How Double Strollers Changed My Life For The Better
Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two kids who are close in age, a double stroller could be an invaluable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as flexible side by side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while you shop and parks, as well as whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is an important factor to consider. pushchairsandprams can include the seating arrangement and the overall size, which has an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, suggests parents check the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also consider the seat recline options and age ranges to ensure the best fit for their family."
A well-constructed double stroller will be durable enough to travel on all surfaces without difficulty, from suburban sidewalks to park trails, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as comfort features such as a peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from rain or sun.
The seating options are important to many families who use double strollers from birth to childhood. Billingsley explains that there are two major 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 the in-line model due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others like a wagon style double stroller for maximum space for bulky or grocery items.
While some products may have different recline options--with one seat nearly flat while the other is upright--this type of disparity is more common in models that are in-line. Billingsley suggests selecting a product that has an almost flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments so that they can quickly access personal items, snacks and toys on the move. She also recommends that it is helpful to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag that is attached to the handlebars. This will aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
Some of the top-rated double strollers can be expanded that allows parents to modify the set-up based on the requirements of their growing family. For example, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to carry the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers need to be easy to maneuver and push, especially on rough terrain or in tight spaces. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good posture while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness that allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Finally, a sturdy brake system and wheels that glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents choose a side-by-side design that allows both children to be able to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which spot however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are positioned at different levels, one child might be capable of punching or kicking the other on the course of a walk.
If you have twins or siblings of similar age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to view both children at the same time. However, they are wider than other double strollers, meaning they may not fit through all interior doorways. To maximize versatility, you should consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in different ways, like the well-known CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments according to your requirements.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Be aware of the maximum weight limit for each seat. Exceeding these limits could cause frame fatigue or other problems.
It's easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles, but it's important to remember that strollers are in essence baby carriers that will be carried for long periods of durations. It should be comfortable for both parents and children as well as easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think twice about how to move forward, turn left or right, or even apply the brakes.
Easy of Use
A double stroller should be easily maneuverable on different of terrains for families that are constantly moving. Features like adjustable canopy windows, peek-aboo windows, and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, but there are many other aspects that influence stroller comfort of 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 things. It's also important to include thoughtful touches, such as a cup holder for one parent as well as consoles for parents and an eating tray. These are able to help make traveling with two children much easier.
In our tests We evaluated the strollers on how it did on a variety of terrains, and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how simple it was to fold and unfold, and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall functionality of the stroller. For example, a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts easy and quick. This is a major selling point for parents who are always moving around, since it removes the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double scored well in this measure because it had a wide variety of seating configurations and additional accessories to accommodate expanding families. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands to accommodate a second seat, bassinet or even a toddler's riding board. This is perfect for families who want to spend a lot of time traveling with several children of different ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, balls and pavements. It folds flat for simple storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. The smart packaging clear sections, well-marked sections and the user's guide made it simple to put this stroller together.
Stores
A double stroller is able to hold twice as much as a single stroller, so make sure you have plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want a stroller that can accommodate the essentials for both kids--nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, along with parents' belongings like phones, wallets keys, wallets and phones. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items such as lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. For instance, some models include a bassinet attachment that can accommodate infants, while others come with child seats that can expand with your children until they're ready to switch to riding on the back of the stroller, Billingsley says. Some double strollers also include a rider board to allow older siblings to be part of the fun.
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from sleek, high-performance options that excel on rough terrain to budget-friendly models more for everyday use. While shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families just like yours to get 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 the most versatility and are ideal for twins or kids close to their age, Billingsley explains. Tandem double strollers have two seats set up in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a good option for children who are the same age, or siblings who like to be social with one another. Tandem strollers may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and are less likely to fit through doors than their side-by-side counterparts.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the 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 only requires just a few nudges on the straps under each seat (under where kids sit) in order to fold.