7 Things You've Never Known About Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment for families with two children with similar age. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep an eye on both children at the same time while taking on the grocery store, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This includes the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They must also take into consideration the recline options for seats and the ages of their children to ensure that it's the perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should be robust enough to navigate different surfaces smoothly--from urban sidewalks to parks trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who use double strollers from the time of birth until childhood. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat almost flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She adds that it's also helpful to look for a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials close at hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be extended to allow parents to customize the setup according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to push and maneuver, especially in tight spots and on difficult terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to ensure that parents maintain a good posture when pushing them. double pram and pushchair that is great is a no-rethread belt harness that makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for a side by side design to allow both children to meet up during family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling fights over which child gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are set at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other on a walk.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able to see both kids at once. However, they are 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 which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in various ways, like the popular 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 according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to be swept in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence 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 have a familiar, intuitive design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller needs to be able to maneuver easily 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 features that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that can make life with two children significantly simpler.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold and whether or not a particular feature added to the overall performance of the stroller. For example a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts simple and easy. This can be a huge benefit for parents on the go since it reduces time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it offers a wide range of seating options and accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different ages. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our tester Kerry. The sleek packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice more than a single one, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings like wallets, phones, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats which can expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers also allow for a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers available on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. When you're shopping, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get an understanding of what to expect with the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three models: tandem, side by side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers feature two seats set up in a tandem arrangement, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age, or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit in doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. Testers loved how this affordable model has multiple seating options as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.