Speak "Yes" To These 5 Double Strollers Tips
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids with similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while you shop, parks, and whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller, which affects the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. "They should also think about the seat recline options and the age ranges of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from the sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two main categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for bulky or grocery items.
In-line models tend to have this kind of discordance. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to modify the layout based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Safety features include a durable brake system and wheels which glide over any surface.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings fighting over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during walks.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It allows them to see both children at once. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It must be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to easily maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
A double stroller should be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families constantly moving. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them simpler to use. For instance the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for your groceries and other items. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These can make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our tests we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For instance a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge selling point for parents who are always moving around, since it does away with the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The double-stroller in the wagon style can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to store in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test participant Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice more than one stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' items such as phones, wallets, and keys. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Others have child seats that be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers even allow for a rider board that allows older children to take part in the fun.
There are many different double strollers available. You can choose from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that you can use daily. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age, or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler seat.
double pram and pushchair Push Chairs And Prams praised the memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.