Why Double Strollers Is A Lot More Hazardous Than You Thought
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment when you have two kids with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in sight while navigating the grocery aisle and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller, comfort is a major consideration. This includes the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also think about the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it is a perfect fit."
A good double stroller should be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options which protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller will be used from birth and into childhood, so it's important to think about the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat behind the other, and side-byside with seats adjacent to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line stroller due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for bulky items or grocery bags."
Although some models may have different recline options, with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright, this kind of difference is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model that has a nearly 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 that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access personal items, snacks, and toys while moving about. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars. This will help keep things close at hand.
A few of the top-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. 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 should be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must be able to move and push, especially on difficult terrain and in tight spaces. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. A no-rethread harness which makes the adjustment of seat belts quicker and easier is another great feature to look out for. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for a side-by-side design that allows both children to see one another during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may punch or kick another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.
A tandem stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings that are similar in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically larger, and might not be able to fit through some doors inside. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to a double in many 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 JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Be sure to check the weight limits that apply to each seat, as over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to remember that strollers are basically baby carriers that are carried for long periods of durations. It must be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should feature an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think about how to move forward and turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over a variety of terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and sturdy 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 small enough to fit into the trunk of your car and still provide plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. It's also essential to add thoughtful touches, such as cups holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and snacks on trays. These can help make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our testing We evaluated each stroller on how well it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller without rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a major selling point 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 metric as it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories that accommodated expanding 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 with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also can be folded flat for simple storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The clever packaging, clearly marked sections and user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller, so make sure you ensure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that can accommodate the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' items such as phones, wallets, and keys. Find baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space to take in bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags.
A quality double stroller will be able to expand with your family. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants. Some models have child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are old enough to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to join in the fun with a rider board.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from models with high-performance features that are great for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use on a daily basis. While shopping, take a look at user reviews and recommendations from families like yours to gain an understanding of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close in age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers, on other hand, have two seats that are arranged close to each other and facing in opposite directions--a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to be able to fit through doors.
Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. tandem double buggy loved the comfy memory foam seats with a 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps of each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.