Everything You Need To Know About Double Strollers Dos And Don'ts
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These strollers are narrow and narrow, as well as flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids 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 think about when purchasing a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which can impact the ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should offer a range of seating options for children at different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that protect children from the sun or rain.
For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be used from birth and into the age of five, so it's crucial to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option because of its sleek appearance and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other is 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 adjustment for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items, and toys while on the move. She suggests that it's helpful to look for the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars, which can help keep essentials in reach.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of two people, plus any additional cargo. Strollers should be able to move and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up on family outings. This arrangement can stop sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where, but it's not foolproof. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be capable of punching or kicking the other on the course of a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings that are close in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in various ways, such as the renowned 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 depending on your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict 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 in essence baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It should be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller must be easily maneuverable on different types of terrains for families constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance the stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. cheap double buggy is also important to consider thoughtful additions such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable.
In our testing we rated each stroller based on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature added to the overall functionality of the stroller. For instance a stroller that has no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This can be a major selling point for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored highly in this test because it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as additional accessories that accommodated families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides smoothly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test subject Kerry. Its clever packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made assembling this stroller a breeze.
Stores
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff than a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. You want a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials of both parents and children including bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Look for baskets that fit 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 quality double stroller will be able to adapt to the needs of your family. For instance, some models include an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun with riding boards.
There are many different double strollers on the market. You can pick from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, or more budget-friendly options that can use every day. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers come in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem configuration with the opposite direction facing. This is a good option for children who are the same age, or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller check out this top model from Safety 1st. This model is affordable and was praised by test participants for its many seating options. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.