7 Essential Tips For Making The Most Of Your Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment for families with two children with similar ages. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies will keep both children in the same place while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A well-constructed 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 also offer versatile seating options for children of varying ages and comfort features such as windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to make the most space for bulky items or grocery bags."
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright--this type of disparity is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lay comfortably.
In the end, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that will allow parents to easily access snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that can be attached to the handlebars, which will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be enlarged, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration based on their family's needs. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must be easy to maneuver and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form while pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which slide over any surface.
Some parents prefer a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling fights over which child is allowed to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other on a walk.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, these can be larger than other double strollers, and they might not fit through all interior doorways. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single 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. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. If you exceed these limits, it could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for a long period of times. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both the passengers. It should also have an intuitive, familiar design that lets the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Easy to Use
A double stroller must be easy to maneuver on various types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are essential to ensure your children's safety, 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 and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to make traveling with two kids much easier.
In our tests, we evaluated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller 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 quick and simple. This can be a major benefit for parents on the go because it cuts down on time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored well in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who plan to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guides made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one So, make sure to ensure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want an item that can hold the necessities for both kids, including nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets under the seat and other pockets, and think about a stroller with an expanding cargo area that can hold bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to change as your family grows. Billingsley says that some models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Others have child seats that can grow with the child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun by riding on riding boards.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from elegant, high-performance models that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. While shopping, read reviews and recommendations of families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers provide the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children who are similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers on the other hand, have two seats that are arranged adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a ideal choice for children of the same age, or for siblings who enjoy interacting with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfortable memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.