Toddler Stroller: What's New? No One Has Discussed
What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller
Strollers are a great way to ensure your toddler on adventures. It should be equipped with five-point harnesses to ensure your child's safety and swivel wheels lockable so that they can't roll away.
Think about a travel system for your infant that can be attached directly to your car seat. You could also consider an adjustable model that can be expanded from a single seat to a double (and even triple with the Vista PiggyBack Ride-Along Board). Choose a basket with plenty of space and is easily accessible.
Safety
If you want your toddler to have fun strolling around for years, choose a high-quality model that has safety features that meet the highest standards. These include age and size compatibility, sturdy design and restraining belts, safe seat shells and sunshades. Look for a 5-point harness that has straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and over the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller during a crash. Many strollers come with additional hip straps to increase your child's safety.
Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure they are safe standards. The stroller is lowered from a certain height to gauge the force of the impact. pram for newborn guarantees that it will not slide over when it is in use. The top strollers also come with an extremely safe, lockable brake system that can be used similar to a car.
Check the brake pedals, and make sure that they are easy to operate by yourself but difficult to remove for children. If you can, consider an elastic harness. It uses strong magnets to hold the straps together. It is easy for parents to secure, but difficult for babies to unlock. Also, look for a padded bumper bar that wraps around the frame, and an opening for the safety harness that closes when the seat is in a reclined position to keep your baby from getting trapped.
The folding and unfolding of a stroller must be done away from children to prevent the risk of pinching. Always check to see that the hinges are free of protrusions and have no sharp edges. To avoid entanglement hazards and to reduce the chance that the stroller may fall over, store bags in the storage space beneath the stroller or in the basket. Never hang purses, diaper bags or other items from the stroller's handles. This could pose an injury to your baby.
Choose a stroller with an extension canopy that can shield your child from the brutal sun. A tray for snacks and a cup or bottle holder can keep snacks and drinks close at fingertips. A bag clip or a tote can help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding bulk to the stroller.
Comfort
As toddlers get older to be more mobile, they require a stroller that is more comfortable than what they had as infants. A wide seat with ample padding and recline options will ensure that they are able to comfortably use their stroller and stay relaxed on their outings. A stroller with adjustable footrests and canopy will also accommodate their changing height. Other crucial aspects to consider include solid frames, a five-point harness and braking systems that guarantee security.
A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or close-knit babies. Select a double stroller that has a reversible seating position so that they can ride facing toward the parent or facing each the other. Reversible seats also aid in bonding your kids with one another while out on strolls. You can choose a stroller with a cup holder, or a clip for your bag so you can keep drinks and snacks in reach.
The best strollers for toddlers are easy to fold and move. Strollers that have swivel wheels and a suspension system that works will allow you to navigate through busy streets or on rough terrain. Other useful features to look for are an adjustable handlebar as well as a peek-a-boo window. For convenience and ease of operation, you might prefer parking brakes that are operated by hand.
The right stroller will keep you and your family at ease on any journey whether it's a simple stroll through the city or a trip on vacation. From a compact self-folding design to an expansive storage basket, these strollers offer the convenience and flexibility you require.
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 therapist and founder of Thrive Little), Holly Choi (cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid), an organization that offers information on child and baby safety, and Sarah Huff (senior manager of customer and community relations). Read on to learn their top tips to choose the ideal stroller for toddlers.
Folding
Your toddler will likely jump 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 just one hand, while some have straps which you can use to carry the stroller if you need to. You should consider a stroller that comes with a large canopy to shield your child from sun, or one that has several recline positions.
A few of the top strollers have a compartment that can be used to connect an infant car seat. Others have attachment points for baby carriers. You might want to opt for a lightweight stroller that weighs less than 30 pounds so that it's easy to carry on and off public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven surfaces, you should choose one with large, durable wheels. These wheels will easily roll over a variety of terrain.
A stroller with a cushioned strap for carrying can allow you to easily carry the stroller over your shoulder when needed. Don't hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip over and injure or suffocate your baby.
The stroller you select must have a five-point harness which securely connects to the front and back of your child. It should also include large, ample storage basket that's accessible and a child tray. A recliner is an essential feature for tired toddlers.
In our buying guide, you will find additional tips and information about choosing the right stroller. If you have questions you can contact our customer service experts to get help.
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 infants and young children. Some strollers can carry an infant car seat, while others have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into a seat. Some strollers are equipped with locks and shackles to prevent them from being stolen by pedestrians. Wearing your child in a top-rated baby carrier is a fantastic alternative to strollers. It will help build bonds and allow you to perform other tasks, such as grocery shopping, or running the errands.
Storage
As your baby becomes an infant, stroller rides become longer expeditions rather than the short out-and-back strolls in the beginning of your child's life. For these trips, you'll need to bring additional items, such as an adequately stocked diaper bag, snacks, drinks and even extra clothes for your Baby. Storage for your stroller is essential to bringing all of these items and keeping them within reach.
Take a look at a stroller that offers ample storage space. It can accommodate your diaper bag, extra clothing, and one of our best water bottles for children. Being armed with these essentials will give you the freedom to enjoy your outing without having to keep an eye on your baby or keep an eye on bags while you walk.
If you want to store things in a space that is easy to access, pick one with a tray for 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 top strollers come with a tray for parents and some have it as an add-on.
If you're choosing a stroller which includes a tray for parents on it, ensure that the cup holders are deep enough to hold your beverage securely. Cup holders with shallow cups tend to spill over the edges, which can make them dangerous for your baby. We also advise not putting any item on the handlebars since this can cause the stroller tip over. This can make a stable stroller dangerously unstable depending on the weight, the incline of the terrain, and the amount of weight in the bottom storage basket.
If you're planning to have two children in a couple of years, a tandem stroller is worth considering. 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 you money in the long run by permitting users to use a single stroller from birth until toddlerhood.