stroller for tall toddler

Best Strollers for Tall Toddlers 2020

The average height of a toddler tends to be something in-between 29 inches to 41 inches. And manufacturers design their products in accordance with that measurement. Notwithstanding, frequently babies infringe the stereotype and grow beyond the limit. That’s where you need a stroller, which can accommodate your extra tall baby. If you have a toddler of that kind, you know the struggle: strollers that leave your kid cramped and whining for freedom, and earn you undeserved judgment for putting a too-tall child in a too-small stroller.

We understand, though—it’s not that you don’t care. All parents want their kids to be as comfortable as possible in their strollers! It’s just that finding the right one can be so grueling, you aren’t sure where to start. Our buyer’s guide will explain what constitutes a tall toddler, as well as how to measure them properly to find a stroller that will fit. We’ll also showcase some of our favorite models, all of which are designed for kids with above-average heights, or meant for older kids, too.

#Top 5 Strollers for Tall Toddlers – Editor’s Pick:

Thule Glide 2.0 Performance Jogging Stroller

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System

Maxi-Cosi Zelia 5-in-1 Modular Travel System - Stroller

How do I know if my toddler is especially tall?

Your child’s pediatrician will be able to tell you what percentile he or she is in, and whether or not they’re tall for their age (and by how much). Usually a matter of genetics, where one or both the parents are also tall, but can sometimes seem to come out of nowhere from a family of short or average-height people.

There are also certain medical conditions that can affect a person’s height, so consult your child’s pediatrician if you have any concerns. Disclaimer: his guide is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.

As for what’s “average” versus “tall,” here are the standard height ranges for toddlers by age:

Age Boys Girls
12 Months 29.2” – 30.5” 29.2” – 30.5”
15 Months 30.5” – 31.8” 29.9” – 31.2”
18 Months 31.7” – 33.1” 31” – 32.5”
21 Months 32.7” – 34.3” 32.1” – 33.8”
2 Years to 2½ Years 33.8” – 37” 33.2” – 36.6”
3 Years 36.5” – 38.6” 36” – 38.1”
4 Years 39.2” – 41.5” 38.6” – 41”

You can also use taller strollers that are specifically designed for older kids. These are meant for taller heights and heavier weights, and can suit not only average-sized children of preschool age or older, but larger toddlers, as well.

How are strollers measured?

Dimensions of a stroller are helpful when determining how easy they are to maneuver, but aren’t very helpful when trying to decide how well your child will fit. Even weight limits aren’t a great indicator, because a child can be tall for his or her age, but underweight/at the lighter end of the spectrum.

Instead, look at the stroller’s sitting height—how tall its seat back is—and compare it to your child’s sitting height.

Bonus Tips: Have your child sit on a hard and level chair. Measure from the seat (their bottom) to the top of their head, and make sure they aren’t slouching.

My toddler isn’t actually tall; this is for an older, but average-sized kid. Do models exist for kids over 3? Should my older kid even be using a stroller?

Successively stroller manufacturers are producing strollers with more head and legroom, and higher weight capacities as well as better tires—specifically for preschoolers and school-aged children to use them, instead of getting crammed into uncomfortably tiny versions meant for toddlers. While this buyer’s guide will focus on strollers meant for taller toddlers, there are options out there for parents who want (or in some cases, need) to have a stroller in hand for their older children, as well.

As for whether or not your kid should still be using a stroller at this age, that’s something only you as their parent (perhaps with guidance from their pediatrician) can decide. Experts say children should walk whenever they can for fitness and coordination development, of course, but sometimes that’s just not possible.

Aside from the obvious reasons a child might need a stroller past a certain age (disabilities that hinder his or her ability to walk), there are other factors and special circumstances that make parents decide to buy a “big kid” option:

  • Long day trips, such as at amusement parks, where a child will get tired of walking and parents can’t or don’t want to carry them.
  • Fast-paced activities where parents need their child to walk quite fast with them, but child can’t keep up.
  • Crowded areas where child could become lost easily and needs to stay near parent.
  • Storage: many parents choose to bring a stroller to carry snacks, drinks, and other items during an outing, not because the child needs it/will necessarily be using it.
  • A mobile seat. A stroller allows your kid to sit anytime, anywhere, for resting their legs or taking a nap. Whether or not they sit in it while you’re moving is up to you.

In the end, no amount of experts, studies, or even judgment from other people should make the decision for you. If you and your child’s pediatrician are in agreement about his or her stroller use into an advanced age, there’s nothing to worry about.

Best Strollers for Tall Toddlers Reviews

1. ​Thule Urban Glide Jogging Stroller Review

Jogging strollers are a must for dynamic parents, but can be used in place of the standard ones, too. They’re lightweight, easy to store and carry, and have thicker tires and specialized construction that, in many ways, is better for even casual walks than standard models. Urban Glide Jogging stroller from Thule has a sleek design meant for comfort (for both the parent and child) and can fit kids in a range of heights.

Pros

  • Weight capacity: 75 lbs.
  • Maximum height: 21” seated (how tall your child is when measured from seat to top of head).
  • Tri-wheel design with swiveling front wheel allows for easy steering; locks into position for jogging.
  •  Ergonomic handlebar; can be adjusted for parent’s height.
  • Can be turned into a full travel system with car seat adapter (need to buy separately).
  • Seat is fairly padded for comfort; reclines.
  • Rear suspension is in operation for shock absorption on multiple terrains.
  • Can be folded for easier transport.

Cons

  • A bit pricy, but fair for a jogging stroller.

The Urban Glide is a bit of a budget stretch for most parents, true—but it’s got solid construction, and could very well last through multiple kids, making it well worth the price. We especially love its shock absorption, thanks to two suspension springs on the rear tires, and the fact it’s easy to fold and carry when you’re on the go. Bonus: when it’s time to hand the stroller down to a younger sibling, you can purchase a car seat adaptor to click a Thule infant seat right into place over the toddler seat.

2. ​Baby Trend Expedition Premiere Jogger Travel System Reviews

Parents on a tight budget will love the Baby Trend Expedition Premiere Jogger Travel System price, but especially when you consider this is for a full travel system, which includes an infant car seat that locks into the stroller’s design, so you can go straight from the car to the trails (or the mall) with a few simple steps. When the child outgrows his or her car seat, they can ride in the toddler portion of the stroller—which also includes a handy snack tray and cup holder.

Pros

  • Stroller weight: 42 pounds
  • Highest: 42 inches
  • 12″ front and 16″ rear air filled wheels
  • Tri-wheel design with swiveling front wheel; can be locked into place.
  •  All-terrain tires with spokes.
  • Adjustable sun awning
  • 5-point safety harness with easy parent release.
  • Very affordable for a stroller, and even more so with added car seat system.
  • Doubles as a jogging stroller (only for use with ages 6 months and older; not suitable for jogging with infants).

Cons

  • Weight and height capacities are not as high as anticipated.

The Baby Trend Expedition is a solid travel system, and its stroller is pretty impressive for the price tag. We love that it can be used as a jogging stroller, but doesn’t have that “jogger stroller mark-up” that’s all too common in the kid gear industry. There’s storage underneath, a place for your phone or mp3 player in the top, and three total cup holders: one on the child’s tray, and two near the handle for parents. Its black-and-red design is also appealing for its gender neutrality and ability to hide dirt.

3. ​Cybex Agis M-Air3 Baby Stroller, Moon Dust Review

The Cybex Agis is a simplified design overall: it doesn’t have any features you don’t need, which is a plus for parents tired of shelling out extra money—but a definite negative to anyone who prefers the comfort of ergonomic handlebars, the convenience of cup holders, or the all-terrain abilities of jogging-level tires, all of which the Cybex Agis lacks. That said, it’s a solid option with a sleek look, five fun colors to choose from, and—most importantly—an extra-tall seat.

Pros

  • Maximum height: (seated) 27 inches.
  •  Maximum weight: 55 lbs.
  • Can be used as a pram or a travel system with additional purchases of cot/car seat add-ons.
  •  Stands upright when folded.
  •  Five-point harness system with padded shoulder straps.
  • Adjustable canopy.
  • Tall backrest can also recline for on-the-go naps.

Cons

  • Does not come with/have options for tray; no cup holders. Does include basket underneath.
  • Child cannot sit fully upright; will always be at a slight recline, though this is common with many strollers.

While it’s not outfitted with convenient features like cup holders or shock absorption, the Cybex Agis is still above a “standard” stroller, thanks to its upright storage position and taller-than-most seat back. The only drawback in our eyes is the weight capacity, which seems a little incongruous with the extra-tall seat. We recommend this to parents whose children are tall for their age, but closer to average weights or below.

4. urbini Omni Plus Travel System, Berry Review

Big strollers packed with features and storage are great for days at the amusement park—but not so much when you’re navigating crowded city streets or a packed shopping mall on Saturday morning. Light in weight, easy to steer, and compact even when in use, this option is perfect for days just like those.

Pros

  • Maximum weight: up to 35 lbs.
  • Quad (four-wheel) design; narrow and simple for easy maneuvering, even in crowded places.
  •  Product weight: 22 lbs.
  • Mesh basket underneath for storage.
  • Arm bar in front of child, swivels out of the way for easier ins and outs.
  • Also available in lime green and black combination.

Cons

  • Canopy might not provide adequate shade.

The Urbini Hummingbird boasts the narrow, light design of an umbrella stroller, but doesn’t sacrifice the padded comfort and storage of a standard stroller, either. Price is below most budgets for models like this, and the ease of use will make traversing crowds a breeze—which proves, as any city-dwelling parent will tell you, bigger isn’t always better.

Conclusion

Parents blessed with tall kids have enough problems to deal with: shoes and clothes being outgrown faster than you can cut the tags off; less and less legroom in the car as your kids age; and, of course, finding a stroller that can comfortably fit your child without his or her legs crammed into footholds, or worse—leaving their feet to drag the ground as you push.

With your child’s height and sitting height measurements in hand, however, you can find the perfect stroller suiting their needs—and, if you’re so inclined, plenty of handy features like cup holders and storage, to suit yours.

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