10 Healthy Double Strollers Habits
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment if you have two children with similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which impacts convenience and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the options for recline of the seat as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, parks and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with 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 that shield kids from the sun or rain.
For many families double strollers will be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to think about seating options. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that each child can sleep comfortably.
In the end, she suggests looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to customize the setup based on their family's needs. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other on a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, and they might not be able to pass through all doors in your home. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models are able to accommodate a broad range of configurations, and let you click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended times. It should be easy to clean and maintain and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing the stroller to move it easily.
Easy to Use
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over different terrains for families who are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy systems with windows that peek out and dependable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. For example the stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life on the go with two kids significantly simpler.
During our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. For instance, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a major benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon can be expanded to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend a lot of time in the car with a variety of children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging, clearly labeled sections and an informative user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
double pushchair has the potential to hold twice as much as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can take in bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For example certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're able to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun by riding on riding boards.
There are many different double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features which are suitable for rough terrain, or affordable options that you can use daily. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age, or siblings who prefer to be social with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.