15 Gifts For The Toddler Stroller Lover In Your Life
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 that keep your child secure and swivel wheels lockable so that they cannot be pushed away.
You might want to consider a travel system your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. You could also consider an adjustable model that can be expanded from a single to a double (and even triple with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket that's large and easy to reach.
Safety
If you want your child to have fun strolling around for years, choose a high-quality model that has safety features that are in line with the strictest standards. Included in this are age and size compatibility, as in a stable design and restraining straps. Also, you can sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Find a five-point harness that has straps on the shoulders between the legs, and at the crotch to stop your child from falling out of the stroller during an accident. Many strollers come with additional hip straps to increase your child's safety.
Strollers are tested for impact to ensure that they meet safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and assessing the force of the impact to ensure that it won't tip over using it. The most reliable strollers come with a lockable, secure brake system that can be engaged like in the vehicle.
Check the brake pedals and ensure that they are easy to operate for you, but difficult to loosen for children. If possible, opt for an electronic harness that utilizes strong magnets to keep the harness straps in place and is simple to fasten for parents, but difficult for children to unlock. Also, look for a cushioned bumper bar that is wrapped around the frame and an opening for the safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to prevent your baby from getting trapped.
Folding and unfolding a stroller must be done away from children to prevent the risk of pinching. Make sure the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To avoid entanglement risks and to reduce the chance that the stroller will tip over, keep bags in the storage area underneath the stroller or in the basket. Do not hang diaper bags, or other items from the stroller's handles. This can be an injury to your baby.
Strollers are a great way for your little one to enjoy the world and discover nature, so select one with an expandable canopy or sunshade that will protect them from harsh sunlight. Keep drinks and snacks handy with a cup or bottle holder and a snack tray. A bag clip or a tote will help you carry your shopping and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers grow older and require a stroller more comfortable than the one they used as babies. A seat with plenty of padding and recline features will allow them to sit comfortably and feel comfortable in their stroller. Also, a model that has an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to accommodate their changing height. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness and braking system are the most important elements.
A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or close-gayed babies. Pick a double stroller with an adjustable seating position so that they can ride facing towards the parent, or facing one the other. A reversible seat can also aid in bonding your kids with one another on strolls. You can pick a stroller with cup holders or a clip for your bag so you can keep drinks and snacks in reach.
The most effective strollers for toddlers are easy to fold and maneuver. Strollers with swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will make it easier for you to navigate through busy streets or rough terrain. Other convenient features to look for are an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a-boo window. You might also consider a parking brake that is operated by hand to make it easier and more convenient to use when you have a lot of hands.
Whether you're out on a short trip around town or a whirlwind vacation, the perfect stroller will keep you and your family comfortable while exploring. From a compact, self-folding stroller design to an expansive storage basket These strollers provide the convenience and flexibility you need.
To narrow down your options I spoke to 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, occupational therapist for children and founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides baby and child safety information and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community services at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Learn their top tips on selecting the right stroller to use with toddlers.
Folding
Your child is likely to jump in and out of the stroller on their own, so search for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold down with just one hand, while others come with straps which you can use to carry the stroller around if needed. Consider a stroller that has a large canopy that protects your child from sunlight, or one with various reclining 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 might want to opt for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so that it's easy to lift to and from public transport. If you're planning to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, select one with large durable wheels that effortlessly glide over various terrains.
If you need to, a stroller equipped with straps that are cushioned can be easily slung over your shoulder. Don't hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip over and injure or suffocate your baby.
The stroller you choose should come with five-point harness that securely connects to the front and back of your child. It should come with an ample, easy-to-access storage basket and the tray for children. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is a must.
In our buying guide, you'll get additional information and tips about choosing the right stroller. Contact our customer service team for any questions.
What's the difference between a stroller and a pram?
A stroller is a hand-pushed portable vehicle that can be used to transport infants or young children. Some strollers can accommodate an infant car-seat or an adjustable bassinet that is able to be converted into seats. While most strollers aren't easy to steal, some models have locks and shackles that prevent them from being stolen by people who pass by. A top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to strollers. It can help strengthen bonding and free your hands to complete other tasks such as grocery shopping or running errands.
Stores
As your baby grows, stroller rides become more involved than the simple out and back strolls of childhood. For these outings, you'll need to bring more supplies, including a fully stocked diaper bag snacks, drinks, snacks and even extra clothes for Baby. The best way to keep all these items within reach is to put them in the stroller.
Take a look at a stroller that offers ample storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, extra clothes, and even one of our top water bottles for kids. These essentials will let you relax and enjoy your excursion without worrying about bags or baby.
If you're looking to store things 3 in one pushchair a place that is even easier to access, choose a stroller that has a parent tray. These consoles usually have cups holder as well as a huge storage space that can be used for more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers come with a tray for parents, while others have it as an optional add-on.
When you choose a stroller with a parent tray, make sure that it comes with deep cup holders that can safely hold your beverage. Cup holders with shallow cups are more likely to spill onto the edges, making them a risk for your baby. We also suggest not putting anything on the handlebars as this can cause the stroller to 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 could turn a stable stroller into an extremely tippy one.
For families who plan to have two children in a few years, a tandem or side-by-side stroller is worth considering. These strollers come with seats that are side-by-side, with an infant seat at the lower part and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers can save money in the long run by permitting you to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.