Buying Guide For Double Strollers
A double stroller is a great investment when you have two kids of similar ages. These compact tandem strollers or flexible side-by-side buggies allow you to keep your eyes on both kids at the same time while navigating the aisles of the supermarket or the parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a double-stroller. This includes both the seating arrangements and the overall size of the stroller which impacts convenience 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 think about the options for recline of the seat as well as the ages of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."
A good double stroller will be robust enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. It should come with a variety of seating options for children of different ages, as well as comfort features like peek-a-boo window and adjustable canopies that protect children from rain or sun.
For a majority of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the teen years, so it's essential to consider the seating options. "There are two main categories: in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats that are next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the in-line option due to its sleek style and versatility. Others like a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
Some products may offer different recline options - with one seat almost flat while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more common in in-line models. Billingsley suggests choosing a model that has a nearly flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure the children can both lie back comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers with storage compartments to allow them to easily access personal items, snacks, and toys while on the move. She also recommends that it is beneficial to find a stroller which includes a parent console or organizer bag attached on the handlebars. This can aid parents in keeping their essentials to hand.
Many of the top-rated double strollers can be enlarged giving parents the ability to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. The Mockingbird Expandable, for instance is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth using a single seat, and later converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child is older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both passengers and any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight areas and on difficult terrain. strollers double come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height, making it easier for parents to maintain a good posture when pushing them. A harness that is not rethread that makes the adjustment of seat belts more quickly and easily is another great feature to look for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that allows both children to see each other during family outings. This arrangement can help prevent sibling squabbles over who gets to sit in which seat however it's not foolproof. If the seats are located at different heights, a child could kick or punch another during a walk in the event that the seats are at different levels.
If you have twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller can be beneficial in being able see both children at the same time. Double strollers are typically more spacious, and may not be able to fit through some interior doors. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If just click the up coming article opt for a side-byside or tandem-style stroller, be sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet the strictest safety standards. Also pay attention to the maximum weight limits for each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy for us to focus on the many bells and whistles that come with the latest stroller, it's important to remember that a stroller is an infant carrier that will be used for extended durations of time. It must be comfortable for both parents and children, easy to clean and maintain, and ideally it should feature an easy-to-use, familiar design so that the person pushing it can effortlessly maneuver it without having to think about how to move forward, turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families that are on the move, a double stroller should be easy to maneuver over different terrains. Features like adjustable canopies with windows that peek out and dependable braking systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that contribute to stroller ease of use. For instance, a stroller must be small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for groceries and other belongings. It's also essential to add thoughtful details, such as the cup holder for one parent, consoles for parents and an eating tray. These can make traveling with two children significantly easier.
In our testing we rated the strollers on how it did on a variety of surfaces and how well it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at how easy it was to fold the stroller and then unfold it, and if a particular feature improved the overall functionality. A stroller with no-rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This can be a big selling point for parents who are always on the move, as it eliminates the requirement to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored high in this metric, as it came with a variety of seating configurations as well as additional accessories to accommodate families that are growing. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler riding board--perfect for active families planning long trips with multiple kids of various age. It glides easily over pavements, cobblestones, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to be stored in a trunk or a closet. The design of this stroller is easy and intuitive and was a big hit with our test participant Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Storage
A double stroller has the potential to hold twice as much stuff as a single stroller so make sure you have plenty of storage space. It is ideal to have an item that can hold the essentials for both kids--nappies bottles, snacks, and toys, along with parents' items such as wallets, phones, and keys. Look for under-seat baskets as well as other pockets, and consider a stroller with an expandable cargo area that can carry heavy 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 an attachment for a bassinet that can be used for newborns, and others come with child seats that can be adapted to your children until they're able 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 many double strollers on the market. You can pick from high-performance models which are suitable for rough terrain, as well as more budget-friendly options that can use every day. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families like yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller that you select.
Double strollers come in three different styles: side-by-side, tandem, and wagon-style. Billingsley says that side-by-side strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins or children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats that are placed next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids of the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit in doors.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, take a look at this top choice from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model comes with a variety of seating options, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats and canopy that has 50+ SPF, and foam-filled wheels that never go flat. When it's time to fold, this model only requires just a few pulls on the straps underneath each seat (under the seats where kids sit) in order to fold.