7 Essential Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be an invaluable investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time taking on the grocery store or the parks, and whatever else life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, the comfort is an important consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which can impact the convenience and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should 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 like windows that peek out and adjustable canopy to keep kids shielded from rain or sun.
For a majority of families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to think about 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 option for its sleek look and versatility, while others like a wagon-style double stroller that can be used to store bulky items or groceries."
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
In the end, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while out and about. She also recommends that it is beneficial to find a stroller which has a parent console, or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials in their reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example 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 should be able to support the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, particularly on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for a side by side design so that both children can be together when they go on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other on the course of a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able to see both children at the same time. However, they can be larger than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all doorways in the interior. Think about a stroller that is single-to-double that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, be sure the product has been JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It must be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to navigate different terrains. double pushchair sale with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them simpler to use. For example, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, yet provide ample storage space for food items and other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller according to its performance on various surfaces and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big attraction for parents who are constantly on the move, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this measure, since it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long days in the car with a variety of children of various age groups. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. The clever packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Storage
A double stroller can be able to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit under the seat and other pockets, and think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can carry bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to adjust as your family grows. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers even include a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use on a daily basis. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families just like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers come in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are suitable for twins or children similar in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats arranged in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children who are 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 fit in doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations and the option to connect two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold it in half.