What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller allows you to securely take your toddler stroller along on adventures. It should be equipped with a five-point harness to ensure your child's safety and lockable swivels that aren't able to roll away.

If you have a newborn look into a travel system that attaches to your car seat, or convertible models that can grow from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket that offers plenty of space and that is accessible.

Safety

If you want your toddler to be able to stroll for a long time pick a top-quality model that has safety features that meet the highest standards. Included in this are size and age compatibility, as in a stable design and restraining straps. Also, you can sunshades and shells for seats that are secure. 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 in the event of a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps that can increase your child's security.

Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they are safe. The stroller is lowered from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. This ensures that it will not slide over when it is it is in use. The best strollers also feature a safe brake system that locks and can be used similar to the car.

Examine the brake pedals to make sure they are easy for you to operate, but difficult for children to take off. If you can, choose an electronic harness that utilizes strong magnets to keep the harness straps together. It is simple to fasten for parents, but difficult for infants to open. Look for a padded frame bumper bar and a security belt opening that can be closed in the reclining position.

To avoid dangers of pinching, fold and unfold a stroller away from children. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. Keep bags in the storage area or in the basket under the stroller to avoid the risk of entanglement and to decrease the chance of the stroller accidentally falling over when it is in motion. Never hang purses, diaper bags, or other items from the stroller handles. This can be a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Strollers are an excellent way for your little one to explore the world and gain knowledge about the natural world, so pick a model with an extendable canopy or sunshade that will keep them safe from the harsh sun. A tray for snacks as well as a cup or bottle holder can keep snacks and drinks close at hand. A bag clip or tote will help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers age, they will need a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A spacious seat with plenty of padding and recline options will ensure they are able to comfortably use their stroller and remain relaxed during outings. A model that has adjustable footrests and canopy will also accommodate their changing height. Other crucial aspects to consider include a sturdy frame, 5-point harness and braking systems that guarantee security.

A double stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or babies with similar ages. Select a double stroller that has a seating position that can be reversed so that they can ride facing toward the parent, or facing one other. Reversible seats can aid in bonding your kids with each other while out for walks. Based on your needs you might want an infant stroller with cups holder or a bag clip to keep snacks and drinks in reach.

The best stroller for toddlers should be simple to maneuver and fold. Strollers that have swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will make it easier for you to navigate through crowded streets or Pram bags on rough terrain. You should also consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar as well as windows that can be viewed from a distance. 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 best stroller will keep you and your family comfortable on any trip, whether it's a quick stroll through the city or a vacation. From a compact, self-folding design to a large basket for storage these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you want.

To narrow your choices 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, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that offers safety and baby-related resources as well as Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Find out their top tips for choosing the best cheap stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Find a stroller that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your toddler may jump into and stroller out of it on their own. Some models can be folded with just one hand, while others come with an adjustable strap that lets you carry the stroller. You should consider a stroller that comes with a large canopy to shield your child from direct sun, or one that has various reclining positions.

A few of the top strollers come with a compartment that can be used to connect an infant car seat. Others have attachment points for baby carriers. You can pick a light stroller with a weight of less than 30 pounds to allow it to be easier to lift onto and off public transportation. If you plan to take the stroller over uneven terrain, choose a model that has large, durable wheels. These wheels will roll easily across a variety types of terrain.

A stroller that has a cushioned carrying strap can help you easily sling the stroller over your shoulder, if needed. Do not hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip over and cause injury or death to your baby.

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

You can find more tips and information about choosing a stroller in our buying guide. Contact our customer support team if you have any questions.

What's the difference between a Stroller and a Pram?

A stroller is a mobile vehicle that can be used to transport babies or young children. Some strollers have the capability to carry an infant car seat and some even have an open bassinet that transforms into an adult-sized seat. While most strollers aren't easy to steal, a few models come with locks and shackles to stop them from being snatched by passersby. Wearing your baby in a top-rated stroller can be a great alternative to using a stroller to increase bonding, while freeing your hands to do other things like grocery shopping or running the errands.

Storage

As your baby becomes 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 Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to carrying all these items and keeping them within reach.

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

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space. However, if you want an even more convenient place to store your items, look for a stroller equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles typically offer both cups holder as well as a large storage compartment that can accommodate more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers include tray for parents, while others offer it as an add-on.

When selecting a stroller that includes a tray for parents on it, ensure that the cup holders are sufficient to hold your beverage securely. Cup holders that are too small tend to spill onto the edges, making them dangerous for your baby. We also recommend against hanging things from the handlebars since it could cause the stroller to tip over. This can make a sturdy pushchair stroller unstable based on the weight, the slope of the terrain, as well as the amount of weight that is in the storage basket at the bottom.

If you're planning to have two children in a couple of years, a tandem or side-by-side stroller is something to consider. These strollers feature seats that are side by side, with an infant seat at the lower part and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers can save money over the long term by permitting you to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.