7 Effective Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while braving the grocery aisle as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws at you.
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This could include both seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which impacts accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also think about the options for recline of the seat and the age ranges of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also provide flexible seating arrangements for children of varying age and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to shield children from sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. Billingsley says there are two major categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access snacks, personal items, and toys while in motion. She suggests that it's helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials in reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the configuration to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth using a single seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to carry the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. stokke double stroller have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily to do, is a nice feature to look out for. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose the side-by-side design to ensure that both children be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are at different levels, a child might kick or punch one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them observe both children at the same time. However, these can be more spacious than other double strollers, and they might not fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you're looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet strict safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, since over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to be swept up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have a a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure the safety of your children, but there are other factors that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for groceries or other things. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that make life with two kids much simpler.
In our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it performed on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall function of the stroller. For example, a stroller with a no-rethread harness makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move, as it saves time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double was a top performer in this measure because it came with a variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test participant Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a an informative user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much than a single stroller, therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the necessities of parents and children like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. Billingsley says that some models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Others have child seats which can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in on the fun by riding on riding boards.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. When shopping, take a look at reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in tandem with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller check out this top pick from Safety 1st. This affordable model was praised by testers for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child sitting in a convertible toddler chair. Our testers also loved the soft memory foam seats, 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.