Which Stroller Type is Ideal for Your Toddler?

If you are in the market for a new stroller for your toddler, then the options may be overwhelming.  With so many strollers out there, it can be hard to choose which one is best.  Should you be looking at double strollers that will accommodate your toddler and another sibling?  What about jogging strollers so that you can finally get on losing those last few pounds of baby weight?

The type of strollers that will work best for you will depend on a variety of things.  Here’s a look at what you should consider before you go shopping.

What are your stroller needs?

Since every family is different, the reasons why you need a stroller can be as varied as the number of strollers out there.  However, knowing what your needs are will make it easier to find the stroller that works best for you.  Consider:

• Who will be using it?  Just your toddler or other siblings?
• What size is your toddler?  Larger or smaller than average toddlers may not be comfortable in all models.
• Where will you be going?  Do you need something for indoors or out?  Does it need to be portable or fold up small?
• When will you use it?  Do you need a stroller for everyday or just the occasional outing?
• Why are you using it?  Do you want jogging strollers for exercise or larger strollers to carry gear?

Options for toddlers

Here is a look at some of the best strollers for toddlers and why they may or may not work for you.

• All-terrain Strollers – These strollers are great for parents who want to use them to take their children everywhere.  Large wheels make them easier to push even outdoors, however they are not advised for use while jogging.  Often all terrain strollers can accommodate larger/heavier children, but do not work well for young infants.  They may not fold flat for traveling/storage and can be heavy to carry.
• Jogging Strollers – These are for parents who want to get in shape, jogging strollers are specially designed for brisk walks and jogging.  They tend to have a higher handle than other models and larger wheels.  Jogging strollers can often carry heavier children but are not recommended for newborns.  Fixed wheeled models of jogging strollers can be hard to steer while models with a swiveling front wheel can be hard to use on uneven surfaces.  They do not collapse well for traveling.
• Side-by-side Double Strollers – These work well if you have two children of similar age and/or size that will want to ride at once.  They are not a good idea for a young infant and a toddler, as the uneven weights will make the strollers difficult to steer and the toddler has easy access to the infant.  Since these double strollers are wider than tandems they can be hard to maneuver through narrow doorways and some models may not fold up small enough for smaller vehicles.
• Tandem strollers – Tandems allow two children to ride at the same time.  These double strollers feature the seats one behind the other, making the stroller the same width as your typical travel system.  Depending on the model they may or may not fit in a car trunk when collapsed.  Steering can be difficult as tandem strollers make wide turns, and they tend to be heavier than other strollers.  Similar to a tandem, the Sit and Stand variety of strollers can work well for older toddlers, however the front seat does not recline fully and the back seat offers limited seating space.
• Traditional strollers – These strollers are a step up from umbrella strollers.  They are sturdy and roomy and some accommodate larger toddlers.  Some models may be too heavy to lift in and out of car trunks easily, while the lighter ones may not hold a larger toddler well.
• Umbrella strollers –  These strollers are lightweight and often inexpensive.  They usually have only minimal features, and may not include things like a sunshade or a storage basket.  Umbrella strollers cannot be used with young babies and may be too short for taller parents to push comfortably for an extended amount of time.

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