Toddlers get tired. And so will your arms, if you give in to their pleas to carry them. Find the best strollers for toddlers so you can keep your big boy or growing girl (and yourself) happy. These require a combination of sturdiness, versatility and convenience, so learn about a few types of toddler strollers below:
- Convertible Strollers
Convertible strollers are one of the best investments you can make since they grow with your child. Snap your child’s car seat into the stroller’s frame, and as your child gets older, use the regular seat to wheel him around. Storage is key on these types of rides, so look for ample room to stash diaper bags, snacks and favorite toys.The Nuna Mixx marks the perfect stroller that grows with your kiddo, as it can hold an infant car seat but also has a main seat that can bear up to 50 pounds. “It’s really new but very noteworthy,” says Kit Li-Perry, chief merchandising officer of Giggle, a baby product store. “It’s really easy to fold, and it literally folds flat.” The seat on the Mixx goes from upright to completely flat, as well, so your toddler can snooze.
- Lightweight Strollers
This type of stroller is portable and easy to push. Look for one that folds flat to easily stash in your trunk, or find one with a carrying strap to be easily carried when your tot wants to walk for a while. The light frames are also easy to carry up and down stairs, so keep the weight in mind if you’re an apartment dweller. For a power buy, check out a newer brand called the Urbini Humming Bird Stroller. Don’t let its status as a Walmart exclusive trip you up — this stroller does not look cheap.“It plays with the same type of styling we like with the fancier strollers, but the price point is amazing,” says Hollie Schultz, founder of Baby Gizmo, a parenting resource site. It also features an easy push fold and can be carried with one hand, making it simple to tote your tot around. Oh, and it weighs less than seven pounds.
- All-Terrain Strollers
Just because you have a toddler doesn’t mean you have to slow down. Tackle rocky trails or cobblestone streets in these durable strollers, but look for large wheels and a suspension system to keep your toddler’s ride a smooth one. The Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle is so hardy you can use it to roll your toddler up concrete stairs. The seat pops upright for your toddler, and it can take up to 45 pounds. “It’s a beast of a stroller,” says Schultz, who also lauded its roominess and quality of the frame. The suspension on the wheels and design of the frame also make it great for any kind of topography.
- Running Strollers
Whether you’re a casual jogger or marathon runner, finding a stroller to let you exercise with your tot is a must. Similar to all-terrain models, large and durable wheels are necessary here.However, the best jogging strollers are also lightweight, easy to steer and have handlebars to adjust to your height — this is key to a comfortable run. The Bugaboo Runner has a smooth ride, easy push and features a tri-wheel design with a reversible seat, which is rare for a jogging stroller, where kids typically face away from the parent. Li-Perry says “the control of the Bugaboo, the maneuverability, is so good when you’re running.”
Top Tips to Find the Best Strollers for Toddlers
Before you purchase any stroller, consider your lifestyle. Will your stroller be used mostly for errands, or do you need something you can take with you anywhere? Do you have a car, rely on public transportation or fly frequently? Pick a few features that are important to you (like weight, portability or durability) and stick to those specs as you shop.
Also keep in mind that toddlers grow quickly, so be sure the seat will be tall enough for head clearance. From the back of the seat to the top of the canopy, Schultz says, should measure at least 24 inches — 26 or 27 inches would be perfect. Also, if you’re looking to take your toddler off pavement, look for air-filled tires or at minimum, tires measuring at least five inches in diameter so the wheels “don’t get caught up in any bumps.”
Erin Chan Ding is a freelance journalist based in the Chicago area. She has a toddler and a kindergartner and is always hunting for a great stroller.
