The Little-Known Benefits Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children in the same place when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store or in parks, or whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important factor to consider. This could include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which will have an impact on the 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 take a look at the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be sturdy enough to traverse all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from rain or sun.
For many families double strollers will be used from birth and into the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other and side-byside seating with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for heavy items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat and the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting 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 down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access personal items, snacks, and toys while moving about. She also suggests that it's beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things in reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their growing family. For instance the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat from birth, and later converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should be easy to maneuver and push, particularly when on rough terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that does not need to be rethread, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier to do, is a nice feature to look for. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that glide over any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side to ensure that both children meet up on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who sits in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child may be able to kick or punch the other during walks.
A tandem stroller is a excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It allows them to observe both children at the same time. Double strollers can be larger, and might not fit through certain doors inside. Consider a single-to double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you are looking for a tandem or a side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, since exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to focus on all the extra bells and whistles on the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is basically a baby carrier that will be used for extended periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also have a an easy-to-use, familiar design that lets the person pushing it to easily maneuver it.
Ease of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to navigate a variety of terrains. Strollers with features such as peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car yet have plenty of storage space for food or other items. It's also important to include thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can make traveling with two kids much easier.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller according to its ability to perform on different terrains and its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also examined how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller without rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This can be a huge benefit for parents who are on the move since it reduces time and eliminates the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored highly in this measure because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double-stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend a lot of time on the road with multiple children of various ages. tandem double stroller glides over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and easy to use, which was appreciated by our test subject Kerry. The clever packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put together this stroller.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice more than a single one So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller will be able to grow with your family. Billingsley states that certain models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers include a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, you can read reviews and opinions of families like yours to get a better idea of what to 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 provide the most flexibility and are perfect for twins or kids similar to each other in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on the contrary, have two seats set close to each other 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 into doorways.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This budget-friendly model was praised by test participants for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two infant car seats, or one child in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires only a few tugs on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.