Toddler Stroller: What No One Has Discussed
What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
Strollers are a great way to safely take your wiggly toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child safe and swivel locks that won't slide off.
Think about a travel system for your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. Consider you can get a convertible model that can be expanded from a single to a double (and even tripled with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that's spacious and easy to access.
Safety
Choose a model that has safety features that meet the strictest standards If you want your child to be able to stroll in the stroller for a number of years to come. These include age and size compatibility, stable design, restraining belts, secure seat shells and sunshades. Find a five-point harness that has straps on the shoulders, between the legs and at the crotch area to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller during a crash. Many stroller s have additional hip straps to increase your child's safety.
Strollers go through impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and evaluating the force of the impact to make sure it won't tip over while using it. The best strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be engaged like in a vehicle.
Check the brake pedals and ensure that they are easy to operate for you, but difficult to unfasten for children. If possible, opt for a magnetic harness that uses strong magnets to keep the harness straps together and is simple to fasten for parents but hard for babies to unlock. Choose a padded frame bumper bar and a safety belt opening that closes in the reclining position.
To avoid dangers of pinching, fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Check that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To avoid entanglement risks and reduce the risk that the stroller will fall over, store bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags from the handles of your stroller, which could pose a strangulation risk for your child.
Pick a stroller that has an extension canopy that can protect your child from harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks handy by using a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. A bag clip or a tote can help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers age, they will need a stroller more comfortable than the one they used when they were infants. A seat that has plenty of padding and reclining features will allow them to walk comfortably and be comfortable in their stroller. A stroller with an adjustable footrest and canopy is a great choice to accommodate their changing height. Other crucial aspects to consider include a sturdy frame, 5-point harness and braking system that ensures safety.
A double stroller will be ideal for parents with twins or children with similar ages. Pick a double stroller with an adjustable seating position so that they can ride facing towards the parent, or facing each the other. Reversible chairs can aid your children in bonding while on a stroll. You can pick a stroller with a cup holder, or a clip for your bag so you can keep drinks and snacks close at hand.
The ideal stroller for toddlers should be easy to move and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels and suspension systems that work can make it easier for you to maneuver through crowded streets or rough terrain. Other features worth looking for include an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. You might also consider a hand-operated parking brake to make it easier and more convenient to use when your hands are full.
The right stroller can ensure that you and your family are comfortable on any trip whether it's a short stroll through the city or on vacation. These strollers were designed with ease of use and flexibility in mind. They feature an incredibly compact design that can be folded away and also have large storage baskets.
I spoke with five experts in the area of strollers and parenting. These included Lisa Trofe (executive director of the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association), Kyleyn Gosewisch (customer care specialist at Strolleria), Marielle Marquez (pediatric occupational therapist and founder at Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid) which is a non-profit organization that provides safety tips for children and babies and Sarah Huff (senior manager of customer and community relations). Learn more about their top tips for selecting the ideal stroller for toddlers.
Folding
Find a stroller that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your child could take a leap into or out of it on their own. Some models fold down with a single hand, while others come with a strap that you can use to carry the stroller when needed. You should consider a stroller that comes with a large canopy to shield your child from sunlight, or one with various recline positions.
Some of the best strollers come with a separate compartment that allows you to connect an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You may choose a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds to make it easier to lift onto and off public transport. If you're planning to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, select one with large durable wheels that effortlessly glide over a variety of terrain.
A stroller with a padded strap for carrying can allow you to easily carry the stroller over your shoulder if necessary. Don't hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip over and cause injury or death to your baby.
The stroller you pick should have five-point harnesses that are securely linked to your child's front and back. It should also have an ample, easy-to-access storage basket as well as an infant's tray. A reclining seat is also an essential feature for tired toddlers.
In our buying guide, you'll find additional tips and information about choosing a stroller. If you have any questions you can contact our customer service experts to get help.
What's the Difference Between a Stroller and a Pram?
A stroller is a hand-pushed transportable vehicle that can be used to transport infants or small children. Some strollers are able to accommodate an infant car seat, and some even have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into an adult seat. While most strollers aren't easy to steal, some models feature locks and shackles to prevent them from being taken by people passing by. Wearing your baby in a top-quality carrier is a great alternative to using a stroller and improve bonding while freeing your hands to do other things like grocery shopping or running the errands.
Stores
As your baby becomes a toddler, stroller trips are longer rather than the short out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child's life. For these outings you'll need more items, including an adequately stocked diaper bag with snacks, drinks, and extra clothes for Baby. The most effective way to keep all of these items in reach is to store them in the stroller.
Consider a stroller with ample storage space that will easily accommodate your diaper bag and spare clothes, as well as one of our top water bottles for kids and more. These essentials will allow you to enjoy your excursion without worrying about your baby or bags.
If you're looking to store things in a place that is easy to access, pick a stroller that has a tray for parents. These consoles typically have a cup holder as well with a large storage area 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.
If you are choosing a stroller that has a tray for parents, make sure that it comes with deep cup holders that can securely hold your beverage. Cup holders with shallow cups tend to spill onto the edges, making them a hazard for your child. We also recommend not to hang anything on the handlebars as this can cause the stroller tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the amount of weight in the storage basket, this can turn a stable stroller into an extremely tippy one.
If you're planning to have two children in the next few years, a tandem stroller is worth considering. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler seat at the top. These strollers can save money in the end by allowing you to use one stroller from birth to toddlerhood.