Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children that are in the same age group, a double stroller can be a great investment. 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 at you.
Comfort
When you are looking for a double stroller, comfort is an important consideration. This includes both the seating arrangement and the overall dimensions of the stroller which affects the ease of use and storage. "Parents should check how much the stroller weighs and its dimensions when folded," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a good fit for their family."
A quality double stroller should be sturdy enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from parks trails to suburban sidewalks, and from infant car seats to toddler booster seats. link homepage should also have flexible seating arrangements for children of varying ages and comfort features like peek-a-boo windows and adjustable canopies to protect children from rain or sun.
For a lot of families, a double stroller is likely to be utilized from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about seating options. Billingsley states that there are two primary categories of in-line seating, with one seat in-front of the other, and side-by-side seating with seats next to each other. Some parents prefer the in-line model due to its sleek design and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller for maximum space for groceries or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options--with one seat being almost flat, while the other one remains upright, this kind of difference is more prevalent in in-line models. Billingsley recommends choosing a product that offers both a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustment for both seats to ensure each child can sleep comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for strollers with storage compartments that will allow parents to quickly access snacks, toys, and personal items while on the move. She adds that it's also beneficial to choose a stroller that has an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things in reach.
Some of the most highly-rated double strollers can be expanded, allowing parents to customize the layout to meet the needs of their expanding family. The Mockingbird Expandable, for example is a highly rated double stroller which can be used from birth with just one seat, and then converted into a tandem (with two seats and a bassinet) when the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers have to be able to handle the weight of two adults, as well as any additional cargo. Strollers should also be easy to move and push, particularly in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers have ergonomic handlebars with adjustable heights to ensure that parents maintain a good form while pushing them. Another feature that is great is a no-rethread belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. A sturdy brake system and wheels that glide across any surface are essential safety features.
Some parents choose side-by-side designs that allow both children to be able to see each other on family outings. double pram and pushchair can help prevent sibling rivalries about who gets to sit in which place however it's not foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child may kick or punch another during a walk if the seats are at different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings who are close in age, a tandem-style stroller can be beneficial in being able to see both kids at once. However, they are wider than other double strollers, and they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a stroller that can change from a single stroller to a tandem in different ways, such as the popular 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 requirements.
Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem-style stroller, make 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 over-weighting could lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, but it's important to keep in mind that strollers are basically baby carriers that will be used for a long period of times. It should be comfortable for both passengers, easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly it should have an intuitive, familiar design so that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward and turn left or right, or use the brakes.
Easy of Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller must be able to maneuver easily over various terrains. Strollers with features like windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and reliable brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are also other factors that make them simpler to use. For example the stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your car, but still provide ample storage space for food items and other things. 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 will make life on the go with two kids significantly simpler.
During our testing we evaluated each stroller according to its performance on different surfaces and its ability to maneuver in tight spaces. We also examined how simple it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature improved the overall functionality of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps makes it easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge benefit for parents who are constantly in motion, as it does away with the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby 2 Double scored highly in this test because it came with a variety of seating configurations, and additional accessories to accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller is able to accommodate a second seat as well as a bassinet, or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long trips with multiple kids of varying age groups. It easily glides over cobblestones, pavements, and ball fields. It can also be folded flat to store in a trunk or closet. Our tester Kerry appreciated the straightforward, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made assembling this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
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. You'll want a stroller that has enough storage space to hold the necessities of parents and children, such as bottles as well as snacks, toys and diapers. Find baskets under the seat as well as other pockets, and look into a stroller with an expanding cargo space that can carry heavy items such as diaper bags and lunch bags.
A good double stroller should be able to expand with your family. Billingsley states that certain models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate infants. Other models come with child seats that can be able to grow with your child until they are ready to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older siblings to join in the fun with a rider board.
There are many double strollers on the market. You can choose from high-performance models that are great for rough terrain, to affordable options that you can use daily. When shopping, take a look at reviews and suggestions from families similar to yours to get a better idea of what to expect from the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three different design formats such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-by-side strollers are the most flexible and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on contrary, have two seats set next to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a good option for kids who are the same age or for siblings who love to interact with each other. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doors.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. Our testers were impressed by the fact that this low-cost model offers multiple seating configurations, including the ability to connect two infant car seats or a single child riding in an convertible toddler seat. Our experts also praised memory foam seats, canopy with 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 under each seat (under where kids sit) to fold.