What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

A stroller allows you to securely take your toddler to adventures. It should have a 5-point harness to keep your child safe and swivel locks that don't fall off.

If you have a newborn look into a travel system that attaches to your car seat, or a convertible model that can expand from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket that's spacious and easy to access.

Safety

If you want your child to be able to stroll for a long time make sure you choose a top-quality model with safety features that are in line with the strictest standards. Included in this are age and size compatibility as in a stable design with restraining straps, sunshades and shells for seats that are secure. Look for a 5-point harness with straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and over the shoulders to prevent your child from falling off the stroller in a crash. A lot of strollers come with hip straps to increase your child's safety.

Strollers are tested for impact to ensure that they comply with safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and assessing the force of impact to ensure it won't tip over while being used. The best strollers also feature an extremely secure brake system that is lockable and can be used as in the car.

Examine the brake pedals to ensure they are easy for you to operate but difficult for children to remove. If you can, choose a magnetic harness that uses strong magnets to hold the harness straps in place and is simple to fasten for parents but difficult for children to unlock. Find a frame with a cushioned bumper bar and a safety belt opening that can be closed in the reclining position.

To avoid the risk of pinching fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Always check to see that the hinges do not have protrusions and have no sharp edges. Place bags in the storage area or in the basket underneath the stroller to prevent the risk of entanglement and to decrease the chance of the stroller accidentally tipping over when in motion. Do not hang diaper bags from the handles of your stroller, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Choose a stroller with an extended canopy that will shield your child from the harsh sun. Keep snacks and drinks handy with a bottle or cup holder as well as a tray for snacks. A bag clip or tote will help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to the stroller travel.

Comfort

As toddlers age and become more active, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they used as infants. A wide seat with ample padding and recline options will ensure they fit comfortably in their stroller and stay relaxed when they go out. A model that has adjustable footrests and a canopy will also allow for their height to change. Other essential aspects to consider include an extremely sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking system that ensures security.

A double stroller is perfect for parents with twins or close-knit babies. 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 the other. Reversible seats also aid your children in bonding with one another while out on strolls. Based on your needs you might want a stroller with a cup holder or bag clip to keep snacks and drinks in reach.

The most effective strollers for toddlers is easy to fold and move. A stroller that has swivel front wheels and a sturdy suspension system will make it easier to navigate busy streets and rough terrain. Other useful features to look for are an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a-boo window. To make it easier and more convenient operation, you might want a parking brake that can be operated by hand.

Whether you're out on a short trip to town or a lengthy holiday, the right stroller will keep your family and you comfortable while exploring. These strollers were designed with ease of use and flexibility in mind. They offer the convenience of a compact design that is able to be folded down and have an ample storage basket.

To narrow your choices, I spoke with 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, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner at Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that offers baby and child safety information and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community at BabyQuip, a baby equipment rental site. Learn their top tips on selecting the right stroller to use with toddlers.

Folding

Look for a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your child may be able to jump into and out of it on their own. Some models fold with just one hand, while others come with straps that allow you to carry the stroller with ease. You should consider a stroller that comes with a large canopy that protects your child from sun, or one that has several recline positions.

A few of the top strollers have a compartment can be used to connect an infant car seat. Other strollers include 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 intend to use the stroller over uneven surfaces, you should choose one with large, sturdy wheels. They can roll easily across a variety terrain.

A stroller with a padded strap that can carry it will allow you to easily sling the stroller over your shoulder when needed. Do not hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip over and injure or suffocate your baby.

The stroller you select should have a five-point harness which securely attaches to the front and back of your child. It should also include an ample, spacious storage basket that's easy to access as well as a tray for your child. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is essential.

In our buying guide, you'll find additional tips and information about choosing a stroller. If you have questions, reach out to our expert customer service team to get help.

What's the difference between stroller and a pram?

A stroller (Canada and US) or pram (U.K.) is a hand-driven vehicle that can be used for transporting babies and small children. Some strollers can hold an infant car-seat or a bassinet that is able to be converted into a seat. While most strollers are hard to steal, some models have locks and shackles to stop them from being snatched by passersby. Wearing your child in a top-rated baby carrier is a fantastic alternative to strollers. It can help strengthen bonding and free your hands to complete other tasks such as grocery shopping, or running the errands.

Storage

As your baby grows, stroller trips become more involved than the quick out and back strolls of childhood. For these trips you'll need more supplies, including a fully stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and extra clothes for your Baby. The key to keeping all of these items in reach is to put them in the stroller.

Consider a stroller with ample storage that can easily hold your diaper bag or spare clothes, one of our top water bottles for kids and much more. The convenience of these items will allow you to enjoy your trip without having to keep a hand on your baby or keep an eye on bags while you walk.

Most full-size strollers have plenty of storage space. However, should you need an easier-to-access storage space for your belongings consider one equipped with a tray for parents. These consoles usually come with cups holders as well as a large storage area that can hold more than just drinks. Some of our top strollers come with a tray for parents and some have it as an option to add on.

When selecting a stroller that includes a tray for parents on it, ensure that the cup holders are deep enough to securely hold your drink. Cup holders with shallow cups are more likely to spill onto the edges, making them dangerous for your baby. We also suggest not to hang anything on the handlebars as this could cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item, how steep the terrain is and the amount of weight in the storage basket, this could make a stable stroller an extremely tippy one.

For families who plan to have two kids in a few years, a tandem stroller is worth considering. These strollers come with seats that sit side by side with a toddler's seat on top and an infant seat on the bottom. These strollers will save you money in the long run by letting you use one stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.