What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
A stroller can help you ensure that your toddler is safe along on your adventures. It should be equipped with five-point harnesses to keep your child secure and swivel wheels lockable so that they aren't able to roll away.
If you're expecting a child think about an infant travel system that connects to your car seat, or a convertible model that could expand from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Find a basket that is large and easy to access.
Safety
Pick a stroller that comes with safety features that meet the strictest standards for your child to have fun in the stroller for many years. Included in this are size and age compatibility, as well as a stable design and restraining straps. Also, you can sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Find a 5-point harness that has straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to stop your child from falling off the stroller in a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps that can increase your child's safety.
Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they are safe. The stroller is dropped from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This guarantees that it will not slide over when it is it is in use. The best strollers also feature an extremely secure brake system that locks and can be activated similar to the car.
Examine the brake pedals and make sure that they are easy to operate for you, but difficult to unfasten for children. If you can, consider the magnetic harness. It has strong magnets that keep the straps together. It is easy for parents to fasten but difficult for babies to unlock. Choose a padded frame bumper bar and a safety belt opening that can be closed in the reclined position.
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 decrease the chance that the stroller will fall over, store bags in the storage space beneath the stroller or in the basket. Don't hang bags, diaper bags, or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This can be a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Strollers can be a wonderful way for your toddler to soak in the world and discover the natural world, so pick one with an extendable shade or canopy that can keep them safe from the harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks in a convenient place with a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. A bag clip or tote can help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers grow to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had when they were infants. A wide seat with plenty of padding and recline options will ensure they fit comfortably in their stroller and stay relaxed when they go out. A stroller with adjustable footrests and a canopy will also be able to accommodate their changing heights. Other important factors to consider include an extremely sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking system that ensures security.
A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or two close-gayed babies. Choose a stroller with a reversible seat to let them ride front-facing, parent-facing, or face each one on. A reversible chair can also help your children bond when they go for a walk. Depending on your lifestyle, you may want an infant stroller with a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and drinks in reach.
The best strollers for toddlers are simple to fold and maneuver. A stroller that has two wheels that swivel and a well-designed suspension system will aid in navigating crowded streets and rough terrain. Also, you should look for a stroller that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a -boo window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you might prefer a parking brake that can be operated by hand.
The right stroller will keep you and your family comfortable on any trip, whether it's a quick trip in the city or a vacation. These strollers were designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. They come with a compact design that can be folded down, as well as a large storage basket.
I spoke with five experts in the field of strollers and parenting. They included Lisa Trofe (executive director of the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association), Kyleyn Gosewisch (customer care specialist at Strolleria), Marielle Marquez (pediatric occupational therapy therapist and founder of Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid) an organization that provides safety tips for children and babies and Sarah Huff (senior manager of community and customer relations). Find out their top tips for choosing the best stroller to use with toddlers.
Folding
Find a stroller that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your toddler may jump into and out of it on their own. Some models fold down with one hand, while some have straps which you can use to carry the stroller around if you need to. Look for a stroller with a large canopy to shield your child from the sun, or one that has various recline positions.
Some of the best strollers come with a compartment that lets you attach an infant car seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You may choose a lightweight stroller weighing less than 30 pounds to allow it to be easier to lift onto and off public transport. If you plan to take the stroller over uneven surfaces, you should choose one with large, sturdy wheels. These wheels can easily roll over a variety of types of terrain.
If you need to, a stroller with straps that are cushioned can easily be slung over your shoulder. Do not hang your purse, diaper bag or any other object from the handle of a stroller because it could cause a tipping effect and may hurt or suffocate your baby or toddler.
The stroller you pick should come with five-point harnesses that are securely attached to your child's back and front. It should also include large, ample storage basket that is easy to access as well as a tray for your child. A recliner is an essential feature for tired toddlers.
In our buying guide, you will get additional information and tips about selecting a stroller. Contact our customer service department should you have any queries.
What's the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?
A stroller (Canada & US) or pram (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle to transport babies and young children. Some strollers can hold an infant car seat or an infant bassinet that is able to be converted into an adult seat. While the majority of strollers are difficult to steal, some models have locks and shackles to prevent them from being taken by people passing by. The use of a top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to strollers. It can improve bonding and free your hands to perform other tasks, like grocery shopping or running errands.
Storage
As your baby becomes a toddler, stroller trips become longer excursions instead of the quick strolls in the beginning of your child's life. You'll require more items for these excursions. This includes the diaper bag, which is filled with snacks, drinks, and extra clothing for Baby. The key to keeping all these items within reach is to keep them in the stroller.
Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space. It can store your diaper bag, spare clothes, and even one of our best water bottles for children. Having these necessities handy will give you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep an eye on baby or keep an eye on bags while you stroll.
Push Chairs And Prams -size strollers offer plenty of storage space, but if you want an even easier-to-access place to store items, look for strollers that has a tray for the parents. These consoles usually have a cup holder as well with a large storage area that can accommodate more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers include tray for parents, while others provide it as an additional feature.
If you're choosing a stroller which has a parent tray on it, ensure that the cup holders are sufficient in depth to secure your drink. Shallow cup holders could spill over the edge, which could pose the risk to your child. We also advise against hanging anything from the handlebars, because it could cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the weight in the storage basket, this can turn a stable stroller into a dangerously tippy one.
Families that plan to have more than one child over the next few years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers feature seats that are side by side, with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler seat at the top. These strollers will save you money in the long run by letting you to use a single stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.