The 10 Scariest Things About Toddler Stroller

What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller can help you safely bring your wiggly toddler to adventures. It should have a 5-point harness to keep the child secure and lock swivels that don't fall off.

If you have a newborn, consider an infant travel system that connects to your car seat or convertible models that can expand from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Look for a basket that's spacious and easy to access.

Safety

Choose a model that has safety features that are in line with strict standards if you want your child to be able to stroll in the stroller for many years to come. These include age and size compatibility, a stable design, restraining belts, secure seat shells and sunshades. Choose a five-point harness with straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to stop your child from falling off the stroller during a crash. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps to increase your child's security.

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 in use. The best strollers have the ability to lock, secure and secure brake system that can be used as the case of a vehicle.

Examine the brake pedals to make sure they're easy to operate but difficult for children to remove. If possible, choose an elastic harness. It has strong magnets that hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to secure, but it is difficult for children to unfasten. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that is wrapped around the frame and an opening for the safety harness that closes when the seat is in a reclined position to keep your baby from getting trapped.

Folding and unfolding strollers should be kept away from children to avoid dangers of pinching. Always check to see that the hinges do not have protrusions or sharp edges. Keep bags in the storage area or the basket under the stroller to avoid entanglement hazard and to reduce the chance of the stroller tipping over when in motion. Never hang purses or diaper bags from the handles of your stroller. This could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.

Strollers are an excellent way for your little one to enjoy the world and gain knowledge about nature, so choose one with an extendable canopy or sunshade that will shield them from harsh sunlight. Keep snacks and drinks handy by using a bottle or cup holder, as well as a snack tray. Lastly, a bag clip or a tote bag can help you carry your shopping and other belongings without weighing down the size of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age, they will need a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as babies. A wide seat with ample cushioning and recline options will ensure that they can comfortably fit into their stroller and remain relaxed on their outings. A model with adjustable footrests and a canopy can also accommodate their changing height. A solid frame, a five-point harness and braking system are all important factors.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or two close-gayed babies. Pick one with a reversible seat to allow them to ride front-facing or facing the parent, or even face each the other. Reversible seats can aid in bonding your kids with each other while out on walks. Based on your lifestyle you might want an infant stroller with a cup holder or bag clip to keep drinks and snacks in reach.

The ideal stroller for toddlers should be simple to maneuver and fold. A stroller with two wheels that swivel and a well-designed suspension system will help you navigate the streets that are crowded and rough terrain. Other useful features to look for include an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a-boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might want parking brakes that are operated by hand.

Whether you're out on an easy stroll around town or on a long vacation, the perfect stroller will keep you and your family at ease while exploring. These strollers were designed with convenience and adaptability in mind. They offer the convenience of a compact strollers design that is able to be folded down and also have large storage baskets.

To narrow your choices, I spoke with five experts on strollers and parenting, 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 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 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 just one hand, and others have straps that you can use to carry the stroller when needed. Consider a stroller that has a large canopy to shield your child from sunlight, or one with multiple recline positions.

A few of the top strollers have a compartment that can be used to connect an infant car seat. Some come with 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 on and off public transport. If you plan to use the stroller over uneven surfaces, you should choose a model that has large, durable wheels. These wheels will roll easily across a variety types of terrain.

If you have to, a stroller with padded straps can be easily slung over your shoulder. Never hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip and cause injuries or suffocation to your baby.

The stroller that you choose should come with five-point harnesses that are securely connected to your child's front and back. It should also have a large, spacious storage basket that is easy to access as well as a tray for your child. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is a must.

You can find additional tips and information about choosing the right stroller in our buying guide. If you have questions you can contact our customer service experts for help.

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

A stroller (Canada and US) or pram (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle to transport infants and young children. Some strollers have the capability to hold the infant car seat and some even have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into a seat for older toddlers. While the majority of strollers are difficult to steal, a few 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 a stroller. It can improve bonding and allow you to complete other tasks such as grocery shopping, or running the errands.

Stores

When your baby is a toddler, stroller trips become longer expeditions instead of the quick strolls of the early years. For these trips you'll need more items, including a fully stocked diaper bag snacks, drinks, snacks and even extra clothes for your Baby. The best way to keep all of these items in reach is to store them in the stroller.

Consider a stroller travel with ample storage that can easily hold your diaper bag or spare clothes, one of our best water bottles for children and much more. These essentials will allow you to take your time on your excursion without worrying about your baby or bags.

If you're looking to keep things in a location that is even easier to access, consider one with a parent tray. These consoles usually come with a cup holder as well pushchair with car seat a large storage area that can be used for more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers come with tray for parents, while others offer it as an add-on.

If you're choosing a stroller which has a parent facing pushchair tray on it, make sure the cup holders are deep enough to securely hold your drink. Shallow cup holders could spill over the edge, creating the risk to your child. We also suggest not hanging anything from the handlebars, as it can cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a stable stroller unstable based on the weight, the steepness of the terrain, as well as the amount of weight in the storage basket at the bottom.

If you are a family planning to have two kids in a few years, a tandem stroller is a good option. These types of strollers have seats that are placed in a row, side-by-side with a toddler's seat on the top and an infant's seat on the bottom. These strollers could save you money in the end by permitting users to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.