20 Rising Stars To Watch In The Toddler Stroller Industry
What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
Strollers are a great option to ensure your toddler on adventures. It should have a 5-point harness to keep your child safe, and lock swivels that don't fall off.
If you're expecting a child look into a travel system that can be attached to your car seat or a convertible model that can grow from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket that offers plenty of room and is easy to reach.
Safety
Pick a stroller that comes with safety features that meet strict standards for your child to be able to stroll in the stroller for a number of years. 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. Look for a 5-point harness with straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to prevent your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps that can increase your child's safety.
Strollers go through impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The stroller is lowered from a height to determine the force of the impact. This guarantees that it will not slide over when it is in use. The top strollers also have an incredibly safe brake system that locks and can be engaged similar to the car.
Examine the brake pedals and make sure that they are easy to operate by yourself but difficult to unfasten for children. If you can, opt for an elastic harness. It uses strong magnets that 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 a safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to prevent your baby from being trapped.
To avoid pinching hazards fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To prevent entanglement and reduce the risk that the stroller could tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage space beneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags from the handles of your stroller, as this could pose a strangulation risk for your child.
Strollers are a great way for your toddler to soak in the world and discover nature, so choose one with an extendable shade or canopy that can keep them safe from the harsh sun. A snack tray and bottle or cup holder will keep snacks and drinks close at fingertips. Finally, a bag clip or tote bag can help you carry your shopping bags and other items without weighing down the size of the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers age and require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A seat that has plenty of padding and recline features will allow them to fit comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A stroller with adjustable footrests and canopy will also accommodate their changing height. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking systems are all important factors.
A double stroller is great for parents with twins or two close-aged babies. Pick a double stroller with an adjustable seating position to allow them to ride facing forward, facing the parent, or facing each the other. Reversible chairs also help your children bond when they go for a walk. Depending on your lifestyle you might want an infant stroller with an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and beverages close at hand.
The most effective strollers for toddlers are easy to fold and maneuver. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as a suspension system that works will allow you to maneuver through crowded streets or uneven terrain. It is also recommended to consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar, and windows that can be viewed from a distance. You might also prefer the hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when your hands are full.
The best stroller will keep you and your family comfortable on any trip whether it's a simple stroll through the city or a trip on vacation. These strollers are made with comfort and flexibility in mind. They offer a compact design that can be folded away and also have a large storage basket.
To narrow your choices 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, occupational therapist for children and founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that offers baby and child safety information and Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Find out their top tips for choosing the ideal stroller for toddlers.
Folding
Your child will likely leap in and out of the stroller on their own, so opt for a model that has 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 around if required. You could also consider a stroller with a big canopy that protects your child from the sun, and one that provides multiple recline positions.
A few of the top strollers come with a compartment that you can use to attach an infant car seat. Others include attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to go for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so that it's easy to carry on and off public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, pick a model with big sturdy wheels that can roll easily over various terrains.
A stroller that has a cushioned 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 any other object from the handle of a stroller as it could cause a tipping effect and may cause injury or death to your baby or toddler.
The stroller you select should have a five-point harness which securely connects to the front and back of your child. It should come with an ample, easily accessible storage basket and the tray for children. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is a must.
In our buying guide, you'll get additional information and tips on choosing a stroller. Contact our customer support team for any questions.
What is the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?
pushchair pram (Canada & US) or pram (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers can hold the infant car seat or a bassinet that is able to be converted into seats. Some strollers are equipped with locks and shackles to stop them from being taken by pedestrians. In a top-rated stroller can be an excellent alternative to strollers and increase bonding while freeing your hands to do other things such as grocery shopping or running the errands.
Stores
As your baby grows, stroller trips become more involved than the quick out and back strolls of childhood. For these trips, you'll need to bring additional items, such as an adequately stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothes for Baby. The best way to keep all these items within reach is to keep them in the stroller.
Consider a stroller that has ample storage that can easily hold your diaper bag or spare clothes, one of our top water bottles for kids and more. These essentials will allow you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about bags or baby.
If you're looking to store things in a place that is easy to access, consider one with a tray for parents. These consoles usually come with a cup holder as well as a large storage area that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our top strollers include a parent tray, while others have it as an add-on.
If you're choosing a stroller which has a tray for parents on it, make sure that the cup holders are deep enough to secure your drink. Cup holders with shallow cups are more likely to spill over the edges, which can make them a hazard for your baby. We also advise not putting any item on the handlebars since this could cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item, how steep the terrain is and the weight in the storage basket, this can transform a stroller that is stable into a dangerously tippy one.
Families who plan to have more than one child over the next few years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers can save you money in the long run by letting you use one stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.