You're About To Expand Your Double Strollers Options
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is an excellent investment for families with two children with similar ages. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while you shop, parks, and whatever else life throws 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 both the seating arrangement as well as the overall size of the stroller, which impacts accessibility and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in development from the Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the options for recline and seat age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be durable enough to travel on different surfaces smoothly--from parks trails to suburban sidewalks and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different ages, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from the sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families that will utilize a double stroller from birth to the age of. Billingsley says there are two primary categories that are in-line which has one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to one another. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, while others prefer a wagon-style stroller to make the most space for heavy items or grocery bags."
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat being almost flat, while the other remains relatively upright, this type of distinction is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
Then, she suggests looking for strollers that have storage compartments that enable parents to access their snacks, toys and other personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also useful to find the stroller that has a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This can help keep essentials close at hand.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be extended, allowing parents the flexibility to alter the configuration depending on the needs of their family. For example the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with a single seat from birth, and then converted to tandem (with an additional seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers need to be able to support the weight of two passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts on the seat. Safety features include a sturdy brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents choose the side-by-side design so that both children can be together on family outings. This arrangement can reduce sibling rivalries over who gets to sit in which spot however it's not foolproof. If the seats are placed at different heights, one child could be capable of punching or kicking the other during walks.
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 wider, and may not be able to fit through some doors inside. 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're in the market for a tandem or side-by-side stroller, ensure that the product is JPMA certified to meet stringent safety standards. Be aware of the weight limit that applies to each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other problems.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that is used for extended periods of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and ideally, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly maneuver it without having to think 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 various types of terrains for families always on the move. Strollers that have features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. However, 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 yet have plenty of storage space for food or other things. Additionally, you should consider thoughtful features such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
During our testing, we evaluated each stroller based on its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. For instance a stroller with a harness that does not rethread makes the adjustment of the seat belts easy and quick. double pushchair can be a huge selling point for parents who are on the move because it cuts down on time and reduces the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offers a wide range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to provide an additional seat, a bassinet or even a toddler riding board that is perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across cobblestones, balls and pavements. It can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our test subject Kerry loved the simple and intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user guide made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so look for ample storage space. It is ideal to have a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, as well as parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys and wallets. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller that has an expandable cargo area that can carry bulky items like diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with an attachment for a bassinet to accommodate newborns. 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 allow for a rider board to allow older siblings to join in the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that are able to handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more suited for daily use. While shopping, you can read reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get an idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers are available in three different styles including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and suitable for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in tandem, facing opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age or siblings who prefer to interact with each other. double pushchair are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
Check out this top selection by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon-style double stroller. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child in a convertible toddler seat. Our testers also loved the comfy memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never get flat. And when it's time for you to fold, this model requires just a couple of tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seats where kids are) to fold in half.