Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller could be a great investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies let you keep both children in sight while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When shopping for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important factor to consider. this link can include both the seating arrangement and the overall size of the stroller which affects the ease of use and storage. "Parents should determine how much the stroller weighs as well as its folded dimensions," 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 age ranges of their children to ensure that it is a perfect fit."
A quality double stroller should 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 have a variety of seating options for children of different age groups, and features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo window and adjustable canopy that shield kids from the sun or rain.
The seating options are important to many families who will utilize a double stroller from the time of birth until childhood. "There are two main categories - in-line with one seat in front of the other, and side-by-side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. "Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek design and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for heavy items or grocery bags."
In-line models are more likely to show this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one seat being nearly flat, and the other being more upright. Billingsley recommends selecting a product with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
Then, she suggests to look for strollers with storage compartments that enable parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She also recommends that it's helpful to choose a stroller that has a parent console, or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. double pushchair can aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
A few of the most highly-rated double strollers are expandable which allows parents to alter the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance, is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with a single seat, then transformed into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. double pushchair must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and on terrain that is difficult to navigate. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good form while pushing them. A harness that is not rethread which makes the adjustment of seat belts faster and easier to do, is a nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents prefer an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to be together during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling rivalries over who gets to sit where but it's not a guarantee. If the seats are set at different levels, one child might be capable of punching or kicking the other during a walk.
A tandem-style stroller is a great option for parents with twins or siblings who are close in age. It lets parents observe both children at the same time. Double strollers can be more spacious, and may not fit through certain interior doors. For maximum flexibility, think about a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can accommodate a wide variety of configurations and let you 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 certified by JPMA to meet stringent safety standards. Pay attention to the weight limit that applies to each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that are used for a long period of durations. It should be comfortable for both the passengers as well as easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should feature an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can easily maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are vital to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller must be compact 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 like a one-parent cup holder or console for parents, as well as a snack tray for kids--all things that will make life with two kids significantly more manageable.
In our tests We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and unfold it, and if a particular feature enhanced the overall functionality. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy 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 v2 Double scored highly in this test because it came with a variety of seating configurations and additional accessories that accommodated expanding families. The double-stroller that looks like a wagon expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who want to spend long hours on the road with multiple children of different age groups. It also glides smoothly across pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and can be folded flat for easy storage in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward and easy-to-use nature of the stroller's design. The smart packaging with clearly marked sections as well as a user's manual made it easy to put this stroller together.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller therefore, you should look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider 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 adapt to the needs of your family. For instance certain models have an attachment for a bassinet that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to ride on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers allow older children to join in the fun by riding on the rider board.
There are many different 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 daily. When you're shopping, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families like yours to gain an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you pick.
Double strollers are available in three different styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Side-by-side double strollers offer most flexibility and are perfect for twins or children close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers feature two seats set up in a tandem arrangement with the opposite direction facing. This is a great option for children who are similar age, or siblings who prefer to play with one another. Tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doorways than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations, 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, canopy with 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.