When trying to find the best stroller for a baby or toddler, you should base your judgment on the safety and comfort qualities for your child, as well as the convenience factor for yourself. And for the most part, the features that make the best strollers for newborns are the same features that make the best strollers for toddlers. But there are a few different age-specific qualities you’ll want—all of which I get into below.
Qualities Needed for a Good Stroller for Newborns and Toddlers
Adjustable Handlebar
If multiple people will be pushing the stroller, get one that has a height-adjustable handlebar. More than likely, you all aren’t the same size. But if you can move the handlebar up and down to fit your height, then each of you can comfortably push it around.
Reclining Seat
Newborns don’t have any head or neck control, so a seat that reclines means they can safely lie down and sleep. And toddlers like being able to recline when they sleep as well (don’t we all?), so this feature allows your kid at every age and stage to nap in the preferred sleeping position.
Protective Canopy
Most strollers come with some type of protective canopy—but not all are created equal. Some canopies are so small you wonder why they even have them because it doesn’t keep the sun or wind from hitting your child. The Metro+ and Metro+ Deluxe come with an extra large sunshade that provides 100% coverage from all weather elements. It also has a peek-a-boo window so you can keep an eye on your baby, as well as a mesh hood that allows for more airflow to keep your baby cool.
Large Storage Basket
Do you want to carry your diaper bag or purse while pushing a stroller? Of course not. You’ll be a sweaty mess five minutes into your walk or shopping trip. Almost all strollers have some sort of storage option, be it a rear pocket or a basket under the seat. Opt for the latter because it’ll have more room and helps with your stroller’s center of gravity.
The Metro+ has a storage basket large enough to hold your diaper bag and a few extras. If you’re looking for even more storage , the Metro+ Deluxe comes with an expandable storage basket to hold more groceries, bags, and clothing.
SHOP ERGOBABY Compact Strollers
One-hand Fold
One-hand FoldWhether you’re holding a baby or a baby in a car seat or trying to hold onto a squirming toddler, it’s nice knowing that with one quick hand motion you can fold up your stroller. If you need two hands to fold and carry your stroller, who’s going to carry your baby? You’ll never have to worry about this or have to stay home because you don’t have an extra set of hands with an Ergobaby stroller.
The Best Stroller for Newborns: Newborn-Specific Stroller Qualities
Car Seat Compatible
With an infant, a stroller that holds your car seat can be a lifesaver. You never want to wake a baby who just fell asleep in the car, but you can’t stay in your car forever either. So if you don’t have to take him out of his car seat to put him in his stroller, you won’t be stuck with a cranky baby or cranky you who’s been sitting in your car for an hour thinking about all the things you could’ve gotten done if you could’ve gotten out of the car.
Currently, with a car seat adapter, Ergobaby’s Metro+ and Metro+ Deluxe strollers are compatible with Graco, Chicco, Nuna and Cybex car seats.
Good Suspension System
You want your sleeping baby to stay asleep over every crack in the ground, but more importantly, you want to keep your newborn’s head and neck stable and supported whenever you encounter any rough city or country terrain. A stroller with a good suspension system will absorb all those little bumps to keep your baby from bouncing around too much.
Five-Point Harness
A five-point harness is the safest for smaller and younger babies. The five safety straps include two chest straps, two waist straps, and one crotch strap to keep your little one secure inside the stroller.
The Best Stroller for Toddlers: Toddler-Specific Stroller Qualities
Easy, One-hand Navigation
With a walker, she may not want to spend the whole time in her stroller. So in the event that she wants to get out and walk next to you, it’s in your best interest to have a stroller that’s easy to steer with one hand so your other hand can hold onto your daughter’s hand.
Footrest
As a new parent, you may not think of this little feature. But your toddler and his legs will really appreciate having a footrest. It’ll support his calves and feet rather than leave them dangling.
