10 Healthy Double Strollers Habits
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age A double stroller can be a great investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time navigating the aisles of the supermarket, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which can impact the convenience and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also think about the seat recline options as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, 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 majority of families, a double stroller will be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for heavy items or groceries."
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She also says that it's helpful to find a stroller that comes with a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and then transformed into a tandem (with the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spots and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design so that both children can meet up on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, when the seats are on different levels.
A tandem stroller is a ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them see both children at once. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through some doors inside. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, such as the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad variety of configurations and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments, according to your requirements.
If you're looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, make sure that the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It must be comfortable for both parents and children, 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 effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or use the brakes.
User-Friendliness
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers with features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, there are pushchair twin that make them more convenient to use. For instance the stroller must be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two kids significantly simpler.
In our testing we rated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents who are always moving around, since it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating options and accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to provide an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple children of different age. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to hold the essentials of both parents and children like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo space that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A quality double stroller will be able to grow with your family. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can expand with your kids until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even include a rider board that allows older children to join in the fun.
There's a wide selection of double strollers on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children of the same age, or siblings who want to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and less likely to be able to fit through doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.