What Double Strollers Experts Would Like You To Be Educated
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a good investment if you have two children of similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while you shop or in parks, or whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which can have an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the seat recline options as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's a perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate all surfaces without difficulty, 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 age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy which protect children from the sun or rain.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to think about the seating options. Billingsley explains that there are two main categories: in-line, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side, with seats next to each other. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek look and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for bulky items or groceries."
In-line models are more likely to show this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats, so that both children can lie back comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to access their snacks, toys, and personal items while out and about. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose the stroller that has an organizer console for parents or a parent bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the needs of their expanding family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth and later converted to a tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. best double buggy must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight areas and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another great feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be able to kick or punch the other during walks.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. Double strollers can be wider, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the popular CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations, and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you're in the market for a tandem or side-byside stroller, make sure that the product has been JPMA certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limits for each seat, since exceeding them could result in frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are carried for long periods of times. It must be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both passengers. It should also feature a an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
User-Friendliness
A double stroller must be simple to maneuver over different terrains for families who are constantly on the move. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are crucial to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them more convenient to use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your vehicle and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries and other things. It's also essential to add thoughtful features, like the cup holder for one parent or consoles for parents, as well as a snack tray. These are able to help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
During our testing, we evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and unfold it in a timely manner, and if a specific feature improved the overall functionality. For instance a stroller that has a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly moving around, since it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby v2 Double scored well in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to allow for a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families who are active and planning long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age groups. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ballfields. It can fold flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guides made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as a single one So, make sure to search for ample storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' items such as phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area to accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley says that some models have a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats which can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers even include a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers in the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer the most versatility and are ideal for twins or children similar to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are placed close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who enjoy interacting with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver through tight spaces, and are less likely to pass through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top pick by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time for folding this model needs only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.