becomes an infant, stroller rides become longer excursions rather than the short out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child's life. For these outings, you'll need to bring more items, including an adequately stocked diaper bag with snacks, drinks, and even extra clothes for your Baby. Stroller storage is the key to bringing all these items and keeping them within reach.
Consider a stroller that has ample storage space that can accommodate your diaper bag and spare clothes, as well as one of our top water bottles for kids and more. The convenience of these items will allow you to go out without having to keep a hand on your baby or keep an eye on bags as you stroll.
Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, but should you need an easier-to-access storage space for your belongings choose one equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles usually come with cups holders as well as a large storage area that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers include a parent tray while others offer it as an option.
If you're choosing a stroller which has a tray for parents on it, make sure that the cup holders are sufficient in depth to secure your drink. Cup holders that are too small could spill over the edge, posing danger to your child. We also advise against hanging any item on the handlebars since this can cause the stroller tip over. This can make a stable stroller unstable based on the weight, the slope of the terrain, as well as the amount of weight in the basket that is on the bottom.
Families who plan to have more than one child over the next few years should think about a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers come with 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 can save you money in the long run by letting you use one stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.