Choosing a Stroller That's Right For You

A stroller is a four-wheeled, often foldable, chair-like carriage in which children are pushed. It's an excellent way to enjoy a leisurely run or stroll in the park.

Kidsland has a large selection of single stroller with bench seat and double strollers. Our top-selling items in the store are the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat/Stroller.

Selecting a Stroller

Strollers are a parent's best friend. They let parents easily transport their children around town, discover the outdoors, or go through busy shopping malls. However, selecting the right stroller for your child and family's needs is essential to a smooth ride. To select a stroller that's ideal for you, you must first think about where you'll use it and how often. Do you need it to travel on difficult terrains or fit into a compact car trunk or navigate narrow doors? Also, think about whether you'll want to stroll with it in the city or on hikes in the woods. After you've identified the type of stroller and features you require, it's time to test drive a few models.

Start with some laps around the parking area to become familiar with its handling and moves. If you plan to use it for jogging, test the wheels for durability and see how they roll over bumps and uneven sidewalks. Then, decide if you need an extra storage basket to store essentials or a recliner for newborns. Make sure the handlebars can be positioned to allow you to walk comfortably and there's enough room for a child of your size to sit in the seat.

If you're thinking to have more children in the future, consider buying one stroller that can be converted into a double, or allows you to add a stroller board (for toddlers). Babylist parents tell us that one of their biggest stroller regrets is not having a convertible model when they had the chance.

If you're planning to use your stroller during stormy or bad weather ensure that the accessories such as sun umbrellas and rain covers can be put on quickly and easily. And don't forget about safety--check for a five-point harness that is easy to buckle and unbuckle with a secure seat, as well as sturdy brakes. Also, examine the hinges to ensure there are no sharp edges or spots where a tiny finger could become stuck. Check that the stroller meets local and state safety regulations. And lastly, test it out with your kid to make sure you both feel comfortable.

Strollers for One Child

It is possible that you only need a single stroller if you have only one child. These strollers tend to be smaller than full-sized strollers and come with the same safety features. They also have a large canopy that shields your child from wind and sun. They're also often more maneuverable and have fewer parts that can break.

If your child is in an infant seat a stroller with an infant carrier built in is a good option. These strollers are made with sturdy frames that can accommodate more than one seat, or even a second baby car seat. They are usually easier to use and cost less in the beginning than convertible or double strollers.

An all-in-one stroller can also be a good choice for older children. These strollers have a large wide basket that can store your child's belongings and can accommodate most baby diaper bags. They're also simple to steer and narrow enough to pass through a bathroom stall. Additionally, they fold easily and can be put in a closet or behind the seat of the vehicle for easy transport.

Consider a convertible stroller if need a stroller that can grow with your family. These strollers come with a base frame that can hold two toddler seats or even an infant bassinet (carriers and adapters are sold separately). These strollers are typically more expensive than single fold pushchair-seaters but are a great investment when you're looking to move around with your kids in a light manner and are able to accommodate a variety of seating. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a convertible stroller with top features that can accommodate up to three children (age-dependent).

Strollers for Two Children

A double stroller will assist you in transporting two children at the same time if you have more than one. There are a myriad of options available including tandems, side-by sides, and wagons. Many of the dual strollers we tested have the capacity to accommodate a second child seat, or even a third one if you include a ride-along board that piggybacks (sold separately). Tandem strollers are available in a variety of configurations to suit different ages and stages. However they're generally heavier and bulkier than side-byside models.

Parents of twins will want twin strollers that have the same seating arrangement as their children. They'll also need one that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously and this is something that only a few of our top-rated double strollers have. Twins who are similar in age or capability may do better with the tandem stroller, but the seating arrangement will depend on the distance between them in age and what features each prefers.

In our tests, we found that all the tandem strollers that we tested were easy to maneuver and came with a an ample turning radius. They did not turn as smoothly in tight spaces as a single stroller and can be a challenge to maneuver around curbs. The majority of the strollers we reviewed fit in the majority of doors, however they might have a narrow aisle than one stroller.

Some strollers that were side-by-side we tested worked with a second toddler seat, however, they don't allow you to swap seats out and in this would be useful if your children are at different age ranges. The UPPAbaby V2 Double is an exception to this rule. It lets you easily switch between double and lightweight single stroller mode using its convertible frame.

Side-by-side strollers are by far the most popular model in our double stroller single category and we've tested a few of the most effective options that are available. Most come with plenty of storage space and allow you to keep both children within view. Some even have parent consoles that can be helpful in keeping track of your kids' needs and wants. They're typically more expensive than a single stroller, however some are priced at prices that are in line with or less than those of our top single strollers.

Strollers for three children

If you have three children (or a singleton and two older twins) then you'll need a stroller that will accommodate all of them. It's a big purchase, so do your research to find the right model for your family's size as well as your lifestyle and budget.

Try the Graco Ready2GrowLX three stroller if your looking for a stroller that will grow with your kids. It has an front bench seat that is designed to hold bassinets or infant car seats, and the rear seat converts into a toddler seat when the child is six months old. The seat can also be used as an elevated platform for toddlers and can be used with the tray for parents that comes with cup holders and storage compartments.

The Joovy Big Caboose is another great triple stroller. It has two forward-facing, reclining car-seat compatible seats that can fit children up to 32 inches in height. You can then add the rear seat accessory to transform it into a triple tandem stroller with a third regular seat for your oldest child. This model is ideal for twins or siblings who are close in age. The older child will sit on the front seat, while the younger one will be in the rear.

Quad strollers are popular with parents. They are essentially double strollers with an extra seat at the back. These strollers aren't as maneuverable but they offer more seating options compared to the regular double. The Foundations Trio Sport 4 Passenger Stroller is a good option. It's a bit pricey and has received great reviews from parents.

Strollers are essential for transporting your children and providing them with a the safety and comfort they need to rest while traveling. But when it comes time to buy a new stroller, you should know the distinctions between double and single strollers to choose the best model for your family. No matter which model you choose it's important to look for a stroller that meets US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards and has an ergonomic handlebar that makes it comfortable to push and steer for long periods of time.