The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Toddler Stroller

What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller allows you to securely take your toddler along 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 think about a travel system that can be attached 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). Look for 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 meet stringent standards. These include age and size compatibility, stable design as well as restraining belts that are secure seat shells and sunshades. Find a 5-point harness with straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and above the shoulders to stop your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps to further enhance 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 ensures that it will not slide over when it is it is in use. The top strollers also come with a safe brake system that is lockable and can be engaged as in cars.

Examine the brake pedals to ensure they're easy to operate but difficult for children to unfasten. 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 infants to open. 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 3 in 1 pram a reclined position to stop your child from being trapped.

To avoid pinching hazards fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Check that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Keep bags in the storage area or in the basket under the stroller to avoid an entanglement risk and to minimize the chance of the stroller accidentally tipping over while in motion. Don't hang your diaper or purse bags from the handles of your stroller. This can pose a strangulation hazard for your infant.

Strollers can be a wonderful way for your toddler to explore the world and gain knowledge about the natural world, so pick a model with an extendable canopy or sunshade that will protect them from harsh sunlight. A tray for snacks and a bottle or cup holder will keep snacks and drinks close at fingertips. Lastly, a bag clip or a 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 will require an easier stroller than the one they used when they were infants. A seat that has plenty of padding and reclining features will allow them to sit comfortably and feel comfortable in their stroller. Additionally, a model with an adjustable footrest and canopy is ideal to accommodate their changing height. Other essential aspects to consider are an extremely sturdy frame, a 5-point harness and braking system that guarantees safety.

A double stroller will be ideal for parents with twins or children of similar ages. Pick a double stroller with an adjustable seating position so that they can ride facing toward the parent, or facing one the other. Reversible seats can help your kids bond with one another while out on strolls. You may choose a stroller with cups holder, or a bag clip so you can keep drinks and snacks within reach.

The best stroller for toddlers should be easy to move and fold. A stroller that has the ability to swivel its front wheels and a sturdy suspension system will help you navigate crowded streets and rough terrain. Other convenient features to look for are an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a-boo window. You may also want a hand-operated parking brake for convenience and ease of use when your hands are full.

The right stroller will keep you and your family at ease on any journey whether it's a simple stroll through the city or a trip on vacation. From an ultra-compact self-folding design to an expansive storage basket These strollers provide the convenience and flexibility you want.

To narrow down your options, I spoke with five parenting and stroller experts 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 at 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 equipment rental site. Learn their top tips on choosing the best travel pram stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Choose a stroller with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your child may be able to be able to get into and out of it on their own. Some models can be folded with just one hand, while others have an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller with ease. Look for a stroller with an enormous canopy to protect your child from sunlight, or one with multiple reclining positions.

Some of the top strollers come with a separate compartment that allows you to click in an infant car seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You can choose a light stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds to make it easier to lift onto and off public transport. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, pick one with large sturdy wheels that can effortlessly glide over different terrains.

A stroller that has a cushioned strap that can carry it will allow you to easily sling 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 injure or suffocate your baby.

The stroller you select should come with a five-point harness that securely attaches to both the front and back of your child. It should also include an ample, spacious storage basket that is easy to access and a tray for your child. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is a must.

There are more suggestions and information on selecting strollers in our buying guide. If you have any questions contact our expert customer service team to get help.

What's the Difference Between a Stroller and a pram and car seat?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram (U.K.) is an automobile that can be used by hand to transport babies and young children. Some strollers can hold an infant car-seat and some have an adjustable bassinet that is able to be converted into an adult seat. While the majority of strollers are difficult to take, a few models feature locks and shackles to stop them from being taken by people passing by. A top-rated carrier can be an excellent alternative to strollers and increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands for other tasks like grocery shopping or running pushchair errands.

Storage

As your baby grows into a toddler, stroller excursions become longer expeditions instead of the quick strolls in the beginning of your child's life. You'll need more supplies 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 put them in the stroller.

Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space that will easily accommodate your diaper bag, spare clothes, one of our best water bottles for kids and much more. These necessities will allow you to relax and enjoy your excursion without worrying about your baby or bags.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, however if you want an even easier-to-access place to store items consider a stroller that has a tray for the parents. These consoles typically have a cup holder as well as a large storage area that can accommodate more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers come with tray for parents, and some offer it as an additional feature.

If you are choosing a stroller that has a tray for parents, be sure that it comes with deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your beverage. Cup holders that are too small tend to spill over the edges, making them dangerous for your child. We also recommend against hanging items from the handlebars as it can cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the weight that is placed in the storage basket, this can turn a stable stroller into an extremely tippy one.

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 feature seats that are side-by-side, with an infant seat at the lower part and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers will save you money over time by allowing you to use one stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.