Is Double Strollers As Vital As Everyone Says?
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are similar in age A double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies let you keep your eyes on both kids at the same time braving the grocery aisle, parks and anything else life throws at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A good double stroller should be able to navigate a variety of surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different age groups, and comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies which protect children from rain or sun.
Seating options are important for many families who utilize a double stroller from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side-byside with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek style and flexibility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other remains relatively upright, this kind of difference is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a product with an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
Finally, she advises choosing a stroller that includes storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also useful to find a stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that can be attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly-rated double stroller which 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 need to be able to move and push, especially when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have 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 quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are important safety features.
Some parents opt for side-by-side designs that allow both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can reduce siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which place, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different levels, a child might punch or kick one another during a walk, in the event that the seats are at different levels.
A tandem-style stroller is ideal option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets them see both children at once. However, they are larger than other double strollers, and they may not be able to be able to pass through all doors in your home. 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 decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of 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 up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It should be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case, it should offer an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
strollers double strollers to Use
A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over different of terrains for families that are always on the move. Features like adjustable canopies windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are critical to help ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a cup holder with a single parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that make life on the go with two kids much easier.
During our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big benefit for parents who are always moving around, since it eliminates the need to rethread their harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating options and accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands so that it can accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families that plan to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of various age groups. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make simple storage in a closet or trunk. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice more than one stroller so be sure to search for ample storage space. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to store the essentials for both children and parents like bottles and snacks, toys, and diapers. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models have an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. Other models come with child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers also include a rider board to let older siblings join in the fun.
There are many different double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are ideal for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that can use daily. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids who are close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are placed adjacent to one another and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children of the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-byside counterparts.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants, or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also appreciated the soft memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.