The 10 Scariest Things About Toddler Stroller

What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller helps you securely take your toddler to adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep the child secure and lock swivels that won't slide off.

Think about a travel system for your newborn that attaches directly to your car seat. Or, you can get a convertible model that can be extended from a single to a double (and even tripled with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Find a basket that is large and easy to access.

Safety

Choose a model that has safety features that meet the strictest standards if you want your child to enjoy strolling in the stroller for many years to come. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy design and restraining belts, safe sunshades and seat shells. Find five-point harnesses that have straps that go over shoulders and between the legs as well as at the crotch to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller in an accident. Many strollers come with additional hip straps that can further increase your child's safety.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure that they comply with safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and assessing the force of the impact to make sure that it doesn't fall over using it. The most reliable strollers come with a lockable, secure brake system that can be activated like the case of a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals to ensure they are easy for you to operate but difficult for children to unfasten. If possible, choose a magnetic harness. It uses strong magnets that hold the straps together. It is easy for parents to fasten, but difficult for babies to unlock. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a safety belt opening that can be closed in a reclined position.

Folding and unfolding a stroller should be done away from children to prevent dangers of pinching. Always ensure that the hinges are free of protrusions and no sharp edges. To avoid entanglement risks and reduce the risk that the stroller could tip over, keep bags in the storage space beneath the stroller or in the basket. Don't hang bags, diaper bags or other items from the stroller handles. This could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Strollers are an excellent option for your child to enjoy the world and gain knowledge about the natural world, so pick a model with an extendable shade or canopy that can shield them from harsh sunlight. A tray for snacks and a bottle or cup holder will keep snacks and drinks close to fingertips. A bag clip or tote bag will help you carry your shopping items and other things without adding to the bulk of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age and require a stroller more comfortable than the one they used as babies. A wide seat with plenty of cushioning and recline options will ensure that they are able to comfortably use their stroller and stay relaxed on their outings. Additionally, a model with an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to accommodate their changing height. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking systems are all essential elements.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or pram bag two close-knit babies. Choose a double stroller with an adjustable seating position to allow them to ride facing towards the parent, or facing one other. A reversible seat can also help your kids bond with one another while out for walks. Based on your needs you may need an infant stroller with a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and beverages in reach.

The ideal stroller for toddlers should be easy to maneuver and fold. A stroller with swivel front wheels and a well-designed suspension system will help you navigate busy streets and rough terrain. It is also recommended to look for a stroller that comes with an adjustable handlebar, and windows that can be viewed from a distance. For convenience and ease of operation, you might prefer a parking brake that can be operated by hand.

Whether you're out on a short trip around town or a whirlwind holiday, the right stroller can keep you and your family comfortable while exploring. These strollers are designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. They come with an incredibly compact stroller design that can be folded up, as well as a large storage basket.

To narrow down your options I spoke to five experts on strollers and parenting 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 at Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that offers safety and baby-related resources; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of community and customer service at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Learn more about their top tips for choosing the ideal stroller for 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 can be folded with just one hand, while others include an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller with ease. You might also consider an option with a large canopy that shields your child from sun, and provides several recline positions.

Some of the best strollers have a special compartment where you can click in 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 allow it to be easier to lift onto and off public transport. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, select one with large, durable wheels that are able to easily navigate various terrains.

If you need to, a stroller with padded straps can be easily slung over your shoulder. Don't hang a purse or diaper 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 have five-point harness that securely attaches to both the rear and front of your child. It should also have a large, easy-to-access storage basket as well as the tray for children. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is essential.

In our buying guide, you can find additional tips and information on choosing the right stroller. Contact our customer service team for any questions.

What's the difference between a stroller and a pram?

A stroller (Canada & US) or pram (U.K.) is a hand-driven vehicle that can be used to transport babies and young children. Some strollers have the capability to carry the infant car seat and some even have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into an adult seat. Some strollers have locks and shackles to stop them from being taken by passersby. A top-rated carrier can be a great alternative to using strollers and increase bonding while freeing your hands for other tasks like grocery shopping or running around.

Stores

As your baby grows into a toddler, stroller excursions become longer expeditions rather than the short out-and-back strolls of the early years. For these trips you'll need more items, including an adequately-stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothes for Baby. Stroller storage is the key to bringing all of these items and keeping them within reach.

Consider a foldable stroller that has ample storage space that will easily accommodate your diaper bag and spare clothes, as well as one of our best water bottles for children and more. These essentials will allow you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about baby or bags.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, but for those who want an 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 be used for more than just beverages. Some of our favorite strollers include a parent tray as an option, while others offer it as an add-on.

If you are choosing a stroller that has a parent tray on it, ensure that the cup holders are sufficient to securely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small can spill over the edge, which could pose the risk to your child. We also advise not putting any item on the handlebars since this could cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a stable stroller unstable based on the weight, the steepness of the terrain, and the amount of weight that is in the storage basket at the bottom.

If you're planning to have two children in a few years, a tandem stroller is something to consider. These types of strollers offer seats that are placed side by side, with a toddler seat on top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers will save you money over time because you use one stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.