A Complete Guide To Double Strollers Dos And Don'ts
Buying Guide For Double Strollers A double stroller is an excellent investment if you have two children with similar age. These narrow tandem buggies or versatile side by side buggies let you keep both children in the same place while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you. Comfort Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, says parents should examine the stroller's weight as well as folded dimensions. “They should also consider the recline options for seats and the ages of their children to ensure that it's a perfect fit.” A good double stroller should be able to handle different surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks, parks, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopy that protect children from the sun or rain. For Pushchairs And Prams of families double strollers will be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. Billingsley states that there are two major categories of in-line seating with one seat in front of the other and side-byside, with seats next to each other. “Some parents prefer an in-line option for its sleek appearance and versatility, whereas others like a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for large items or grocery bags.” In-line models are more likely to have this kind of difference. Some models might offer different recline options, with one seat being almost flat, while the other remaining relatively upright. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rests that can be adjusted for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably. In the end, she suggests choosing strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys, and personal belongings while on the go. She suggests that it's useful to find a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials in reach. A few of the top-rated double strollers are expandable, allowing parents to customize the configuration to meet the needs of their expanding family. For instance, 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 the addition of a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older. Safety Double strollers should be able to carry the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be simple to maneuver and push, particularly on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars and adjustable heights, making it easier for parents to maintain their form when pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness, which makes it easier to adjust the belts for your child. Also, a strong brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are important safety features. Some parents opt for the side-by-side design to ensure that both children meet up during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are placed at different levels, one child might be in a position to punch or kick the other during walks. A tandem-style stroller is excellent option for parents with twins or siblings who are similar in age. It lets parents be able to see both children simultaneously. However, these can be wider than other double strollers, so they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be converted from a single to double in various ways. The most popular models are the CYBEX gazelle S. Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make sure the product is JPMA-certified to meet the strictest safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other issues. It's easy to be swept in the sound of bells and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be used for extended durations. It should be comfortable for both parents and children and easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, it should offer an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it can effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes. Simple to Use A double stroller should be simple to maneuver over various of terrains for families that are constantly on the move. Strollers with features like windows that can be opened and closed, adjustable canopy and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other features that make them simpler to use. A stroller must be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still have plenty of storage space for food or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches such as a cup holder for one parent as well as a console for parents and an eating tray for children — all things that make life with two kids significantly easier. During our testing, we evaluated each stroller on the basis of its performance on various terrains, as well as its ability to maneuver through tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature made a difference to the overall performance. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a major benefit for parents who are constantly on the move, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness. The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating configurations, and other accessories that could accommodate expanding families. The wagon-style double stroller can be expanded to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler riding board that is perfect for families with active children who plan long, tiring days with multiple kids of varying age groups. It glides easily over cobblestones, pavements, and ballfields. It can also be folded flat to fit in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use, which was appreciated by our tester Kerry. The smart packaging, clearly marked sections and user guide made it easy to assemble this stroller. Stores Double strollers can carry twice as much as one stroller So, make sure to look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the essentials for both kids—nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, in addition to parents' belongings such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like diaper bags and lunchbags. A good double stroller must have the ability to adapt as your family grows. For instance certain models come with a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others have child seats that can grow with your kids until they're ready to move to the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers even include a rider board to let older siblings take part in the fun. There are a variety of double strollers available. You can choose from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, to more budget-friendly options that can use daily. While shopping, you can read reviews and recommendations of families similar to yours to get a better idea of what you can expect from the double stroller that you choose. Double strollers come in three different design formats including tandem, side-by-side and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of a similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of the same age, or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit in doors. Take a look at this top choice by Safety 1st if you prefer a wagon style double stroller. This affordable model was praised by testers for its various seating configurations. It can be used with two car seats for infants or one child in a convertible toddler chair. Our experts also praised memory foam seats as well as the canopy, which has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that will never wear out. And when it's time to fold, this model needs only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under where the kids sit) to fold in half.