Watch This: How Toddler Stroller Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
Strollers are a great option to ensure your toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child secure and lock swivels that won't slide off.
If you're expecting a child think about a travel system that attaches 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). Choose a basket with plenty of room and is accessible.
Safety
If you want your toddler to have fun strolling around for years pick a top-quality model with safety features that meet stringent standards. These include age and size compatibility, stable design and restraining belts, safe seat shells and sunshades. Look for a five-point harness that uses straps over the shoulders, between the legs and at the crotch area to prevent your child from falling out of the stroller in a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps that can further increase your child's safety.
Strollers are tested for impact to ensure that they are safe. The stroller is lowered from a height to measure the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not slide over when it is it is in use. The most reliable strollers come with an able to lock and secure brake system that can be engaged like in the case of a vehicle.
Examine the brake pedals to ensure they are simple for you to operate, but difficult for children to take off. If you can, opt for a magnetic harness. It uses strong magnets that keep the straps together. It is easy for parents to fasten, but it is difficult for children to unfasten. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a security belt opening that locks in a reclined position.
The folding and unfolding of a stroller should be done away from children to avoid pinching hazards. Always make sure that the hinges have no protrusions or sharp edges. To avoid entanglement hazards and reduce the risk that the stroller may tip over accidentally, store bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Don't hang bags, diaper bags or other items from the stroller's handles. This could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Strollers are an excellent way for your little one to enjoy the world and learn about the natural world, so pick a model with an extendable shade or canopy that can 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. A bag clip or a tote will allow you to carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers get older, they need a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A spacious seat with plenty of cushioning and recline options will ensure that they fit comfortably in their stroller and are comfortable during outings. A model that has adjustable footrests and canopy will also allow for their height to change. Other crucial aspects to consider are a sturdy frame, 5-point harness, and braking system that guarantees security.
A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or two close-aged babies. Select a double stroller that has a reversible seating position to allow them to ride facing forward, facing the parent or facing each opposite. Reversible seats also help your kids bond with one another while out for walks. Based on your lifestyle, you may want an infant stroller with cups holder or a bag clip to keep snacks and beverages in reach.
The most suitable strollers for toddlers are easy to fold and maneuver. Strollers that have swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will make it easier for you to navigate through busy streets or on rough terrain. It is also recommended to consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar as well as windows that can be viewed from a distance. For convenience and ease of operation, you might want a parking brake that can be operated by hand.
No matter if you're on an easy stroll to town or a lengthy vacation, the right stroller can keep you and your family comfortable while exploring. These strollers are designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. They feature the convenience of a compact design that is able to be folded away, as well as a large storage basket.
I spoke with five experts in the field of strollers and parenting. They included Lisa Trofe (executive director of the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association), Kyleyn Gosewisch (customer care specialist at Strolleria), Marielle Marquez (pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid) which is a non-profit organization that provides baby and child safety information, and Sarah Huff (senior manager of customer and community relations). Find out their top tips for selecting the right stroller to use with toddlers.
Folding
Look for a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your toddler may jump into and out of it on their own. Some models can be folded using just one hand, while others come with an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller. You might also consider a stroller with a big canopy that protects your child from the sun, and one that offers several reclining positions.
Some of the top strollers come with a separate compartment that lets you attach an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You can choose a light stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds to make it easier to carry on and off public transport. If you plan to take the stroller on uneven surfaces, select one with large, durable wheels. These wheels will easily roll over a variety of types of terrain.
A stroller that has a cushioned strap for carrying can allow you to effortlessly sling the stroller on your shoulder when needed. You should never hang a purse, diaper bag or other item from the handle of a stroller because it could cause a tipping effect and may cause injury or death to your child or toddler.
The stroller you select must have five-point harness that securely attaches to both the rear and front of your child. It should also come with large, ample storage basket that is easy to access and a tray for your child. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is a must.
You can find more tips and information on choosing strollers in our buying guide. If you have questions, reach out to our expert customer service team for help.
What is the difference between a stroller and a pram?
A stroller (Canada & US) or pram (U.K.) is a portable hand-pushed vehicle for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers can carry the infant car seat and some have an infant bassinet that is able to be converted into an adult seat. Some strollers are equipped with locks and shackles to prevent them from being taken by pedestrians. In a top-quality carrier is a great alternative to using a stroller to increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands to do other things such as grocery shopping or running errands.
Storage
As your baby grows, stroller excursions become more involved than the simple out and back strolls of childhood. For these trips you'll need more items, including a fully stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothes for your Baby. Stroller storage is the key to bringing all these items and keeping them in reach.
Take a look at a stroller that offers plenty of storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, additional clothes, and even one of our top water bottles for kids. These essentials will let you take your time on your excursion without worrying about baby or bags.
Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space, however for those who want an more convenient place to store your items consider a stroller that has a tray for the parents. pushchair pram have an integrated cup holder aswell as a large storage area that can be used for more than just beverages. Some of our most loved strollers include a parent tray while others offer it as an additional feature.
When choosing a stroller with a parent tray, make sure it includes deep cup holders that can securely hold your drink. Shallow cup holders could spill over the edge, which could pose a danger to your baby. We also advise against hanging things from the handlebars as it can cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item, how steep the terrain and the amount of weight in the storage basket, this can make a stable stroller a dangerously tippy one.
If you are a family planning to have two children in a few years, a tandem stroller is something to consider. These strollers come with seats that sit side by side with a toddler seat on the top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers will save you money over time by allowing you to use one stroller for your child from birth until toddlerhood.