5 Motives Double Strollers Is Actually A Great Thing
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep an eye on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important aspect to take into consideration. This can include both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the options for recline of the seat as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should 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 also offer versatile seating options for children of various age groups and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to protect children from rain or sun.
For many families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two main categories: in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and flexibility. Others like the wagon style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models tend to have this type of discrepancy. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product with an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access personal items, snacks, and toys while on the move. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended giving parents the ability to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels that slide over any surface.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries over who is allowed to sit in which spot, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child may be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. However, they are more spacious than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to a double in a variety ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on the additional bells and whistles of a new stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that is transported for long durations of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Ease of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them more convenient to use. For instance the stroller should 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 essential to add thoughtful features, like a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can make traveling with two kids much easier.
In our testing we rated each stroller on how well it did on a variety of 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 made a difference to the overall performance. For example, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts simple and easy. This is a huge benefit for parents who are constantly in motion, as it removes the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to provide a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one, so make sure you search for ample storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, as well as parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For example certain models come with the bassinet attachment, which can accommodate infants, while others feature child seats that can be adapted to your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers permit a rider's board to let older siblings join in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers come in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most versatile and suitable for twins or children of similar age. compact double stroller feature two seats that are set in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children of similar age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to fit into doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was highly praised by our testers for its multiple seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats or one child sitting in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. When it's time to fold this model needs only a few tugs on the straps under each seat (under the seats where kids sit) to fold.