The 10 Most Scariest Things About Toddler Stroller

What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller helps you securely take your toddler along on adventures. It should come with a five-point harness to keep your child secure and swivel wheels lockable so that they aren't able to roll away.

If you have a baby, consider an infant travel pram system that connects to your car seat, or a convertible model that can be upgraded from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket that offers plenty of room and is easily accessible.

Safety

If you want your toddler to enjoy strolling for years pick a top-quality model with safety features that are in line with the strictest standards. These include age and size compatibility, stable design and restraining belts, safe sunshades and seat shells. Find a 5-point harness that has straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and over the shoulders to prevent your child from falling off the stroller in a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps that can increase your child's security.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they meet safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and measuring the force of the impact to make sure that it doesn't fall over being used. The top strollers also come with an incredibly secure brake system that locks and can be used similar to the car.

Examine the brake pedals and make sure that they are easy to operate by yourself but difficult to unfasten for children. If possible, consider an electronic harness that utilizes strong magnets to keep the harness straps in place and is simple to fasten for parents, but hard for babies to unlock. 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 stop your child from being trapped.

To avoid dangers of pinching, fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Always check to see that the hinges have no protrusions or sharp edges. To avoid entanglement hazards and to reduce the chance that the stroller could fall over, store bags in the storage area underneath the stroller or in the basket. Don't hang your diaper or purse bags from the handles of your stroller, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your child.

Strollers are an excellent option for your child to soak in the world and learn about the natural world, so pick one with an expandable canopy or sunshade that will shield them from harsh sunlight. Keep snacks and drinks in a convenient place by using a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. Lastly, a bag clip or tote bag will allow you to carry your shopping bags and other items without adding to the bulk of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers get older to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had when they were infants. A seat with lots of padding and reclining features will allow them to walk comfortably and feel comfortable 3 in 1 pram their stroller. Additionally, a model with an adjustable footrest and canopy is a great choice to allow for their growing height. A solid frame, a five-point harness, and braking system are the most important elements.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or two close-knit babies. Choose a double pram stroller with a seating position that can be reversed so that they can ride facing towards the parent, or facing each opposite. Reversible seats can aid your children in bonding with each other while out on walks. You can pick a stroller that has cups holder, or a bag clip so you can keep snacks and drinks within reach.

The best travel stroller for toddlers should be simple to maneuver and fold. Strollers that have swivel wheels and a suspension system that works can make it easier for you to navigate through busy streets or on rough terrain. Other useful features to look for include a movable handlebar and a peek-aboo window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you may want parking brakes that are operated by hand.

The right stroller will ensure that you and your family are comfortable on any trip, whether it's a quick excursion in the city or on vacation. From an ultra-compact self-folding design to an expansive basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you need.

To narrow down your options I spoke to five parenting and stroller experts such as Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Kyleyn Gosewisch, customer care specialist at Strolleria; Marielle Marquez, pediatric occupational therapist and co-founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that offers baby and child safety resources and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Find out their top tips for selecting the best 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 fold down with just one hand, and others have straps that can be used to carry the stroller when needed. Look for a stroller with an enormous canopy to protect your child from sun, or one that has various recline positions.

Some of the best strollers come with a compartment where you can attach an infant car seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You can pick a light stroller weighing less than 30 pounds to make it easier to carry onto and off public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven terrain, choose one with large, durable wheels. These wheels can effortlessly roll across a variety of conditions.

If you have to, a stroller with padded straps can be easily slung over your shoulder. You should never hang the bag, purse, or other item from the handle of a stroller because it can cause tipping and possibly suffocate or injure your child or toddler.

The stroller that you choose must have 5-point harnesses that are securely linked to your child's front and back. It should also come with large, ample storage basket that is easy to access as well as a child tray. A reclining seat is a must for tired toddlers.

You can find additional tips and information on selecting the right stroller in our buying guide. If you have questions you can contact our customer service experts to get help.

What is the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller (Canada and US) or pram (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers can carry an infant car-seat and some have a bassinet that can be converted into an adult seat. While most strollers aren't easy to steal, a few models have locks and shackles to stop them from being taken by passersby. A top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to a stroller. It will help build bonds and allow you to complete other tasks like grocery shopping or running around.

Storage

As your baby grows into an infant, stroller rides become longer excursions instead of the quick strolls of infancy. For these outings you'll need additional items, such as an adequately stocked diaper bag with snacks, drinks, and extra clothing for your Baby. The most effective way to keep all of these items accessible is to store them in the stroller.

Consider a stroller that has plenty of storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, extra clothing, and one of our top water bottles for children. These essentials will allow you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about bags or baby.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, however if you want an even easier-to-access storage space for your belongings, look for one with a parent tray. These consoles usually have a cup holder as well with a large storage area that can be used for more than just drinks. Some of our top strollers come with a parent tray while others offer it as an additional feature.

If you are choosing a stroller that has a tray for parents, be sure it comes with deep cup holders that are able to securely hold your drink. The cup holders with a shallow design can spill over the edge, creating danger to your child. We also recommend against hanging things from the handlebars as it can cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a stable stroller unstable, based on the weight, the incline of the terrain, Car seat Pram and the amount of weight inside the bottom storage basket.

For families who plan to have two children in a couple of years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is worth considering. These strollers come with seats that are placed in a row, side-by-side with a toddler seat on top and an infant seat at the bottom. These strollers can save you money over the long term by allowing users to use a single stroller from birth through toddlerhood.