The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Toddler Stroller

What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

strollers strollers are an excellent way to safely take your wiggly 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 have a baby, consider a travel system that can be attached to your car seat, or a convertible model that could grow from single to double (and sometimes triple with the addition of a Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket with plenty of space and is accessible.

Safety

If you want your child to enjoy strolling for years make sure you choose a top-quality model that has 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. Look for a 5-point harness that has straps that are placed at the crotch, between the legs, and above the shoulders to stop your child from falling off the stroller in 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 meet safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and measuring the force of the impact to ensure it won't tip over while being used. The best strollers have an able to lock and secure brake system that can also be engaged like in the case of a vehicle.

Check the brake pedals and ensure that they are easy to operate prams for sale you but difficult to loosen for children. If you can, opt for the magnetic harness. It is made of strong magnets to hold the straps together. It is simple for parents to secure, but difficult for babies to unlock. Also look for a padded bumper bar that is wrapped around the frame and an opening for the safety harness that closes when the seat is reclined to prevent your baby from being trapped.

The folding and unfolding of a stroller should be kept away from children to prevent pinching hazards. Verify that the hinges are free of sharp edges and protrusions. To prevent entanglement and to reduce the chance that the stroller could fall over, store bags in the storage space beneath the stroller or in the basket. Don't hang bags, diaper bags or other items from the stroller handles. This could be a strangulation risk for your baby.

Pick a stroller that has an extendable canopy that will protect your child from the harsh sun. A tray for snacks and a cup or bottle holder will keep drinks and snacks close at hand. A bag clip or tote will allow you to carry shopping and other items without adding bulk to your stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used as infants. A seat that has plenty of padding and recline features will allow them to walk comfortably and remain relaxed in their stroller. A stroller with adjustable footrests and canopy will also accommodate their changing height. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness and braking system are the most important elements.

A double pushchair stroller will be perfect for parents who have twins or children with similar ages. Select a double stroller that has a seating position that can be reversed so that they can ride facing forward, facing the parent, or facing each other. Reversible chairs also aid your children in bonding while on a stroll. You can pick one with a cup holder, or a clip for your bag so you can keep snacks and drinks in reach.

The best stroller for toddlers must be simple to maneuver and fold. Strollers with swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will make it easier for you to navigate through busy streets or uneven terrain. You should also consider a stroller that has an adjustable handlebar, and an open 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 will ensure that you and your family are at ease on any journey, whether it's a quick excursion in the city or a trip on vacation. From an ultra-compact self-folding design to a huge basket for storage, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you require.

I spoke to 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 of Safe Beginnings First Aid) which is a non-profit organization that provides safety tips for children and babies and Sarah Huff (senior manager of community and customer relations). Find out their top tips for selecting the ideal stroller for toddlers.

Folding

Look for a stroller with an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Your toddler may be able to get into and out of it on their own. Some models fold down with a single hand, while others come with a strap which you can use to carry the stroller around if required. Look for a stroller with a large canopy to shield your child from direct sunlight, or one with various recline positions.

Some of the top strollers have a special compartment that allows you to attach an infant car seat (and some also have other attachment points for baby carriers). You may choose a lightweight stroller weighing less than 30 pounds to make it easier to lift on and off public transport. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, pick one with large sturdy wheels that can roll easily over various terrains.

If you have to, a stroller equipped with straps that are cushioned can easily be slung over your shoulder. Never hang a diaper or purse bag from the handle of your stroller. It can cause it to tip and cause injuries or suffocation to your baby.

The stroller you select should have five-point harnesses that are securely attached to your child's front and back. It should also have large, ample storage basket that is accessible and a child tray. For exhausted toddlers, a recline seat is essential.

You can find additional tips and information about choosing a stroller in our buying guide. Contact our customer service department if you have any questions.

What is 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 are able to hold an infant car seat, and some have an open bassinet that transforms into a seat for older toddlers. While most strollers are hard to take, a few models feature locks and shackles to stop them from being taken by passersby. A top-rated baby carrier is a great alternative to strollers. It can improve bonding and free your hands to complete other tasks such as grocery shopping, or running around.

Storage

As your baby grows into a toddler, stroller excursions are longer rather than the short out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child's life. When you go on these excursions, you'll need to bring additional items, such as a fully stocked diaper bag with snacks, drinks, and extra clothes for Baby. The best way to keep all of these items accessible is to put them in the stroller.

Consider a stroller that has plenty of storage space. It can hold your diaper bag, extra clothes, and one of our best water bottles for children. These essentials will let you take your time on your vacation without worrying about bags or baby.

The majority of full-size strollers come with plenty of storage space, but should you need an more convenient place to store your items consider one that has a tray for the parents. These consoles typically offer both cups holders as well as a large storage compartment which can be used for more than just drinks. Some of our favorite strollers include tray for parents, while others offer it as an add-on.

If you're choosing a stroller which has a tray for parents on it, make sure that the cup holders are sufficient in depth to hold your beverage securely. Shallow cup holders are more likely to spill onto the edges, making them a risk for your child. We also recommend against hanging any item on the handlebars since this can cause the stroller tip over. This could make a stable stroller unstable based on the weight, the incline of the terrain, and also the amount of weight that is in the bottom storage basket.

Families that plan to have more than one child in the next few years should think about a tandem or side by side stroller. These strollers have seats that are side-by-side with an infant seat at the bottom and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers will save you money in the long run by letting you use one stroller for your child from birth to toddlerhood.