What s The Fuss About Double Strollers
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar age. These compact tandem strollers or versatile side-by-side buggies help you keep an eye on both kids at the same time while taking on the grocery store as well as the parks and other obstacles life throws your way.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is a key consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which will have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check 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 recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopies that shield kids from the sun or rain.
Seating options are crucial for many families who utilize a double stroller from birth to childhood. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-byside with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line model due to its sleek design and versatility, whereas others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or groceries."
While some products may have different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley recommends selecting a product that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lie down comfortably.
She also suggests parents look for strollers with storage compartments so that they can quickly access their snacks, personal items, and toys while moving about. She also suggests that it's helpful to choose a stroller double that has a parent console, or organizer bag, that can be attached to the handlebars. This will help parents keep their essentials to hand.
Some of the best-rated double to single lightweight twin buggy (click here to visit Google for free) strollers can be enlarged to allow parents to customize the setup depending on the needs of their family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used from birth with just one seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to handle the weight of two passengers--plus any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to help parents maintain good form when pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the seat belts. Safety features include a sturdy brake system, as well as wheels that 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 help prevent sibling squabbles over who sits in which seat, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are different heights, a child could punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
For parents of twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able see both children at the same time. Double strollers can be larger, and might not be able to fit through some doors inside. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller which can switch from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide range of configurations, and allow you to click in infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your needs.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet stringent 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 up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are carried for long periods of time. It should be easy to clean and maintain, and comfortable for both of the passengers. It should also feature a a familiar, intuitive design that allows the person pushing the stroller to easily maneuver it.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Strollers that have features like peek-a-boo windows, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them more convenient to use. For example the 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's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as the cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and a snack tray. These are able to help make traveling with two children much more enjoyable.
In our tests, we assessed each stroller on the basis of its ability to perform on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also considered how easy it was to fold the stroller in half and then unfold it as well as if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it simple to adjust the seat belts. This is a major selling point for parents on the go, as it saves time and removes the need to re-thread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double was a top performer in this measure, since it offered an impressive range of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style smallest double buggy stroller is able to provide an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple children of different age groups. It is able to glide effortlessly over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive which was well-loved by our test subject Kerry. The sleek packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a the user's guide made it simple to assemble this stroller.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you'll want a stroller that is able to hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller with an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items such as diaper bags and lunchbags.
A good double stroller must be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with the rider board.
There are many double strollers available. You can pick from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, as well as affordable options that you can use daily. While shopping, take a look at reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get a better sense of what you can expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three models: 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 age. Tandem double strollers come with two seats set up in a tandem configuration, facing opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age, or siblings who like to play with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.
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 connect two infant car seats or a single child in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised the memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model needs only a few tugs on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold it in half.