Choosing a Stroller That's Right For You
A stroller is a four-wheeled, usually collapsible, chairlike carriage in which small children are being pushed. It's a great way to take a relaxing run or stroll in the park.
Kidsland offers a wide selection of double and single strollers. Our top-selling items in the store are the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat/Stroller.
How to Select a Stroller
Strollers are a parent's best friend. They let parents easily transport their children around town, explore the outdoors or stroll through busy shopping malls. However, selecting the right stroller for your child and your family's needs is crucial to ensure a comfortable ride. Think about where and how often you will use the stroller to choose one that is suitable for you. Will it need to take on difficult terrains or fit into a compact car trunk, or navigate narrow doorways? Consider whether you'll be walking around the city or out in the woods. After you've chosen the type of stroller and features you'd like, you can test drive various models.
Begin by doing some laps around the parking lot. This will help you get accustomed to the way it moves. If you intend to use it for jogging, check the durability of the wheels and how they perform on uneven pavements and bumps. Consider if you'd like a basket to store your essentials or a reclining chair for babies. Also, ensure that the handlebars are at an appropriate height to allow you to walk comfortably and that there's enough space in the seat to hold a child your size.
If you're planning to have more children in the near future, think about purchasing one stroller that can be converted into a double, or allows you to add a stroller board (for toddlers). One of the biggest stroller regrets for Babylist parents is not purchasing an convertible model.
If you intend to use the stroller during stormy or bad weather ensure that the accessories like sun umbrellas and rain covers can be put on quickly and easily. Also, make sure to check for a five-point harness system that is easy to unbuckle and buckle as well as a safe seat and robust brakes. Also, examine the hinges to make sure there are no sharp edges or places where a finger might be stuck. Verify that the stroller meets the safety requirements of your state and local laws. Last but not least try it out with your kid to make sure that you both feel at ease.
Strollers for One Child
It is possible that you only need one stroller if have just one child. These strollers are generally smaller than larger strollers and have the same safety features. They also have a large canopy that protects your child from sun and wind. These strollers are also more maneuverable, and they have fewer parts to break.
If your baby is small and is still in an infant car seat A stroller that is all-in-one with an infant carrier built-in could be the best option for you. These strollers are built with sturdy frames that can hold multiple seats or even a second infant car seat that is attached to the base. They are generally easier to use and cost less in the beginning than convertible or double strollers.
A stroller that is all-in-one can be a good choice for older babies. They come with a big, spacious basket to carry your child's things and can fit most baby diaper bags. They are also easy to maneuver and narrow enough to fit in the bathroom doorway or stall. They fold up easily and can be tucked away in a closet or backseat of the car for quick transport.
If you're looking for a stroller that can adapt to your growing family, consider a convertible model. These strollers come with frames that can hold two toddler seats or even a bassinet (carriers and adapters are sold separately). These strollers are typically more expensive than single-seaters however they are a great investment if you want to take your kids on a short journey and can be adapted to seating. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is our top pick for a high-end, convertible stroller with top features and can hold up to three kids easily (age-dependent).
Strollers for Two Kids
If you have two young children A double stroller is a must to move both at once. There are many different alternatives, such as tandems, side-by-side strollers and wagons. Many of the dual-strollers we tested can accommodate the second child's seat or a third if you add a piggybackboard (sold separately). Tandem strollers have more configurations for different ages and stages than side-by-side models, but they are also generally larger in dimensions and heavier in weight.
Parents of twins want twin strollers that have the same seating arrangement as their children. They will also likely require one that is able to accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously and this is something that only a few of our best-rated double strollers offer. Twins who are close in age or abilities may do better with the tandem stroller, but the choice of seating style will also depend on how far apart they are in terms of age and what features each prefers.
In our tests, all tandem strollers that we tested were easy to maneuver and had a large turning radius. However, they didn't turn as smoothly as a single stroller in tight spaces and could be difficult to navigate around curbs. Most of the strollers we reviewed fit in the majority of doors, however they may have a more narrow aisle than a single stroller.
Some of the side-by-sides we test had the option of a second seat for toddlers however you couldn't switch them out and in. This could be beneficial for families with children of different age groups. The UPPAbaby V2 Double is an exception to this rule. It lets you easily switch between single and double mode by converting its frame.
Side-by-side strollers are among the most popular design in our double stroller category, and we've tested a few of the top options available that are available. They offer the convenience of keeping both children within reach at all times, and have plenty of storage space for your items. Some have parent consoles that aid in keeping the track of your child's wants and requirements. Some are priced at the same rate as our top single strollers, while others are more expensive.
Strollers for three children
If you have three children (or one singleton with two older twins), you'll need a stroller that will accommodate all of them. This is a major purchase, so it's best to research and search for a model that is suited to your lifestyle, family size and budget.
Try the Graco Ready2GrowLX three stroller if you want a stroller that will grow with your kids. It has a front seat that can be used to hold bassinets or infant car seats and a back bench seat that can convert to a toddler's seat for children over six months old. The seat can also be used as a standing platform for toddlers and can be used with the parent tray that comes with cup holders and storage compartments.
Another great triple stroller option is the Joovy Big Caboose. It has two forward-facing, car seat seats that reclining, and will fit children up to 32 inches tall. It is possible to add the rear seat accessory to transform it into a triple tandem stroller with a third seat for your oldest child. This model is ideal for twins and siblings who are similar in age. The older child will sit on the front seat, while the younger one will be in the rear.
Many parents opt for a quad stroller that is basically double stroller with an additional seat in the back. These models aren't as easy to maneuver but they provide more seating options to a standard double. One good choice is the Foundations Trio Sport 4-Passenger Stroller that is inexpensive and has received excellent reviews from parents who have used it.
Strollers are essential for transporting your children and giving them a comfortable, safe place to rest while on the go. But when it comes time to purchase a new stroller, it is important to know the distinctions between single and double strollers to determine the most suitable model for your family. Regardless of which model you choose, it's always important to choose a stroller that meets US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards and features an ergonomic handlebar that is comfortable to push and steer for long periods of time.