Blogs
on July 10, 2024
What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
A stroller allows you to ensure that your toddler is safe along on adventures. It should come with five-point harnesses to keep your child safe and lockable swivel wheels that cannot be pushed away.
Consider a travel system for your newborn that attaches directly to your car seat. Or, a convertible model which can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even triple with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Look for a basket that's large and easy to access.
Safety
If you want your toddler to have fun strolling around 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 as well as restraining belts that are secure sunshades and seat shells. Find a five-point harness that uses straps on the shoulders and between the legs as well as at the crotch to stop your child from falling out of the stroller during the event of a crash. A lot of strollers come with extra hip straps that can increase your child's safety.
Strollers go through impact testing to ensure they meet safety standards. The stroller is lowered from a height to determine the force of the impact. This guarantees that it will not be able to tip over while it is in use. The top strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be activated like the vehicle.
Check the brake pedals, and make sure that they are easy to operate for you, but difficult to loosen for children. If possible, opt for a magnetic harness that uses strong magnets to hold the harness straps together and is simple to fasten for parents but difficult for infants to open. Also look for a padded bumper bar that wraps around the frame, and a safety harness opening that closes when the seat is reclined to keep your baby from being trapped.
The folding and unfolding of a stroller must be kept away from children to avoid the risk of pinching. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Keep bags in the storage area or the basket under the stroller to prevent the risk of entanglement and to decrease the chance of the stroller tipping over when in motion. Do not hang diaper bags or other items from the stroller's handles. This could be a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Pick a lightweight stroller that has an extension canopy that can protect your child from the harsh sun. Keep drinks and snacks handy by using a bottle or cup holder, as well as a snack tray. A bag clip or tote bag can help you carry your shopping items and other things without adding weight to the overall size 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 wide seat with ample padding and recline options will ensure that they fit comfortably in their stroller and remain relaxed during outings. A model that has adjustable footrests and canopy will also be able to accommodate their changing heights. A solid frame, a five-point harness and braking system are the most important elements.
A double stroller will be ideal for parents with twins or children of similar ages. Pick one with a reversible seat so that you can allow them to ride front-facing, parent-facing, or face each the other. Reversible seats also aid in bonding your kids with each other while out for walks. Depending on your lifestyle you may need a stroller with cups holder or a bag clip to keep snacks and drinks close at hand.
The most effective strollers for toddlers is easy to fold and move. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as suspension systems that work will make it easier for you to maneuver through crowded streets or rough terrain. Other convenient features to look for are an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a-boo window. You may also want a parking brake that is operated by hand for convenience and ease of use when you have a lot of hands.
The right stroller can ensure that you and your family are at ease on any journey whether it's a simple excursion in the city or on vacation. From a compact self-folding design to a large basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you want.
To narrow down your options I spoke to 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 resources and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community services at BabyQuip the baby gear rental site. Find out their top tips for choosing the best stroller to use with toddlers.
Folding
Your child will likely leap into and out of the stroller on their own, so opt for a model with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold with just one hand while others come with an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller. You might also consider an option with a large canopy that protects your child from sun, and one that offers multiple recline positions.
A few of the top strollers have an area that can be used to connect an infant car seat. Some have attachment points for baby carriers. You can choose a light stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds to make it easier to carry onto and pram and car seat off public transportation. If you plan to take the stroller over uneven surfaces, select a model that has large, sturdy wheels. These wheels can effortlessly roll across a variety of types of terrain.
If you have to, a stroller equipped with straps that are cushioned can be easily slung over your shoulder. Do not hang a purse or diaper 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 must have 5-point harnesses that are securely connected to your child's back and front. It should also come with 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.
In our buying guide, you'll find additional tips and information about selecting a stroller. Contact our customer service team should you have any queries.
What's the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?
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 accommodate the infant car seat, while others have a bassinet that is able to be converted into an adult seat. While most strollers are hard to take, a few models have locks and shackles that prevent them from being snatched by passersby. The use of a top-rated baby carrier is a fantastic alternative to strollers. It can improve bonding and allow you to perform other tasks, like grocery shopping or running around.
Stores
When your baby is a toddler, stroller trips become longer expeditions instead of the quick strolls in the beginning of your child's life. For these trips, you'll need to bring additional items, such as a fully stocked diaper bag with snacks, drinks, and extra clothing for your Baby. The most effective way to keep all these items within reach is to put them in the stroller.
Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space. It can store your diaper bag, spare clothing, and one of our top water bottles for kids. Having these necessities handy will give you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep an eye on your baby or keep an eye on bags while you walk.
Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space. However, if you want an even easier-to-access storage space for your belongings choose strollers that has a tray for the parents. These consoles usually come with a cup holder as well as a large storage area that can hold more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers come with an adult tray, while others offer it as an add-on.
When selecting a stroller that has a parent tray on it, make sure that the cup holders are sufficient to securely hold your drink. The cup holders with a shallow design could spill over the edge, creating the risk to your child. We also suggest not hanging things from the handlebars because it could cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a stable stroller unstable, based on the weight, the slope of the terrain, as well as the amount of weight in the storage basket at the bottom.
If you're planning to have two kids in a few years, a tandem or side-byside stroller is worth considering. These types of strollers have seats that are placed 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 allowing users to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.