Toddler Stroller: What Nobody Is Discussing
What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
Strollers are an excellent way to ensure your toddler on adventures. It should come with a 5-point harness to keep your child safe, and lock swivels that won't roll off.
If you have a newborn think about a travel system that attaches to your car seat, or a convertible model that can grow from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket with plenty of room and is accessible.
Safety
Select a stroller with safety features that meet the strictest standards for your child to have fun in the stroller for many years. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy 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 above the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller in the event of a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to further enhance your child's safety.
Strollers are tested for impact to make sure that they are safe. The test involves dropping the stroller from a height and measuring the force of the impact to ensure it won't tip over while using it. The best strollers have a lockable, secure brake system that can be engaged like in the vehicle.
Check the brake pedals to make sure they are easy for you to operate, but difficult prams for sale children to take off. If possible, opt for a magnetic harness that makes use of strong magnets to hold the harness straps together and is easy to fasten for parents but hard for babies to unlock. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that wraps around the frame, and an opening for a safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to prevent your baby accessories from being trapped.
To avoid the risk of pinching, fold and unfold a stroller away from children. Always check to see that the hinges do not have protrusions and no sharp edges. To prevent entanglement and reduce the risk that the stroller may tip over, keep bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Never hang purses, diaper bags, or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This can be a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Strollers can be a wonderful way for your little one to soak in the world and discover nature, so choose a model with an extendable shade or canopy that can protect them from harsh sunlight. Keep drinks and snacks handy with a cup or bottle holder and a snack tray. A bag clip or tote will help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers get older and require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they had when they were infants. A spacious seat with plenty of cushioning and reclining options will ensure that they are able to comfortably use their stroller and remain relaxed when they go out. A stroller with an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to adjust to their height changes. Other crucial aspects to consider include solid frames, a five-point harness, and braking systems that guarantee security.
A double pushchair stroller is perfect for parents who have twins or children of similar ages. Choose a stroller with a reversible seating option to allow them to ride side-by-side, parent-facing, or face each the other. A reversible seat can also help your kids bond with one another for walks. Based on your lifestyle, you may want a stroller with an accessory for a cup holder or bag clip to keep drinks and snacks within reach.
The ideal stroller for toddlers must be simple to maneuver and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels as well as suspension systems that work can make it easier for you to navigate through crowded streets or on rough terrain. You should also consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a -boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might want a parking brake that is operated by hand.
If you're taking a quick trip around town or a whirlwind vacation, the perfect stroller will keep you and your family at ease while exploring. These strollers are designed with convenience and adaptability in mind. They offer a compact design that can be folded up, as well as large storage baskets.
I spoke with five experts in the field of strollers and parenting. These included Lisa Trofe (executive director of the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association), Kyleyn Gosewisch (customer care specialist at Strolleria), Marielle Marquez (pediatric occupational therapy therapist and founder of Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid) an organization that provides safety tips for children and babies, and Sarah Huff (senior manager of community and customer relations). Find out their top advice on choosing the best stroller to use with toddlers.
Folding
Your child will likely leap in and out of the stroller on their own, so opt for a model that has an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Some models fold down with one hand, while some have straps that you can use to carry the stroller if you need to. Look for a stroller with a large canopy that protects your child from sunlight, or one with several recline positions.
Some of the top strollers come with a compartment where you can click in an infant car seat (and some have additional attachment points for baby carriers). You might want to opt for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so it's easy to get to and from public transport. If you plan to take the stroller on uneven surfaces, select a model that has large, sturdy wheels. They can roll easily across a variety conditions.
A stroller with a padded strap for carrying can allow you to easily carry the stroller over your shoulder, if needed. Never hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip over and injure or suffocate your baby.
The stroller you choose should come with a five-point harness that securely attaches to both the front and back of your child. It should also have a large, easy-to-access storage basket as well as a child's tray. A reclining seat is also essential for tired toddlers.
In our buying guide, you'll find additional tips and information on choosing a stroller. If you have any questions, reach out to our customer service experts for help.
What's the difference between a stroller and a pram?
A stroller (Canada and US) or pram (U.K.) is an automobile that can be used by hand for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers have the capability to accommodate an infant car seat, and some have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into an adult seat. Certain strollers come with locks and shackles to stop them from being stolen by pedestrians. In a top-quality carrier is an excellent alternative to a stroller and improve bonding while freeing your hands for other tasks such as grocery shopping or running the errands.
Stores
When your baby is a toddler, stroller trips become longer excursions than the quick out-and-back strolls of the early years. You'll require more items for these excursions. This includes diaper bags that are fully stocked, snacks, drinks, and extra clothing for Baby. Stroller storage is the key to bringing all of these items and keeping them within arm's reach.
Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space that will easily accommodate your diaper bag, spare clothes, one of our best water bottles for kids and more. Being armed with these essentials will give you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep a hand on your baby or keep an eye on bags as you stroll.
The majority of full-size strollers come with plenty of storage space. However, should you need an easier-to-access place to store items, look for strollers equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles typically come with cups holder as well as a large storage area which can be used for more than just drinks. Some of our most loved strollers come with a parent tray and some offer it as an additional feature.
When you choose a stroller with a tray for parents, make sure that it has deep cup holders that can safely hold your beverage. The cup holders with a shallow design can spill over the edge, which could pose a danger to your baby. We also recommend against hanging items from the handlebars as it can cause the stroller to tip over. Based on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain and the amount of weight in the bottom storage basket, this can transform a stroller that is stable into a dangerously tippy one.
Families planning to have more than one child over the coming years should consider a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers have seats that are side by side, with an infant seat at the lower part and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers could save you money in the long run by allowing you to use a single stroller from birth to toddlerhood.
